Calcium supplements are widely used in the treatment of a variety of health conditions, including the treatment of osteoporosis, rickets, and hypocalcemia. However, these supplements may also hide potential risks, especially those associated with kidney stones, while improving human health. According to medical research, the use of calcium supplements may increase the risk of kidney stones, which has attracted high attention from experts.
Insufficient calcium intake can lead to health problems, but excessive calcium supplementation can become the root cause of kidney stones.
First, calcium intake is essential for maintaining bone health. According to the National Institutes of Health guidance, the daily calcium demand for adults is about 1,000 mg. Many experts believe that calcium obtained from your diet is most effective for bone health, and additional calcium supplements sometimes do not bring additional benefits. Especially in healthy people, the controversy of calcium supplements is gradually increasing, as studies have shown that excessive calcium supplementation may have a strong association with the formation of kidney stones.
According to one study, the risk of kidney stones is significantly increased when people get calcium from supplements rather than dietary sources. In particular, the degree of absorption of calcium supplements in the intestine and their burden on the kidneys are closely linked to the formation of stones. The calcium in supplements may not be properly used by the body like calcium from diet. Instead, it may lead to the deposition of calcium in the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney stones.
"The impact of calcium supplements on the kidneys cannot be underestimated. Many people take them by themselves without the advice of their doctors, but may unknowingly increase health risks."
Some researchers have suggested that the use of calcium supplements may also lead to increased excretion of calcium in the urine. With excessive calcium intake, the concentration of calcium in the urine will increase, increasing the risk of stone formation. This makes experts question the need for these supplements. Regarding the source of calcium intake, experts recommend trying to obtain it through an adequate diet rather than relying on supplements.
In addition, the effect of vitamin D is related to the method of calcium intake. Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps calcium absorption. Deficiency of vitamin D will affect calcium metabolism and may in turn affect kidney health. Many calcium supplements on the market will add vitamin D at the same time, but whether such addition will affect the absorption and utilization of calcium remains a question to be discussed.
In addition to calcium supplements, there are many factors that affect the formation of kidney stones, including diet, personal health status and genetic factors. Many medical experts recommend that maintaining a good hydration intake and a balanced diet is the key to preventing kidney stones, which may be more important than relying solely on calcium supplementation preparations.
"In view of the potential risks of calcium supplements, perhaps we need to rethink the necessity of these supplements."
Calcium supplements have been popular in the market over the past few decades. However, some recent studies have shown that the human body is more suitable for obtaining calcium from natural foods. Dr. Fu emphasized that "even at high risk groups, it is a more recommended way to obtain calcium by enhancing your diet."
For those who are still considering calcium supplements, experts recommend that it is best to do it under the guidance of a professional doctor, first confirming whether you really need calcium supplements and finding the best source from your diet. People who have been identified as needing calcium supplementation should choose some food-based supplement strategies rather than relying on high doses of supplements.
Lastly, controlling the environment, improving eating habits, and regular health checks may be the key to preventing kidney stones compared to the potential risks of calcium supplements. Have you ever overlooked these hidden risks because of your pursuit of health?