Do Calcium Supplements Cause Constipation?

If you’ve considered taking a calcium supplement and done a little research, you may have heard that calcium can cause some unpleasant gastrointestinal issues. Put simply, you’re probably wondering if calcium supplements cause constipation. This article will answer that question and a few more about the potential side effects of calcium supplements and how to avoid them. 

Calcium and Constipation

It’s true that constipation is a common side effect of excess calcium intake; other health problems associated with excess calcium include gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

When calcium is absorbed into the body, whether through supplement calcium or natural food sources, the majority of it is utilized by the musculoskeletal system to support overall bone health and help maintain bone density. After the body absorbs its required calcium, the unabsorbed calcium exits the body through urination and defecation. 

The negative side effects of calcium supplements taken in excess result from the body’s response to those high calcium levels. Too much calcium causes the walls of the colon to contract, making it harder for feces to pass. The longer stool sits inside the colon the more dehydrated it becomes, making it even more difficult to pass normally. 

Other Adverse Effects of Calcium Supplements

Calcium supplements have been associated with certain cardiovascular diseases, as well as kidney stones and a variety of gastrointestinal issues. 

Because calcium supplements have the potential to negatively affect human health, it is important that you consult with your physician before adding them to your daily routine. Speaking with a physician will help you discover the right supplement and calcium dosage for you. 

Ways to Avoid Constipation While Taking Calcium Supplements

Taking magnesium alongside your calcium supplement can help you avoid trouble with constipation. Magnesium is a natural laxative that relaxes intestinal muscles and helps rehydrate dry feces. When magnesium succeeds in relaxing the colon walls sufficiently, elimination becomes easier. 

You can also boost your fiber intake to help avoid constipation. Physicians recommend a minimum of 21 grams of daily fiber. Staying hydrated and drinking two to three liters of water a day can also help you maintain regular bowel movements.

Benefits of Calcium Supplements

Despite the potential side effects of calcium supplements, their benefits are too good to pass up! 

As you may already know, the primary benefit of calcium supplements is that they aid in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Calcium supplements can improve bone density and aid the skeletal system during periods of growth and aging. 

Calcium can also aid in the regulation of hormonal secretion, nerve transmission, cultivating gut health, and various vascular activities.

Finding the Best Calcium Supplement for You

How much calcium your body needs is unique to you! This means you need to find a calcium supplement that meets your individual needs. There are many different types of calcium supplements on the market today, so when choosing one, speak to a trusted physician to discover the amount of calcium you should be taking, understand the risks and benefits involved, and to learn how to take calcium supplements safely and effectively. 

The average person will want to ingest roughly 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium every day, along with your daily recommended fiber or a magnesium supplement.

Get Trusted Essential Nutrients from Uscriptives! 

The Uscriptives Calcium supplement is a well-balanced formula that can meet your needs for an effective calcium supplement! Our formula includes magnesium to help you avoid the complication of constipation. To learn more about our Calcium formula and our other quality supplements, be sure to visit our website.