Often, we hear about the dangers of malnutrition and not getting enough vitamins and minerals, but what about getting too much? Can an excess of certain nutrients be harmful? The answer is yes, and calcium is one such nutrient where overconsumption can be detrimental.
What is Hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia occurs when there are excessively high levels of calcium in the blood. This condition can arise from various sources. One way to develop hypercalcemia is by taking too many calcium supplements. Certain diseases can also elevate calcium levels in the blood. However, the majority of hypercalcemia cases are due to thyroid dysfunction, specifically a condition called hyperparathyroidism. The parathyroid glands produce hormones that regulate calcium in the body, and an imbalance in these hormones can cause calcium to be released from the bones into the bloodstream. This not only weakens the bones but can also lead to other health issues. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include lethargy, mental imbalance, weakness, dehydration, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and even heart arrhythmia. Chronic constipation linked to thyroid disorders is often attributed to hypercalcemia.
Calcium supplements like calcium citrate and calcium carbonate are not very efficient; estimates suggest that only 1-2% of the calcium from these supplements actually reaches the bones. The rest is often deposited into soft tissues throughout the body, forming calcium deposits and even calcium phosphate shells around nanobacteria, which are then shielded from the body’s immune response. This can result in chronic irritation and plaque formation.
Calcium Incognito
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can present with non-specific symptoms, making it hard to diagnose. Symptoms may appear intermittently and vary widely; they might include nausea, vomiting, vague abdominal pain, constipation, and kidney failure. The symptoms of calcium intoxication are similar, and sarcoidosis has often been mistaken for hypercalcemia.
Hypercalcemia is a factor in 10% to 20% of advanced cancer cases and is considered an emergency at that stage. Symptoms include intestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and constipation, which can be tricky to identify as they are also common side effects of chemotherapy. According to the Department of Solid Tumor Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, if hypercalcemia is left untreated, it can lead to coma and death.
Research by the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City found that hypercalcemic symptoms such as abdominal pain and constipation have been observed in individuals with Williams Syndrome.
Supplementing with Calcium
If you’re dealing with a calcium deficiency, it’s essential to supplement wisely. Your first step should be to incorporate more calcium-rich foods into your diet, such as low-mercury fish, kale, collards, garlic, spinach, okra, and other vegetables. Dietary calcium is the best source. If you can’t meet your calcium needs through food alone, consider supplementing with calcium orotate. Calcium orotate is better absorbed by the body than other types of calcium supplements and is extremely unlikely to cause hypercalcemic complications when taken as directed.
