Table of contents:
- How much is the need for calcium per day?
- What is hypercalcemia?
- What are the signs and symptoms of excess calcium?
- What are the treatment options for hypercalcemia?
Calcium is one of the essential minerals for the body, especially for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium levels in the blood are always controlled to support the work of muscles, nerves and heart. Calcium deficiency is linked to the risk of bone loss. Then, what are the consequences if the body has excess calcium? The condition for excess calcium, called hypercalcemia, is rare. But if this happens, the risk can be harmful to the body. The following is the complete information.
How much is the need for calcium per day?
The body's need for calcium varies depending on age. According to the 2013 Adequacy Rate (RDA), children aged 10-18 years need 1200 mg of calcium per day. Then, the need for calcium decreases to 1100 mg per day at the age of 19-29. For people over 29 years of age onwards, the calcium requirement decreases to 1000 mg per day. Even so, the maximum daily calcium requirement tolerance limit for adults and children over the age of 1 year is generally 2,500 mg per day.
Calcium needs will increase in women who are pregnant. This is because in addition to the mother, calcium intake during pregnancy is also needed by the fetus. The increase in calcium intake during pregnancy is 200 mg per day. So, if you are pregnant at the age of 25, your daily calcium requirement will be 1300 mg. Meanwhile, if you are pregnant at the age of 18 years, your calcium needs will be greater, which is 1400 mg per day.
However, it is not recommended that you take more than 500 mg at one time. This can increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
What is hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the body absorbs more calcium than its normal capacity. This excess calcium can generally be excreted through urine or feces. However, it is also possible that the remaining excess will be stored in the bones, so that it can cause adverse side effects. Very high calcium levels can be life threatening.
The main cause of hypercalcemia is hyperparathyroidism. The level of calcium in the blood is regulated by the parathyroid glands. When the parathyroid glands become overactive and release too much parathyroid hormone, the calcium level in the blood increases. Other common causes are lung disease and cancer, side effects of drugs, and excessive supplement consumption.
Hypercalcemia can interfere with kidney function and cause kidney stones to form, as well as interfere with the work of the heart and brain. Decreased kidney function due to excess calcium can also cause the body's ability to absorb iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphate to be impaired. In fact, these minerals are very important in supporting normal body functions. Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, hypercalcemia can also cause indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Several studies have also shown that excess calcium intake can increase the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease. However, more research is needed to understand this possible relationship.
What are the signs and symptoms of excess calcium?
Symptoms of hypercalcemia range from mild to severe. You may not have any noticeable symptoms if you have mild hypercalcemia. The more severe the case, the more obvious the symptoms you feel.
The following is a list of symptoms that may arise if the body has excess calcium:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Nauseous vomit
- Stomach ache
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Bone pain
- Muscle ache
- Mental confusion (daze); easy to forget; easily offended
- Weight loss
- Pain between the back and upper abdomen on one side due to kidney stones
- Abnormal heart rate
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle problems: twitching, cramps and weakness
- Fracture
Severe cases of hypercalcemia can lead to coma.
What are the treatment options for hypercalcemia?
You may not need emergency medical care if you have a mild case of hypercalcemia, depending on the cause. However, you need to monitor the progress of the symptoms. In addition, it is also important to consult a doctor to find the underlying cause.
The risk of health problems arising from excess calcium in the blood does not only come from the large amount, but also the speed at which calcium levels increase quickly. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor's advice for follow-up efforts. Even slightly elevated calcium levels can cause kidney stones and kidney damage over time.
If the case is moderate and it is already severe, you may need hospital treatment to return your calcium levels to normal. Treatment also aims to prevent damage to your bones and kidneys.
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