Can calcium make you constipated
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Can Calcium Make You Constipated?
Calcium Supplementation and Constipation in Healthy Individuals
Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Phosphate
The relationship between calcium supplementation and constipation has been a topic of interest, particularly concerning common forms of calcium such as calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate. A study involving healthy women who took 500 mg/day of elemental calcium from either calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate found no significant impact on stool frequency or form. Participants reported similar stool frequencies and types across baseline, supplementation, and washout periods, indicating that these forms of calcium do not contribute to constipation in healthy individuals.
Calcium Polycarbophil and Constipation Management
Efficacy in Autonomic Failure and Multiple System Atrophy
Calcium polycarbophil, a different form of calcium, has been studied for its effects on constipation, particularly in patients with primary autonomic failure (PAF) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). In a study involving these patients, calcium polycarbophil significantly improved bowel movement frequency and ease of defecation without causing adverse effects. This suggests that calcium polycarbophil can be beneficial in managing constipation in these specific patient groups.
Clinical Practice and Chronic Constipation
Further research on calcium polycarbophil in a broader population of patients with chronic non-organic constipation showed that it effectively reduced stool consistency and the force required for evacuation. The majority of patients experienced significant improvements, and the treatment was well-tolerated without significant side effects. This supports the use of calcium polycarbophil as a therapeutic option for chronic constipation.
Impact on Intestinal Ecosystem in Children
In children with chronic functional constipation, calcium polycarbophil was also evaluated. The treatment led to clinical resolution or improvement in a significant portion of the children, although it did not significantly alter the composition of the intestinal flora. This indicates that while calcium polycarbophil can alleviate constipation symptoms, it does not disrupt the intestinal ecosystem.
Conclusion
Overall, while common forms of calcium such as calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate do not appear to cause constipation in healthy individuals, calcium polycarbophil has been shown to be effective in managing constipation in specific patient groups, including those with autonomic failure and chronic non-organic constipation. It is also effective in children with chronic functional constipation without negatively impacting the intestinal flora. Therefore, calcium supplementation's impact on constipation largely depends on the form of calcium and the population being studied.
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