Can calcium cause constipation

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Can Calcium Cause Constipation?

Introduction to Calcium and Constipation

Calcium is an essential mineral for bone health and various bodily functions. However, there is a common belief that calcium supplementation can lead to constipation. This article explores the relationship between calcium intake and constipation, drawing on recent research findings.

Calcium Supplementation and Gut Motility

Study on Healthy Women

A study investigated the effects of calcium supplementation on gut motility in healthy women. In this 8-week randomized, double-blind, crossover pilot study, participants received 500 mg/day of elemental calcium from either calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate. The results showed no significant differences in stool frequency or form across different periods, including baseline, supplementation, and washout phases. The study concluded that neither form of calcium supplementation affected stool frequency or form, suggesting that calcium at this dosage does not contribute to constipation in healthy women .

Case Report on a Prepubescent Boy

Contrary to the findings in healthy women, a case report highlighted an unusual instance of calcium-induced constipation in a young boy. This case underscores that while calcium supplementation may not generally cause constipation, individual responses can vary, particularly in children .

Calcium Polycarbophil and Functional Constipation in Children

A study focused on children with chronic functional constipation examined the effects of calcium polycarbophil, a water-holding agent. The study found that while calcium polycarbophil did not significantly alter the intestinal ecosystem, it did lead to clinical resolution of constipation in 43% of treated children and improvement in 21%. This suggests that calcium polycarbophil can be beneficial for some children with functional constipation, although it does not universally resolve the condition .

Conclusion

The relationship between calcium and constipation is complex and appears to depend on individual factors and the form of calcium used. While calcium supplementation at moderate doses does not seem to cause constipation in healthy adults, individual cases, particularly in children, may experience different outcomes. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and individual variability in response to calcium intake.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Calcium Supplementation Does Not Contribute to Constipation in Healthy Women.

Calcium supplementation does not contribute to constipation in healthy females, as both calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate show normal stool frequency and form.

RCT

2016·

6citations

·Z. Alyousif et al.

Canadian journal of dietetic practice and research : a publication of Dietitians of Canada = Revue canadienne de la pratique et de la recherche en dietetique : une publication des Dietetistes du Canada·

DOI

Calcium‐Induced Constipation in a Prepubescent Boy

Calcium-induced constipation in a young boy is an unusual and potentially curable cause of bowel obstruction.

Case Report

1991·

3citations

·G. Frithz et al.

Acta Pædiatrica·

DOI

The intestinal ecosystem in chronic functional constipation

In infants with chronic functional constipation, increased clostridia and bifidobacteria in feces may cause dysbiosis, but calcium polycarbophil treatment did not significantly change intestinal ecosystem composition or blood chemistry parameters.

RCT

1998·

163citations

·G. Zoppi et al.

Acta Pædiatrica·

DOI

Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function

Calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide both increase fecal output, reducing fecal fat and potentially lowering blood lipids and improving colonic mucosa.

RCT

1988·

25citations

·D. Saunders et al.

Digestive Diseases and Sciences·

DOI

Constipation and colonic perforation complicating calcium resonium therapy.

Calcium resonium therapy can cause severe constipation and colonic perforation, potentially increasing the risk of large bowel obstruction.

Case Report

1992·

13citations

·E. Minford et al.

Postgraduate Medical Journal·

DOI

[Calcium polycarbophil in clinical practice. The therapy of constipation].

Polycarbophil calcium effectively reduces stool consistency and evacuatory force in chronic non-organic constipation patients, with minimal undesired effects.

RCT

1993·

2citations

·N. Pallotta et al.

Minerva gastroenterologica e dietologica

Effects of Sulfate-Rich Mineral Water on Functional Constipation: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Sulfate-rich mineral water improved bowel movement frequency in functional constipation patients after 3 weeks, but the difference was no longer significant after 6 weeks.

RCT

2016·

23citations

·J. Naumann et al.

Complementary Medicine Research·

DOI

Calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Calcium supplements should be taken with meals to maximize absorption and minimize side effects.

2009·

1citation

The Medical letter on drugs and therapeutics·

DOI

CHAPTER 2:The Biological Roles of Calcium: Nutrition, Diseases and Analysis

Calcium plays a crucial role in plant physiology, human metabolism, and bone formation, with insufficient intake leading to osteoporosis and excessive ingestion increasing the risk of renal calculus and intestinal constipation.

2015·

7citations

·L. M. Moreira et al.

DOI

Calcium supplements: bad for the heart?

Calcium supplements may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal symptoms, and kidney calculi, while improving HDL/LDL ratios and reducing blood pressure without reducing cardiovascular events.

Rigorous Journal

2012·

42citations

·I. Reid et al.

Heart·

DOI

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