What happens in a calcium overdose?

We’ve spoken about what happens when the blood calcium levels are too high – or hypercalcaemia – as it’s known. However, calcium overdose implies that someone has taken a lot of calcium to cause damage on purpose. This is probably extremely rare.

Hypercalcaemia happens when the body cannot regulate the levels of calcium in the blood. Most of the time, the parathyroid gland is out of whack. Occasionally patients who are suffering from cancer will experience hypercalcaemia as a result of the bone leaching calcium into the blood.

Even an overload of vitamin D in the system can throw a person’s calcium levels out, especially if they have been taking too many calcium supplements.

High levels of calcium can be dangerous to the body. Thanks to LiveStrong.com who have provided us with some information on what can happen when calcium levels go dangerously high.

One-Time Overdose

The symptoms of a single, acute overdose from accidentally or intentionally taking too many calcium supplements or calcium-containing antacids at one time include stomachache, constipation or diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting. An overdose can ultimately lead to mental confusion, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and coma.

Chronic Supplement Overuse

High doses of calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, other nonfood forms of calcium such as antacids, and calcium-fortified foods consumed on a regular basis in addition to a high-calcium diet, can lead to hypercalcemia. If you are taking a multivitamin supplement that contains 100 percent or more of the daily requirement for vitamin D, do not take a calcium supplement that also contains vitamin D.

Chronic high blood levels of calcium can result in kidney stone formation, kidney damage and failure, abnormal heart rhythms, calcification in areas of the body other than bone tissue, dementia and coma. Too much calcium can also interfere with iron absorption.

A calcium overdose can be detected with a simple blood test. Correcting the problem can also be carried out easily with an IV drip. This may need to be a regular treatment with someone who is fighting cancer.

If you are worried about a calcium overdose, contact your GP or dial NHS Emergency on 111.