Blood levels of calcium that are abnormally high (hypercalcemia) are rare. Hypercalcemia has not been reported to result from food, only from certain supplement combinations. Hypercalcemia has been documented only with high levels of supplementation over long periods of time, usually combined with antacids and milk.
Symptoms may include gastrointestinal disturbances, thirst, and frequent urination. About 10 percent of Americans will experience kidney stones at one time or another. Kidney stones are normally composed of calcium oxalate and sometimes composed of calcium phosphate. Kidney stone formation has not been found to be caused by higher dietary intakes of calcium. However, kidney stones are related to the excretion of high levels of calcium in the urine. Factors that increase urinary calcium, such as excess dietary sodium and excess dietary protein, increase the risk of kidney stones. Calcium combines with oxalates in the stomach, thus removing them from absorption.
The unabsorbed calcium and oxalates are passed out into the stool. By reducing the absorption of oxalates, calcium can reduce the incidence of kidney stones. Lead toxicity can be reduced in two ways by adequate calcium intake. Less lead is absorbed from the intestines when dietary calcium levels are higher. Also, adequate dietary calcium reduces bone demineralization. Lead can be stored in the bones for decades.
Higher calcium levels prevent calcium removal from the bones, and lead stored in the bones will not be mobilized into the bloodstream, either. To summarize, calcium is famous for its use in building strong bones. Care must be taken to eat enough calcium in foods and to limit excess sodium and protein; this prevents calcium from being removed from the bones. Calcium is also needed for muscle contraction and blood clotting.
Symptoms may include gastrointestinal disturbances, thirst, and frequent urination. About 10 percent of Americans will experience kidney stones at one time or another. Kidney stones are normally composed of calcium oxalate and sometimes composed of calcium phosphate. Kidney stone formation has not been found to be caused by higher dietary intakes of calcium. However, kidney stones are related to the excretion of high levels of calcium in the urine. Factors that increase urinary calcium, such as excess dietary sodium and excess dietary protein, increase the risk of kidney stones. Calcium combines with oxalates in the stomach, thus removing them from absorption.
The unabsorbed calcium and oxalates are passed out into the stool. By reducing the absorption of oxalates, calcium can reduce the incidence of kidney stones. Lead toxicity can be reduced in two ways by adequate calcium intake. Less lead is absorbed from the intestines when dietary calcium levels are higher. Also, adequate dietary calcium reduces bone demineralization. Lead can be stored in the bones for decades.
Higher calcium levels prevent calcium removal from the bones, and lead stored in the bones will not be mobilized into the bloodstream, either. To summarize, calcium is famous for its use in building strong bones. Care must be taken to eat enough calcium in foods and to limit excess sodium and protein; this prevents calcium from being removed from the bones. Calcium is also needed for muscle contraction and blood clotting.
More about Calcium:
0 comments