There is a noticeable increase in the number of individuals taking calcium supplements, either prescribed by the doctors or as a self-medication. Calcium supplements plays a major role in maintaining bone health, but their impact on overall health is complex and needs careful consideration. While adequate calcium level is crucial for bones and teeth, excessive usage can cause potential heath problems.
Benefits:
Bones and Teeth Health: Adequate calcium level is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
Muscle and Nerve Functions: Calcium plays a vital role in muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission, including maintaining a regular heart rhythm
Reducing Cancer, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Risks: Some studies suggest that calcium along with vitamin D, provides potential protection against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Risks:
Cardiovascular Issues: Some studies suggest potential association between calcium supplements and increased risk of cardiovascular issues, especially in women
Interactions with Medications: Calcium can interact with medications like antibiotics, levothyroxine, lithium and dolutegrevir. Therefore, patients taking these medications needs careful considerations with calcium supplements.
Side Effects: Calcium supplements can cause side effects like gas, constipation, bloating, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite.
Hypercalcemia: Excessive calcium intake can cause hypercalcemia ( elevated calcium level in the blood)
Considering all these factors, it is better to take calcium supplements only when directed by a doctor, rather than self medicating. In minor deficiency cases, modifying diet with dairy sources would be ideal.
Dietary calcium from milk, yogurt, cheese, ragi, or leafy greens is usually safer and better absorbed than supplements. Supplements are helpful when deficiency is significant, but self-medicating can easily tip into risks like kidney stones or hypercalcemia.
I didn’t think calcium supplements could have so many undesirable side effects if taken without proper precautions. I wonder if such issues are advertised to consumers instead of encouraging blind consumption and self-diagnoses? How many other supplements have such side effects? This is a very crucial topic to bring attention to, Thank You for sharing!
Calcium supplements can help maintain strong bones and prevent deficiencies, but taking too much may cause kidney stones or heart risks. It’s best to balance with natural food sources and use supplements only if really needed. Thus it’s always better you consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Calcium is essential for strong bones, teeth, and muscle function, but supplements should be taken with caution. While they may reduce risks of certain diseases, overuse can cause side effects, drug interactions, and heart risks. It’s best to use supplements only under medical advice and rely on diet for minor deficiencies.
It is vital to keep informing the society especially at a time where there are millions of wellness instagram influencers or wellness gurus without no medical background, who keep advocating hundreds of supplements and gunnies to common people. Good job. It is quite informative.
Calcium is important for strong bones and overall health but too much can be harmful.
While it helps with things like bone strength, muscles and heart rhythm, taking too many supplements can cause side effects or health issues. It’s always better to take calcium only if your doctor suggests it. For small deficiencies, adding more dairy or calcium-rich foods to your meals is often enough.
@Fathimath_NABalance and guidance matter — not everything needs a pill.
Important reminder that “more” isn’t always better with supplements. Getting calcium mainly from diet and using supplements only when truly needed feels like the safest option.
Calcium supplements can boost bone health and may help prevent osteoporosis, but excess use can lead to digestive issues, kidney stones, and may raise the risk of cardiovascular problems—so they’re best taken on a doctor’s advice
Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, muscle function, and even nerve signaling—but more isn’t always better. While supplements can help in cases of deficiency, overdoing it can lead to side effects like bloating, constipation, or even more serious issues like hypercalcemia and heart problems. It’s also important to remember that calcium can interact with certain medications, so self-medicating isn’t safe. Whenever possible, getting calcium from dietary sources like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods is ideal. Always consult a doctor before starting supplements.
Well said! @Fathimath_NA While calcium is essential for strong bones and overall health, it’s important not to overdo it. Self-medicating can sometimes do more harm than good. It’s always best to consult a doctor and try to meet your needs through a balanced diet first. Supplements should be a backup, not the first step.
Calcium supplements help strengthen bones, prevent osteoporosis, and support muscle and nerve function, especially for people with low dietary intake. However, excess calcium can cause kidney stones, constipation, and may increase heart disease risk in some cases. It’s best to get calcium from food sources and use supplements only when prescribed by a doctor after assessing your needs.