Are there any side effects of calcium citrate?

While calcium supplements aren’t for everyone – it is uncommon for any bad side effects. However side effects do happen.

Calcium supplements should not be given if there is excess calcium in the blood supply – a condition known as hypercalcaemia.

And although disproven, there were several reports out over the past few years which seemed to suggest that calcium supplements were linked to heart disease. This is still yet to be proven, and recent studies showed that the links were dubious at best.

Side effects with calcium seem to be mild reactions – such as constipation, excess gas and bloating. These generally happen when people take calcium carbonate. To avoid most of these, people tend to choose calcium citrate over any of the other type of supplements.

Calcium citrate is a milder, more absorbant supplement which is ideal for all patients of all ages. However, if you’re looking for both pros and cons, it may well be worth finding out if there are any side effects of calcium citrate.

Calcium citrate is probably the supplement with the least amount of risk attached to side effects that is available.

However, in a similar vein to heart disease there has been a controversy that has surrounded calcium and prostate cancer. Some studies have shown that high calcium intake from dairy products and supplements may increase risk, whereas another more recent study showed no increased risk of prostate cancer associated with total calcium, dietary calcium or supplemental calcium intakes.

The problem – if there is one – seems to link dairy products with the risk, however scientists are still trying to settle the argument about what harm, if any, calcium can do to the body.

One thing that is clear is that excessive amounts of calcium is dangerous. With this in mind, it is important to work out how much calcium you are deficient in and calculate how much you would need to consume via a calcium supplement.

As with any health issue, it’s important to talk to your GP to determine what’s right for you.