Why Too Much Calcium Can Be Dangerous!

Paula Rose Parish M.A.
3 min readAug 13, 2024

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You’ve probably heard you need more calcium to have strong bones and a healthy body. However, are you aware of the risks of taking too much calcium? Did you know that calcium can be Dangerous?

A Big Warning — You can overdose on this mineral, and there are awful side effects.

I was taking calcium supplements until I learnt what I am sharing with you now.

It’s true that your body needs calcium. But it’s important to take the right amount. There is no doubt that this is an important mineral. But let’s be aware that too much calcium can Be dangerous and cause unwanted problems.

Daily calcium requirements.

To understand why too much calcium can be dangerous, you need to be aware of how much calcium you need to take every day. The recommendations vary based on your age, gender, and health history.

In general, children need 1,000 to 1,300 mg a day.

Adults need 1,000 mg a day.

However, women over the age of 70 need 1,200 mg a day.

Common Side Effects

Constipation.

One of the most common side effects of taking too much calcium is constipation.

This usually occurs if you take too many supplements that have high levels of calcium. It’s rare for you to get constipation from calcium in foods, but it can happen if you overeat.

Kidney Stones.

Passing a kidney stone is worse than giving birth- so I have been told. So, I don’t have to find out for myself, so understanding the risks is important. Be aware that you can have a higher risk of kidney stones from taking too much calcium.

Several studies have found that those who take excessive amounts of mineral supplements are more likely to develop kidney stones. The minerals build up within the kidneys, forming small stones.

Other Health Issues.

By overdosing on calcium, you may notice several health issues at the same time.

Some of the most common issues are nausea, weakness and the loss of appetite. You may also experience excessive thirst. You may also have vomiting and feel unwell for a long period.

High levels of calcium can affect iron absorption in your body.

It’s also possible to have a more severe reaction from overdosing on calcium. An irregular heartbeat is a severe reaction to calcium overdose.

You may also have mental confusion and high blood pressure. One of the biggest risks is a coma — Scary!

How to Prevent Overdose

Most experts agree that prevention is easier than cure. However, solving the issues that arise from taking too much calcium can be problematic.

Be careful with the supplements you take and how many vitamins you take at the same time. If you combine multiple pills and minerals, then you can easily overdose on calcium.

It’s important to discuss your calcium levels with a doctor. They can recommend diet changes and supplements that are safe.

Focus on Food instead of Pills.

It may be tempting to reach for a bottle of calcium supplements instead of working on your diet. However, you’re putting yourself at risk and may not be helping your body.

Nutritionists recommend that you focus on the food that you eat rather than trying to supplement with pills. The good news is that calcium is readily available in many foods.

You can find it in dairy products, but there are other options if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan.

Calcium is in kale and broccoli. Many dark leafy vegetables have high levels of this mineral. It’s also in salmon and sardines.

You can get more calcium by eating fortified foods. Cereals, breakfast bars, granola, and many others are good sources of calcium. Also, many kinds of nuts contain calcium.

Although too much calcium can be dangerous, it is considered an essential mineral for health. Calcium has multiple health benefits. Although your body requires it to be healthy, it’s essential to ensure you’re not taking too much.

In most cases, you’ll get better results by eating calcium-rich foods. Instead of taking supplements, but discuss your particular needs with your doctor.

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Paula Rose Parish M.A.
Paula Rose Parish M.A.

Written by Paula Rose Parish M.A.

Psychotherapist and Author Paula Rose writes on Holistic Health and Wellness, True Crime and Christian Spirituality.

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