Is calcium harmful to the human body?

Answer 1

Like most minerals calcium can, in excess, cause harm in the body.

Walter C. Willett of Harvard University has researched the possible harm of excess calcium and has found an association between too much calcium intake and prostate and ovarian cancers.

Calcium balance, a very tightly regulated system, relies upon many other nutrients such as Vitamin K, Vitamin D, magnesium, boron, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. More than just bone health relies upon this balance.

It might help to know that the countries with the lowest calcium intake also have the lowest rates of postmenopausal hip and femur fractures.

Answer 2

Calcium is an essential body mineral, but excessive calcium can be harmful.

About 99% of the body's calcium are stored in the bones. The rest is located in the blood and tissue fluids. Calcium is necessary for blood clotting, containing cells, and neuromuscular functions. The constant level of calcium in the blood and tissues is maintained by the action of calcitonin and parathormone generated by the parathyroid gland..

When there is an excessive blood calcium level in the body, calcitonin secretion increases. Calcitonin lowers calcium concentration in the blood and body fluids by decreasing the rate of bone resorption, but in addition, increasing the calcium absorption by the bones. Without the proper secretion of calcitonin, hypercalcemia occurs; a harmful rise in blood calcium level.

Hypercalcemia can lead to kidney stones because the urinary system retains calcium, additionally increasing blood calcium levels. The digestive system increases absorption of calcium, causing abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Hypercalcemia can also lead to hyperactivity of cardiac muscle which can cause heart arrhythmias.