Consuming too much calcium is dangerous! And here's why

Striking a balance

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Essential for strong bones and teeth, it also plays a crucial role in the functioning of muscles, nerves and the cardiovascular system. In particular, it enables blood vessels to contract and relax, and is involved in hormone secretion.

The recommended daily intake is around 1,000 mg for an adult. After the age of 51 for women and 71 for men, it rises to 1,200 mg. Calcium is found mainly in dairy products, but also in certain fish such as sardines, tofu and green vegetables.

The danger of hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is excess calcium in the blood. It is often caused by dysfunction of the parathyroid glands, responsible for calcium regulation. Other causes include certain cancers, over-consumption of calcium or vitamin D supplements, and kidney disease.

Symptoms vary according to severity. In mild cases, it goes unnoticed. But at higher levels, it can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea, constipation, excessive thirst, impaired concentration and bone pain. In more serious cases, it can lead to life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.

How can hypercalcemia be prevented and treated?

A simple blood test can diagnose hypercalcemia by measuring calcium, PTH and vitamin D levels. Treatment depends on the cause. If due to hyperparathyroidism, surgery may be required. In other cases, reducing consumption of calcium supplements and drinking plenty of fluids is often enough to restore balance.

If left untreated, hypercalcemia can lead to severe complications such as kidney stones, osteoporosis, gastric ulcers and cognitive impairment. Although rare, this condition should not be ignored.

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