Calcium is an important dietary component, essential for growth. However, too much calcium, normally due to excessive supplementation, may have negative effects. Low iron absorption, formation of kidney stones, and hardening of blood vessels are potential risks. People who have stones due to a genetic disorder are at greater risk for developing hypercalciuria, which is too much calcium in the urine.
Calcium and Iron
According to the book, "Understanding Nutrition," by Ellie Whitney and Sharon Rady Rolfes, children absorb 50 percent to 60 percent of the calcium they consume. If a child consumes too much calcium, it can interfere with iron absorption. Therefore, moderate calcium intake is recommended. It is suggested to limit calcium rich foods to about one cup of milk or one serving of yogurt or cheese when also eating iron-rich foods, such as meats, beans, poultry, peanut butter, and eggs. If a child is anemic or has a low blood iron, it may be advisable to consume the calcium foods and iron-rich foods at different times of the day. Consuming too much calcium with meat can cause insufficient absorption of iron, which can result in abnormally low blood iron levels.
Calcium and Vitamin D
"Understanding Nutrition" states that excessive vitamin D intake can cause blood calcium levels to rise. This can result in the formation of stones, especially kidney stones. In mega doses, hardening of blood vessels can occur, which can potentially lead to death if the situation is extreme. Diet and sunlight exposure do not lead to excessive vitamin D in the body. However, supplementation above recommended levels can lead to vitamin D toxicity. Ask a medical doctor about safe supplement levels.
Hypercalciuria
Hypercalciuria refers to high amounts of calcium being excreted through the urine. In children, more than 4 mg of calcium excreted per kilogram of a child's body weight per day is considered high. According to the article, "Pathophysiology of Hypercalciuria in Children," by Tarak Srivastava and Uri S. Alon, hypercalciuria is the most common metabolic abnormality in children who have stones and is mostly attributed to family history. The majority of calcium absorption occurs in the proximal tube. Fanconi syndrome, Lowe syndrome, Wilson's disease, Tyrosinemia type 1, glycogen storage disease type 1a, Dent's disease, and hereditary hypophosphatemia rickets are disorders that can affect the proximal tube and lead to hypercalciuria. In order to manage hypercalciuria in children with stones, dietary intake should be monitored. Excessive sodium, protein, and calcium consumption are related to dietary hypercalciuria, as is potassium and phosphate deficiency.
Intake Assessment
According to mypyramid.gov, a child who is 2 to 8 years old should have two servings of dairy per day. Children who are 9 or older should consume three dairy servings per day. One serving of dairy is equivalent to one cup, or 8 oz., of milk, one cup of yogurt, 1 1/2 oz. of natural cheese or 2 oz. of processed cheese.
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