What Are the Side Effects of Calcium Aspartate Anhydrous and Other Forms of Calcium Supplementation? | Drugs & Medications medical answers | Therapies & Treatments center

Overview

Calcium aspartate anhydrous is a form of calcium supplementation that is an organic calcium compound which is based on L-aspartic acid.

There is some clinical evidence available which demonstrates that calcium aspartate anhydrous has a much higher absorption rate, of up to 92 percent, than other calcium supplements. However, the product may cause some unwanted side effects if too much of it is consumed.

Side Effects of Calcium Aspartate Anhydrous

The following issues have been noted in individuals who have used excessive amounts of the mentioned calcium supplement.

Stomach-related issues

People using calcium aspartate anhydrous may complain of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and stomach pains. These issues may occur due to the high bio-availability of this calcium supplement. It is advised not to consume more than 500mg of the product at any given time.

Kidney stones

Increased intake of calcium leads to high levels of this important element in the bloodstream. The result is that there are increased levels of calcium in the urine, referred to as hypercalciuria, and this is associated with the development of kidney stones in 90 percent of such cases.

Interactions with other medications

Supplementing with calcium aspartate anhydrous may interfere with the absorption of other prescription and over-the-counter medications that may be used by the individual in question.

The absorption rates of medications and supplements that may be affected by the intake of excessive amounts of calcium supplements include iron and tetracycline antibiotics.

If there are any concerns regarding other types of medications that may be taken by an individual using calcium aspartate anhydrous, then these should be discussed with a pharmacist or the individual's primary care doctor.

Constipation

The use of calcium aspartate anhydrous can cause increased absorption of fluid from the colon resulting in harder stools and this can lead to constipation. Another effect of the supplement may include increased flatulence.

The constipation that can occur may be mild but can be exacerbated or worsened by the use of other supplements and medications.

Indications for Calcium Supplementation

Calcium is a very important element in the body as it is necessary for the normal functioning of bones, muscles, nerves, and cells. If the body lacks calcium in the bloodstream it will remove the element from the bones which will weaken these important structures.

The use of supplements such as calcium aspartate anhydrous is indicated for patients who are diagnosed with the following conditions:

Decreased dietary intake of calcium.
Bone loss conditions such as osteoporosis.
Weak bone conditions caused by decreased calcium levels such as rickets or osteomalacia.
Muscles diseases such as latent tetany.
Hypoparathyroidism, which is underactivity of the parathyroid glands, can result in lowered calcium levels in the bloodstream.

The supplement can also be used by individuals who need to make sure they get enough calcium into their bodies due to:

Being pregnant or breastfeeding.
If they are postmenopausal.
Taking medications such as Prednisone, Phenobarbital, or phenytoin.

Precautions for Calcium Supplementation

Calcium supplements need to be taken by mouth and only if ordered by a doctor to do so since the mentioned side effects can occur if one's calcium levels increase significantly.