Too much of a good thing? Unmasking the dangers of calcium overload

Calcium is a vital trace element for our bodies, providing protection against fractures and ensuring the proper functioning of our muscles, including the heart.

Close monitoring of its levels is recommended for individuals with cardiac concerns, the elderly, and postmenopausal women who often experience a decrease in the element's level in their bodies.

It's worth noting that deficiency and an excess of calcium, known as hypercalcemia, is a potential threat.

We classify this disorder as when the element's concentration in the blood plasma exceeds 2.75 mmol/l (11 mg/dl).

Its causes often include hyperactive parathyroid glands, malignant diseases like metastasis to the bones, or specific proteins produced by cancer cells.

Hypercalcemia most frequently impacts patients with lung, colon, and kidney cancers. It may also occur in the case of leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma.

An excess of calcium is also common among individuals who have been bedridden for extended periods, as the calcium is released into the plasma from their bones.

An excess of calcium is rarely diet-related, but improper supplementation can cause it.

The individuals at risk include not only those who ingest calcium tablets for bone strength but also those who supplement vitamin D indiscriminately, especially when taking supplements that combine the vitamin with calcium.

The severity of hypercalcemia symptoms can vary between being a mild nuisance to a life-threatening condition.

Patients often experience excessive thirst, an increased need for urination, chronic fatigue, or symptoms of depression, and these symptoms are often initially downplayed.

Ignoring these symptoms might result in further calcium accumulation. The effects of prolonged and increasing hypercalcemia may also include:

- Nausea, vomiting, or constipation,

- Bone pain,

- Disorientation and problems with concentration,

- Heart palpitations,

- Fainting,

- Excessive sleepiness.

Severe hypercalcemia occurs when the calcium concentration exceeds 3.75 mmol/l and can even lead to acute pancreatitis or coma, necessitating immediate medical attention.