Calcium Citrate Side Effects

Basically, calcium citrate is a salt of citric acid. It is popularly used as a dietary supplement to improve the strength of the bones and teeth. The form of calcium which is supplied by calcium citrate is rarely found from the foods that we eat. For the purpose of absorption of calcium into the bones an acidic environment is required. Calcium citrate is capable of creating that kind of acidic environment in the stomach and thus facilitates the absorption of maximum amount of calcium into the body. The dosage of the calcium citrate depend on certain factors. They are: the age of the person, health condition, other forms of calcium intake of the person, etc. Normally, the ideal dosage for children should not be more that 800 mg per day and in the adults it should not exceed 1200 mg per day. Before knowing about the calcium citrate side effects let us find out about its uses as supplement.

Uses of Calcium Citrate

Dairy products like yogurt, milk cheese are rich source of calcium . However, many people today are avoiding all these foods which lead to calcium deficiency. These people need to take calcium citrate to meet their daily requirements of calcium. Those who are suffering from kidney failure tend to get higher phosphate levels in the body. This condition can be treated with the help of calcium citrate. Children with high fluoride levels are also given calcium citrate to bring down the fluoride level. Pregnant women require calcium citrate for various reasons. It is helpful for increasing fetal bone density and growth, easing off leg cramps which is common during pregnancy and reducing the danger of hypertension in pregnant women. Calcium citrate is required by women in the post menopause phase to prevent osteoporosis and menopause symptoms. It is also used to treat the condition of hyperactive thyroid gland. Sports persons need calcium citrate as they have additional requirement for calcium to make their muscles and bones stronger. You can refer to calcium rich foods.

Side Effects of Calcium Citrate

One of the most commonly observed calcium citrate side effects is that it causes some gastrointestinal problems. Like constipation, stomach gas, bloated feeling, etc. Some people also complain about nausea and vomiting, pain in the abdomen and loss of appetite. These problems are nothing very serious and one need not worry about them. They can be managed if calcium citrate supplement can be taken along with food and not in an empty stomach. In case, constipation becomes severe or continues for a long time, you may have to stop intake of calcium citrate. Headache is another minor form of side effect of calcium citrate and to control this one should take some rest.

The more serious side effects of calcium citrate is irregular heartbeat. This condition is often accompanied by other symptoms like flushing and excessive sweating. These symptoms are not very normal and doctor need to be consulted. Another side effect is increase in the frequency of urination. If you observe that the urine output has increased or you are experiencing any pain while urinating after you have started the intake of calcium citrate you should report this to your doctor.

Though allergic reaction to this calcium supplement is rare but it may happen. The symptoms of allergies are eruption of skin rashes, swelling inside the mouth or face, tight feelings in the chest, difficulty in breathing etc. Other rare side effects of calcium citrate are pain in muscles and bones, abnormal loss of body weight and swallowing difficulty may be observed in some people. You can also refer to calcium supplements - side effects.

Calcium citrate side effects can be controlled to a great extent if you have a detailed discussion with your doctor about your medical history and other medications. The doctor should have the knowledge of medical conditions like heart rhythm problem, kidney problem, frequent tendency of getting dehydration or constipation. Interaction of calcium citrate with other medicines could also be responsible for the side effects. Intake of any antibiotics, or other prescription drugs, herbs or dietary supplements should be informed too. If you have the habit of smoking or drinking alcohol, tell your doctor about it.