Calcium is one of the most essential minerals for the human body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of teeth and bones and is required for proper functioning of muscles, nerves and the heart.

Calcium is also important for blood clotting and regulating blood pressure. When it comes to calcium consumption, people are advised to take it in appropriate amounts, as excessive consumption of calcium can lead to calcium intoxication or hypercalcemia.

Hypercalcemia is a condition caused by abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood.

Causes of Calcium Intoxication

The most common causes of calcium intoxication include:.

Overconsumption of calcium supplements
Excessive intake of dairy products and calcium-rich foods
Excessive exposure to vitamin D
Hyperparathyroidism (a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, resulting in abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood)
Certain cancers such as multiple myeloma, breast cancer, and lung cancer can also cause hypercalcemia through production of factors that activate bone breakdown and mineral release into the bloodstream.

Symptoms of Calcium Intoxication

Some of the symptoms of calcium intoxication are:.

Stomach upset
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Polyuria (frequent urination)
Excessive thirst
Confusion
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Dizziness
Irritability
Depression
Headaches
Abnormal heart rhythms

Diagnosis of Calcium Intoxication

Doctors may use a variety of tests to diagnose hypercalcemia, including:.

Blood tests: Doctors may order blood tests to check the levels of calcium, albumin, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the blood. Elevated levels of calcium and PTH, and low levels of phosphate in the blood are indicative of hypercalcemia.
Urine tests: Doctors may check the levels of calcium and creatinine (a waste product produced by muscles) in the urine. If the levels of calcium in the urine are high, it may indicate hypercalcemia.
Imaging tests: Doctors may perform X-rays, CT scans, or bone scans to check for signs of bone loss and other disorders that may lead to hypercalcemia.

Treatment of Calcium Intoxication

Treatment of calcium intoxication depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In some mild cases only reducing calcium intake may stop the progression of the condition. Further treatment may include:.

Increasing fluid intake: Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, can help flush excess calcium from the body.
Diuretics use: If hypercalcemia is severe, doctors may prescribe diuretics to help the body rid itself of excess calcium.
Corticosteroids: In some cases of hypercalcemia due to an underlying medical condition, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and decrease the production of excess calcium.
Bisphosphonates: Bisphosphonates are drugs that can help reduce bone breakdown and the release of calcium into the blood.
Calcitonin: In some cases, calcitonin may be used to help lower blood calcium levels by inhibiting calcium release from the bones.
Surgery: In cases of hyperparathyroidism, where one or more of the parathyroid glands are producing too much PTH, surgery to remove the affected glands may be necessary.