Calcium

Calcium is helpful in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Calcium might also be useful in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Calcium might be beneficial in some individuals with hypertension and might diminish some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Results are mixed with respect to claims that Calcium has favorable effects on lipids. There has been an association between higher intakes of Calcium and lower incidence of stroke among women. A recent study has suggested that Calcium might help reduce the risk of obesity.

Supplemental Calcium taken without food might increase the risk of kidney stones in women and possibly men. It's advisable that supplemental Calcium be taken with food. Individuals who form calcium-containing kidney stones are generally advised not to take supplemental Calcium. Individuals with achlorhydria should take calcium carbonate with food. In general, Calcium supplements are well tolerated. Using calcium carbonate might cause such gastrointestinal reactions as bloating, constipation, flatulence, and gas. Prolonged use of large doses of calcium carbonate may lead to the milk-alkali syndrome, nephrocalcinosis, and renal insufficiency. Concurrent intake of a bisphosphonate and Calcium might decrease bisphosphonate absorption. Concurrent use of H2 blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, mizatidine, ranitidine) and calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate can lead to decreased absorption of these calcium salts. Concurrent intake of levothyroxine and calcium carbonate was shown to reduce levothyroxine absorption and increase serum thyrotropin levels. Levothyroxine might adsorb to calcium carbonate in an acidic environment, which might block its absorption. There is no evidence that other forms of calcium block levothyroxine absorption if taken concurrently. Concurrent use of proton pump inhibitors (lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole sodium) and calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate can cause decreased absorption of these calcium salts. Concurrent use of a quinolone (ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, sparfloxacin, trovafloxacin) and calcium might decrease the absorption of the quinolone. Concurrent intake of a tetracycline (doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline) and calcium might decrease the absorption of the tetracycline. Tetracyclines may form nonabsorbable complexes with Calcium. Concurrent use of these vitamin D analogues (calcitriol, alfacalcidol) and Calcium can cause increased absorption of Calcium. Concurrent use of inositol hexaphosphate (phytic acid) and Calcium might decrease the absorption of Calcium. Concurrent use of iron and Calcium might inhibit the absorption of iron. Concurrent use of fluoride, magnesium, phosphorous or zinc and calcium might lower the absorption of these minerals. Concurrent use of these oligosaccharides (fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin) and calcium might increase the absorption of Calcium in the colon. Concurrent intake of sodium alginate and Calcium might lower the absorption of Calcium. Concurrent use of vitamin D and Calcium might increase the absorption of Calcium. Calcium might be poorly absorbed from foods rich in oxalic acid (beans, rhubarb, spinach, and sweet potatoes) or phytic acid (nuts and grains, raw beans, seeds, soy isolates, and unleavened bread). Concurrent intake of a Calcium supplement with foods rich in oxalic acid or phytic acid might lower the Calcium absorption. The phytate associated with dietary fiber looks to be the major factor involved in depressing absorption of Calcium. This website is intended to educate and inform, and should not replace discussions with your doctor.