Is Calcium Carbonate Bad For You?
Short answer
Calcium carbonate is generally safe, although it may cause stomach problems, interact with kidney conditions, or reduce the effectiveness of other medications.
Recommended Alternative
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Calcium carbonate comes in supplement tablets. They're to increase the amount of calcium in your diet - you need it for strong bones and strong teeth, amongst other things. Women need calcium to ward off osteoporosis; men need it too, although there may be a link between very high calcium doses and prostate cancer. Safe levels are somewhere between 700 and 1,200 mg a day.
Some side effects are associated with taking calcium carbonate. It can interfere with the absorption of other medications in the stomach. If you're taking calcium carbonate along with other pills, speak with your healthcare provider to make sure that one is not interfering with the efficacy of the other.
Calcium is very basic. Sometimes, your stomach can overcompensate when you take calcium carbonate supplements. It'll produce acid quickly to maintain the right pH. This condition is called acid rebound - it can be painful, especially if you have a history of stomach problems like ulcers.
Calcium carbonate also has an effect on your stool. It binds it, making your stool harder and counteracting diarrhea. If you're taking another medication that has a similar effect, there's a chance they could interact and cause constipation. Gas and bloating are also possible side effects.
If you've got kidney problems, calcium carbonate might cause calcium buildup in your kidneys. This can lead to kidney stones, kidney blockage, or kidney failure. Talk to your doctor if you have chronic kidney disease or a family history of kidney problems before starting with calcium carbonate.
Another potential side effect of kidney problems and calcium intake is hypercalcemia. Too much calcium builds up in the blood, which can cause confusion, vomiting, and other symptoms. Although rare, hypercalcemia is serious - if you're taking calcium and experience these side effects, seek out a doctor immediately.
Possible short-term side effects
- gas
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constipation
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bloating
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acid compensation
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hypercalcemia
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interaction with various medications
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aggravation of preexisting kidney problems
Benefits
- adds calcium to your diet
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may help treat heartburn
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may help treat sour stomach
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may help treat acid indigestion
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may help treat upset stomach
Our Wellness Pick
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mykind Organics Plant Calcium
- Whole food derived
- Included Magnesium & Vitamin D3
- Contains Vitamin K2 MK7
- Gluten-Free supplement
- 60 Day supply
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