Health

Who should not be taking calcium supplements?

Calcium is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Find out who should be cautious with calcium supplements by ruthhum
Estimated reading time: 3 min 15 sec
Who should not be taking calcium supplements? Photo by Danny De Dios on Pexels

Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body. It plays a critical role in promoting healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. However, not everyone can benefit from taking calcium supplements.

In fact, for certain individuals, taking calcium supplements can be detrimental to their health. In this article, we will discuss who should not be taking calcium supplements.

Pregnant women

Although calcium is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth, pregnant women should be careful when it comes to taking calcium supplements.

High doses of calcium can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by too much calcium in the bloodstream. Hypercalcemia can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Therefore, pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before taking calcium supplements.

Individuals with a history of kidney stones

Calcium supplements can increase the risk of kidney stones in certain individuals. Kidney stones are painful, pea-sized stones that form in the kidney. High levels of calcium in the urine can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

Individuals who have a history of kidney stones should avoid taking calcium supplements, as it can exacerbate the condition.

Individuals with hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by the overactivity of the parathyroid glands. These glands are responsible for regulating the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in the body.

Taking calcium supplements can further increase the levels of calcium in the bloodstream, which can worsen the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. It is advisable for individuals with this condition to avoid taking calcium supplements.

Individuals with high levels of calcium in the blood

As mentioned earlier, taking calcium supplements can increase the levels of calcium in the bloodstream. Individuals who have already high levels of calcium in their blood should avoid taking calcium supplements.

High levels of calcium in the blood can lead to various health complications, including kidney damage, osteoporosis, and even coma.

Individuals with certain types of cancer

Research suggests that high levels of calcium intake can increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. Women with a history of breast cancer should also avoid taking calcium supplements, as it can increase their risk of cancer recurrence.

Related Article Calcium Supplementation: When is it not appropriate for women? Calcium Supplementation: When is it not appropriate for women?

It is important to note, however, that the link between calcium supplements and cancer is not fully understood. Individuals with cancer should consult with their healthcare provider before taking calcium supplements.

Individuals taking certain medications

Several medications can interact with calcium supplements, including certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Therefore, individuals taking these medications should consult with their healthcare provider before taking calcium supplements.

Individuals with lactose intolerance

Most calcium supplements contain lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. Individuals with lactose intolerance may experience bloating, gas, and diarrhea when they consume lactose-containing supplements.

They should opt for lactose-free supplements instead.

Individuals with a nutrient deficiency

Calcium supplements may interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, including iron and zinc. Therefore, individuals who have a deficiency of these nutrients should avoid taking calcium supplements.

It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Individuals with a history of heart disease

Recent studies suggest that high levels of calcium intake, whether through supplements or other sources, may increase the risk of heart disease.

Therefore, individuals with a history of heart disease should be cautious when it comes to taking calcium supplements. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Conclusion

Calcium supplements can provide numerous health benefits, but they are not suitable for everyone.

Pregnant women, individuals with a history of kidney stones or hyperparathyroidism, those with high levels of calcium in the blood, certain types of cancer, and individuals taking certain medications, should avoid taking calcium supplements. Also, individuals with lactose intolerance, a nutrient deficiency, or a history of heart disease should be cautious when it comes to taking calcium supplements.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

Follow us on Google News

Stay informed on the latest news and trends in the healthcare industry.

Follow
Also check Do you tire easily? Know your risk for heart disease and stroke Do you tire easily? Know your risk for heart disease and stroke The Skinny on Weight Loss: Six Health Problems You Can Prevent by Dropping Pounds The Skinny on Weight Loss: Six Health Problems You Can Prevent by Dropping Pounds IVF treatment increases the likelihood of heart disease IVF treatment increases the likelihood of heart disease Heart disease risk may be higher in ADHD patients, says Swedish study Heart disease risk may be higher in ADHD patients, says Swedish study Loss of smell linked to mild coronary symptoms in nearly 90% of patients Loss of smell linked to mild coronary symptoms in nearly 90% of patients Physical Activity for Cardiovascular Health in Menopause Physical Activity for Cardiovascular Health in Menopause Reducing Heart Disease Risk with Diet: 30 Foods to Try Reducing Heart Disease Risk with Diet: 30 Foods to Try Dangers of a diet heavy in fat Dangers of a diet heavy in fat Preventing Bone Loss: The Role of Calcium in Osteoporosis Preventing Bone Loss: The Role of Calcium in Osteoporosis Can lactose intolerance reduce the risk of cancer? Can lactose intolerance reduce the risk of cancer? New gene mutation identified as potential protector against heart disease New gene mutation identified as potential protector against heart disease Top 10 dairy-free foods for lactose intolerance Top 10 dairy-free foods for lactose intolerance The alarming truth about heart attacks in young women The alarming truth about heart attacks in young women Heart disease and heart attack caused by stress genes Heart disease and heart attack caused by stress genes How Much Red Meat Can You Safely Eat? How Much Red Meat Can You Safely Eat? The Anonymous Hazard That Puts Our Hearts at Risk The Anonymous Hazard That Puts Our Hearts at Risk Alzheimer’s patients at greater risk for heart disease, study says Alzheimer’s patients at greater risk for heart disease, study says How homemade food can help prevent chronic illnesses How homemade food can help prevent chronic illnesses Why Low Calcium is a Serious Risk for Your Heart Why Low Calcium is a Serious Risk for Your Heart Discovering the Power of Magic Foods to Combat Diseases Discovering the Power of Magic Foods to Combat Diseases Unveiling the real dangers hidden in butter Unveiling the real dangers hidden in butter Measuring Size Reveals Crucial Information about Heart Disease in Men Measuring Size Reveals Crucial Information about Heart Disease in Men How Much Egg is Too Much? How Much Egg is Too Much? Lactose intolerance: from symptoms to treatment options Lactose intolerance: from symptoms to treatment options Don’t Let a Lack of Vitamins Rob You of Sleep Don’t Let a Lack of Vitamins Rob You of Sleep Effects of air pollution on HDL cholesterol Effects of air pollution on HDL cholesterol The importance of starting your day with breakfast to avoid diabetes and heart problems The importance of starting your day with breakfast to avoid diabetes and heart problems Is Metabolic Syndrome Putting Women at Risk? Is Metabolic Syndrome Putting Women at Risk? Is Your Body Warning You of Heart Disease? 5 Unusual Signs (Photo) Is Your Body Warning You of Heart Disease? 5 Unusual Signs (Photo)
To top