8 Side Effects of Too Many Calcium Supplements

Are there side effects of calcium supplements? While reasonable amounts of calcium are unlikely to cause problems, long-term supplementation of excessive amounts of calcium may lead to side effects and health problems.

Calcium is one of many electrolytes, which control electric activity to your cells. When you do not balance your intake of electrolytes and take too much of one and not enough of others, you may experience imbalances of electrolytes, which can lead to serious complications including cramping, dizziness, and palpitations.

Excessive calcium may lead to constipation, because it constricts muscles including those along intestinal walls. Balancing calcium intake with vitamin D and magnesium may help avoid calcium-induced constipation.

Unabsorbed calcium may settle into salts in the bloodstream that bind together to create extremely painful kidney stones. The stones result in often excruciating colicky pain as they travel through the very small structures of your urinary tract. Staying hydrated and avoiding taking too much calcium may help reduce the incidence of kidney stones

Too much calcium may cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to flatulence and belching, a gurgling stomach, and possibly nausea or vomiting.

Taking too much calcium may actually block calcium absorption, leading to lowered blood pressure. Vitamin D can help enhance absorption of calcium.

The heart is made up of muscle tissue. Just as it causes constriction of other muscles, calcium can lead to constriction of the heart muscle as well, leading to heart rate changes and irregularities.

Too much calcium may result in mental changes, such as confusion or brain fog.

Too much calcium supplementation can lead to weakened muscles.

The best way to assure you don't overdose on calcium is to eat plenty of calcium rich foods. If you eat a variety of foods high in calcium, there is no need to supplement!