Calcium is an important mineral found in many foods and dietary supplements. This eMedTV Web page describes its benefits, explains how this mineral works for various uses, and lists side effects that may occur with calcium products.
Potential calcium side effects include gas, constipation, and belching. As this eMedTV page explains, while most side effects are mild, some may require medical attention. These more serious side effects of calcium are listed in this article.
The effectiveness of calcium for many uses has been clearly established. This page from the eMedTV archives explores the question, "Does calcium work?" and lists clearly established uses, generally accepted uses, and possible benefits of calcium.
Calcium is used for treating osteoporosis, low calcium in the blood, and high blood pressure. This eMedTV resource lists other common calcium uses, explores the effectiveness of this mineral, and discusses the use of this supplement in children.
For general supplementation purposes, calcium dosing is based on the Adequate Intakes (AIs) chart. This eMedTV resource includes other dosage information and describes the different types of calcium products available.
Thiazide diuretics, H2 blockers, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause calcium drug interactions. This eMedTV article contains a more complete list of drugs that may interact with calcium and describes the potential effects of these interactions.
If you have sarcoidosis, consult your doctor before taking calcium. This eMedTV article lists other warnings and precautions concerning the safety of calcium, including other conditions you should tell your doctor about before taking the supplement.
A calcium overdose may cause frequent urination, constipation, or kidney stones. This eMedTV Web page lists other possible overdose symptoms, explains how much calcium is too much, and describes various available treatment options.
Adequate calcium can help strengthen fetal bones during pregnancy. This eMedTV page includes more information on calcium and pregnancy, lists the recommended Adequate Intake (AI) for pregnant women, and explains whether too much calcium is possible.
Breastfeeding women must get enough calcium, as pregnancy weakens the bones. This part of the eMedTV library further explores the link between calcium and breastfeeding, and explains how much of the vitamin a woman needs while breastfeeding.
Most people will not have any symptoms of calcium deficiency until their bones are significantly weakened. This eMedTV resource describes possible signs of a calcium deficiency, explains how much calcium you need, and covers treatment options.
Coral calcium is a type of calcium supplement used for maintaining healthy bones. This page on the eMedTV site further explains why this mineral is important, describes how it works, and lists some of the side effects that may occur with the product.
Calcium citrate is a form of calcium that is commonly found in dietary supplements. This eMedTV resource explains what calcium citrate is used for, lists some of its potential side effects, and offers general dosing information for this product.
Calcium carbonate is used as both an antacid and as a calcium supplement. This page from the eMedTV library further explains what calcium carbonate is used for, describes how it works for these uses, and lists some of the side effects that may occur.
