Calcium

Indications And Usage

Indigestion (dyspepsia). High levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia)., Low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). Kidney failure. Bone loss in people taking drugs called corticosteroids. Overactive parathyroid (hyperparathyroidism). Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Administration

For preventing low calcium levels: 1-2 grams elemental calcium daily is typically used. Sometimes it is taken with 800 IU of vitamin D.

For heartburn: 0.5-1.5 grams of calcium carbonate is used as needed.

To reduce phosphates in adults with chronic renal failure: 1-6.5 grams per day of calcium carbonate or calcium acetate has been used. The daily dose is divided up and taken between meals.

For preventing weak bones (osteoporosis) caused by corticosteroid use: Divided daily doses of 0.5-1 gram of elemental calcium daily.

For reducing parathyroid hormone levels (hyperparathyroidism): 1.2-4 grams of calcium, usually as a carbonate salt. Often it is used in combination with a low-phosphate diet or 800 IU of vitamin D.

For prevention of weak bones (osteoporosis): Most experts recommend taking 1000-1200 mg of calcium daily to prevent osteoporosis and broken bones.

For increasing fetal bone density in pregnant women with low dietary calcium intake: 300-2000 mg/day, taken during the second and third trimesters.

For premenstrual syndrome (PMS): 1-1.3 grams per day as calcium carbonate.

For preventing colorectal cancer and recurrent colorectal benign tumors (adenomas): Up to 2 grams/day.

For high cholesterol: 800 mg daily for up to 2 years. Calcium 1200 mg taken in 2-3 divided doses daily, alone or in combination with vitamin D 400 IU daily, has also been used in conjunction with a low-fat or calorie-restricted diet for up to 15 weeks.

For preventing high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia): 1-2 grams elemental calcium daily as calcium carbonate.

For high blood pressure: Up to 0.4-2 grams daily for up to 4 years

For preventing tooth loss in elderly people: 500 mg of calcium along with 700 IU of vitamin D daily for 3 years.

For weight loss: Calcium 800-1200 mg/day with or without a calorie-restricted diet has been used. In some cases calcium is taken in combination with 400 IU of vitamin D.

Contraindications

Sarcoidosis, increased activity of the parathyroid gland, high amount of calcium in the blood, dehydration, constipation, kidney stones, decreased kidney function, tumor that dissolves bone

Precautions

Excessive calcium supplement intake has been associated with a higher risk of kidney and possibly an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and aggressive prostate cancer.

Adverse Reactions

gas, constipation and bloating

Pregnancy and lactation

calcium is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in recommended amounts during pregnancy and breast-feeding

Renal and liver Impairment

The Institute of Medicine sets the daily tolerable upper intake level (UL) for calcium at 2000 mg for adults ages 19-50 years and 2000 mg for adults 51 years and older. Taking more than this amount of calcium daily can increase the chance of having serious side effects, such as blood levels of calcium that are too high and milk-alkali syndrome, a condition that can lead to renal stones, kidney failure and death

Laboratory Tests