Dangers of Taking too Much Calcium   by Stephen Waller

in Health    (submitted 2011-08-16)

Have you considered the health conditions of your family? Especially those expectant mothers, it is highly recommended that you secure yourself with health insurance. Here is an overview of the possible risks for your health where huge amounts of money may be needed if no health insurance policy is obtained.

If you are pregnant and have already gone for a check-up, your doctor would have probably given you a prescription for, among other supplements, calcium. You may already know that it helps you develop healthy bones and that you can get it from your favorite milk; but what is more important to know is what it can do to you and your baby during your pregnancy and how much you should be taking.

Calcium is one of the crucial minerals that a pregnant woman needs during and even after pregnancy. It is popularly known to help in bone build-up. During pregnancy, it's importance if more highly perceived, as it is essential when the baby in the womb starts developing it bones, teeth, nerves and muscles. It also helps establish a normal beat for the baby.

If a pregnant woman does not have enough calcium, a process called desorption will occur. This is when the baby will draw calcium from your bones, which can result in bone loss or bone problems later in the woman's life. The recommended calcium supplement intake for pregnant women is 1,000 mg per day. Those who are under 18 need 1,300 mg per day. This often translates to about three glasses of milk or two to four servings of milk products daily. If a woman enjoys milk and dairy products, it would not be difficult for her to complete the recommended amount.

Calcium is one of the minerals that are difficult to digest and absorb. Prenatal vitamins or calcium supplements recommended by doctors supply only about 150 to 200 mg of calcium. To ensure optimum absorption, these supplements must be taken with Vitamin C-rich food or fluids such as orange juice. Take a walk outdoors in the morning for at least 15 minutes also supplies the body with natural Vitamin D that also helps in the absorption of Calcium.

Many people think that since it is a supplement, they can take as much as they want as it is supposed to be good for the body. However, as they always say, too much is not good and it applies in this situation as well. Taking more than 2,500 mg of calcium per day could result in serious harm to the mother and the baby.

Hypercalcemia is the condition wherein there is excess calcium in the blood. Other than taking too much calcium-rich food and calcium supplements, this condition can also stem from another condition called hyperparathyroidism. During pregnancy, this condition has very serious and severe effects on the mother and the baby. Among these are nausea and vomiting, weakness, fatigue, and dehydration. All these are fatal and require emergency treatment. The baby on the other hand is at risk for miscarriage in the form of spontaneous abortion, premature birth, and stillbirth.

Knowing these risks, it is important for a mother to ensure that she is making the best choices for herself and her baby. As always, compliance and adherence to the doctor's recommendations are important.

About the Author

Realizing the importance of caring for your health, you may start searching for health insurance policies. Steve Waller's website is a good stopover.