Too much calcium harmful for health--study

According to experts, people who go overboard on the calcium to prevent and treat their osteoporosis are at an increased risk of coming down with a condition called milk-alkali or calcium-alkali syndrome that can result in a "dangerously high" level of calcium in the blood.

Excessively high levels of calcium in the blood, known as hypercalcemia, lead to blood pressure and impair kidney function. This also reduces the absorption of other essential minerals, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are vital for the overall well-being of an individual.

Dr Stanley Goldfarb and Dr Ami Patel from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, lead authors of the study stated, "Calcium supplements taken in the recommended amounts are not only safe but are quite beneficial. Taken to excess is the problem.

"Even at the recommended dose, careful monitoring of any medication is wise and yearly determinations of blood calcium levels for those patients taking calcium supplements or vitamin D is a wise approach."

People at high risk of calcium-alkali syndrome
Voicing concern about the potential negative impact of taking excessive calcium on health, the researchers felt the pregnant and postmenopausal women, transplant patients, patients suffering from bulimia, and those who are on dialysis are confronted with the maximum risk of developing the calcium-alkali syndrome.

As a preventive measure against the condition, researchers advise that people limit their intake of calcium to no more than 1.2 to 1.5 grams per day to stay healthy.

According to experts, the requirement of nutrients for the body should be met through consuming foods.

In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements replenish certain nutrients that are sometimes consumed in less than recommended amounts. However, dietary supplements cannot replace a healthful diet.

The study will be published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Calcium-alkali syndrome
Calcium-alkali syndrome is linked to high levels of calcium (hypercalcemia) and a shift in the body's acid/base balance towards alkaline (metabolic alkalosis).

The syndrome is caused by excessive consumption of milk (which is high in calcium) and certain antacids, especially calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), over a long period of time.

This can lead to calcium deposits in the kidneys and in other tissues. The condition can worsen by consuming excessive amounts of vitamin D, which is usually added to milk bought at the supermarket.

In the past, calcium-alkali syndrome was a common side effect of treating peptic ulcer disease with antacids containing calcium. However, currently the condition is found in people who take too much calcium carbonate to prevent osteoporosis.

Some symptoms of the condition include pain in the back and middle of the body, excessive urination, fatigue, nausea and other problems that can result from kidney failure.

Treatment procedure involves reducing milk intake and other forms of calcium such as in antacids. However, if severe kidney failure has occurred, the damage may be permanent.