Can calcium tablets be taken for a long time?
Disease description:
I've recently been considering whether I should take calcium supplements on a long-term basis. I've heard that taking calcium tablets is good for the bones, but I'm worried about potential side effects from taking them continuously. So, is it safe to take calcium supplements long-term?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Calcium supplements are generally not recommended for long-term use.
For individuals with insufficient calcium intake, such as the elderly, postmenopausal women, and children and adolescents during growth and development stages, appropriate calcium supplementation can be beneficial. Long-term use of calcium supplements can help maintain bone health and prevent the onset and progression of osteoporosis.
However, excessive long-term intake of calcium supplements may lead to excessive accumulation of calcium in the body, potentially causing various health problems. For example, abnormal calcium deposition in the kidneys may increase the risk of kidney stones; calcium buildup on blood vessel walls may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis; furthermore, prolonged high calcium intake may interfere with the absorption of other minerals, such as iron and zinc, leading to nutritional imbalances.
