Calcium helps with bone health and is often taken as a supplement by menopausal women and the elderly who are at high risk of osteoporosis. However, even good things can be harmful in excess. Excessive intake of calcium can pose risks of side effects.

 

Calcium is an essential component of the skeleton, regulating nerve and muscle functions and maintaining normal heart function. It also helps prevent bone loss and alleviate symptoms in osteoporosis patients. Phosphorus, one of the minerals that make up bones, is useful in treating hyperphosphatemia, which occurs when levels are higher than normal. Patients with hyperphosphatemia experience calcium leaching from bones, leading to weakened bones and increased risk of fractures.

However, excessive calcium intake can cause side effects. Calcium is a 'threshold nutrient' that causes problems when consumed beyond the necessary amount. A typical side effect of excessive calcium intake is 'hypercalciuria.' Hypercalciuria is the most common cause of adult kidney stones.

 

▲Abdominal pain ▲Hematuria ▲Urinary disorders ▲Frequent urination ▲Proteinuria, etc., can occur. According to the Regional Drug Safety Center of the Korean Pharmaceutical Association, among 163 healthy menopausal women aged 57 to 85 who took calcium and vitamin D supplements consistently for over a year, 33% were suspected of having hypercalciuria. Additionally, poor digestion absorption, gastrointestinal disorders, or constipation may also occur.

 

To avoid side effects such as hypercalciuria, it is important to adhere to the recommended daily calcium intake. The Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research recommends a daily calcium intake of 800 to 1000 mg. Since the average daily calcium intake from food for Koreans is usually less than 500 mg, a calcium supplement of about 300 to 500 mg is sufficient. The total daily calcium intake, including diet, should not exceed 1200 mg.

 

Meanwhile, if you have bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis, you should be more careful with calcium intake. Especially if you are taking osteoporosis medication, you should not take calcium supplements recklessly. Many osteoporosis patients are prescribed calcium supplements together and do not need to take additional ones. If you want to take calcium supplements, it is strongly recommended to consult with a doctor or pharmacist beforehand.

 

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This is the first time I've heard of it.

Hypercalciuria.

Consuming too much calcium is also not good, right?

 

You should be well-informed about supplements and take them properly.

 

I don't really have any particular preference... I only eat multi-type foods.