Hypercalcemia
(Elevated Calcium Levels)
Medical Author: Ruchi Mathur, M.D.
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Calcium Supplements: Not All Are Equal
Author: Betty Kovacs, MS, RD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Viewer Question: I've heard that not all calcium supplements are the same. Which over-the-counter vitamins or minerals help build bones? Which brands or types are better than others?
Dietician's Response: You heard right, not all calcium supplements are the same. The supplements will differ by the kinds of calcium that they contain, the amount that they contain, and any thing else that is added to them (other minerals or vitamins). Along with that, there are other factors that will
affect how much of the calcium you will actually absorb, including medications that you are taking, your age, your vitamin D levels, the amount of calcium that you are taking and if you are pregnant. If you have any concerns over any of these, it would be best to speak with your physician before taking anything.
The most common forms of calcium in supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. The differences between the two are...
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Hypercalcemia Introduction
Calcium is a mineral
that is important in the regulation and processes of many body functions
including bone formation, hormone release, muscle contraction, and nerve
and brain function. Hypercalcemia is the term that
refers to elevated levels of calcium in the bloodstream.
Regulation of Calcium
Calcium levels are tightly regulated in the body. Calcium regulation is
primarily controlled by parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and calcitonin.
- Parathyroid hormone is a
hormone produced by the parathyroid glands, which are four small glands that
surround the thyroid and are found
in the anterior part of the lower neck.
- Vitamin D is obtained through a process that begins with sun exposure
to the skin, the process then continues in the
liver and kidneys. Vitamin D can also
be found in foods such as eggs and dairy products.
- Calcitonin is produced in
specialized cells in the thyroid gland.
Together, these three hormones act on
the bones, the kidneys, and the GI tract to regulate calcium levels in the
bloodstream.
Next: What are the causes of hypercalcemia? »
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Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels)
Cancer Risk Factors »
Risk factors
Doctors often cannot explain why one person develops cancer and another
does not. But research shows that certain risk factors increase the chance
that a person will develop cancer. These are the most common risk factors
for cancer:
- Growing older
- Tobacco
- Sunlight
- Ionizing radiation
- Certain chemicals and other substances
- Some viruses and bacteria
- Certain hormones
- Family history of cancer
- Alcohol
- Poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight
Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history,
cannot be avoided. People can help protect themselves by staying away from
known risk factors whenever possible.
If you think you may be at risk for cancer, you should discuss this
concern with your doctor. You may want to ask about reducing your risk and
about a sch...
Read the Cancer Risk Factors article »
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