Problems associated with taking calcium supplements?
Calcium is vital for maintaining optimal bone and teeth health and other essential body functions like blood clotting, muscle contraction, maintenance of heart rhythm, and assisting in normal nerve function. However, problems such as increased calcium concentration in the blood (hypercalcemia), and gastrointestinal issues such as gas, bloating, and constipation are some drawbacks associated with calcium supplement intake. Some supplements can also interact with prescription medicines such as synthetic thyroid hormone, blood pressure medications, calcium channel blockers, certain antibiotics, and bisphosphonates (Staff, 2022).
What potential problems can arise with taking calcium supplements?
Potential health complications concerning calcium supplement intake include:
1. Increased risk of development of cardiovascular disorder due to calcium buildup in arteries of the heart
2. Increased risk of development of colon polyps that may become cancerous
3. May lead to the formation of kidney stones
4. Trigger blood clots
5. May result in heart attack too (Calcium Supplements: Should You Take Them?, n.d.).
What are some ways to increase calcium intake naturally?
Due to potential complications, taking calcium through diet is recommended as it is safer to a considerable degree. Some good dietary sources of calcium include:
1. Almonds
2. Soybeans
3. Dairy items such as cheese, goat’s milk, and yogurt
4. Garbanzo beans
5. Leafy green vegetables such as Broccoli, Spinach, and Kale
6. Fish that contain soft edible bones such as sardines and canned salmon
How to increase calcium uptake?
To ensure that the calcium you ingest gets taken up by bones two vitamins come into play, Vitamin D and Vitamin K2. Both these vitamins ensure that ingested calcium is absorbed and reaches bone mass, while also lowering the risk of arterial calcification and subsequent calcium-related cardiovascular complications. Thus, both vitamin D and vitamin K2 help in keeping the bones and the heart healthy in a high-calcium regimen (Maresz, 2015).
Self-Care Tips:
A suggestion for people at risk for flu and/or Covid-19 is to consider taking 10,000 IU/d of vitamin D3 for 3 to 4 weeks to rapidly raise vitamin D concentrations, followed by 5000 IU/d. Remember that for every 5,000 IU of D3, consider 100 mcg of K2. Always get vitamin D3 levels checked 6 to 8 wks after starting D3 supplement.
K2 is important in that is helps to ensure the calcium transported by Vitamin D is absorbed by bones rather than deposition in arteries or other tissues.
Magnesium is also important in that it helps vitamin D3 bind to carrier proteins that transports it though blood. Then, when active vitamin D arrives where it is needed, magnesium helps activate receptors needed for cells to use it. Magnesium deficiency decrease the number of vitamin D receptors in cells, limiting vitamin effects.
Vitamin D3 levels could reach 80 to 100 ng/mL for high/normal levels.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
© Dr. Dennis D. Walker 2022. All Rights Reserved