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Does Calcium Supplements Cause Muscle Cramps?
Question: Hi,
I am 66 years old. When I was younger I took lots of calcium supplements along with getting lots of calcium in my food. I noticed about 10 years ago that the only time I would have nighttime leg cramps was after eating yogurt with my dinner. When I stopped the yogurt the cramps stopped. I was confused because I thought calcium was supposed to help with cramps. I also was taking enough magnesium glycinate, copper, zinc, D, E, water etc. Now it is recommended to only get 1200 mg. a day of calcium and that should include what you are eating. I figured out I get about 900 mg. of calcium in my plant based diet (whey also) and so I would take, about 3 times a week, 300mg. of calcium citrate powder. Again, the nights I take this calcium powder I get leg cramps. My naturalpath doctor says it is just a coinincidence. What is your opinion? It seems my body may not need the extra calcium but out of fear for not getting enough calcium I still take some. I also take, at a different time of day, strontium. Thanks. Diane XXXXXXX YYYY@YYYY
I am 66 years old. When I was younger I took lots of calcium supplements along with getting lots of calcium in my food. I noticed about 10 years ago that the only time I would have nighttime leg cramps was after eating yogurt with my dinner. When I stopped the yogurt the cramps stopped. I was confused because I thought calcium was supposed to help with cramps. I also was taking enough magnesium glycinate, copper, zinc, D, E, water etc. Now it is recommended to only get 1200 mg. a day of calcium and that should include what you are eating. I figured out I get about 900 mg. of calcium in my plant based diet (whey also) and so I would take, about 3 times a week, 300mg. of calcium citrate powder. Again, the nights I take this calcium powder I get leg cramps. My naturalpath doctor says it is just a coinincidence. What is your opinion? It seems my body may not need the extra calcium but out of fear for not getting enough calcium I still take some. I also take, at a different time of day, strontium. Thanks. Diane XXXXXXX YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Cramps not related to calcium
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
I agree with your doctor in that the cramps after eating yoghurt is just a co incidence. It is not true that only low calcium causes cramps, high calcium can also cause cramps. I recommend that you get your calcium levels tests once to know if you have over shot it.
Low Vit d is also known to cause cramps. Please get your vit d levels checked as well.
I hope I was of help, please get back to me for any further queries
Regards
Cramps not related to calcium
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
I agree with your doctor in that the cramps after eating yoghurt is just a co incidence. It is not true that only low calcium causes cramps, high calcium can also cause cramps. I recommend that you get your calcium levels tests once to know if you have over shot it.
Low Vit d is also known to cause cramps. Please get your vit d levels checked as well.
I hope I was of help, please get back to me for any further queries
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Are you saying that too much calcium can also cause leg cramps? If that is so, then why would it be a coincidence if eating lots of yogurt gave me leg cramps?
Also, for the $18.00 I paid for asking this question I was told I could have two follow up questions. Since you are a doctor that specializes in the kidney I have a question concerning my kidney. I read where too much protein is not good for the kidney. Are some forms of protein, such as whey protein, easier on the kidney then say, for instance, red meat? How much protein, in the form of plant protein, can the kidney handle safely in one day.
Thanks. Diane XXXXXXX
Also, for the $18.00 I paid for asking this question I was told I could have two follow up questions. Since you are a doctor that specializes in the kidney I have a question concerning my kidney. I read where too much protein is not good for the kidney. Are some forms of protein, such as whey protein, easier on the kidney then say, for instance, red meat? How much protein, in the form of plant protein, can the kidney handle safely in one day.
Thanks. Diane XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for getting back
Since there are many questions, i'll answer your questions one by one so that I dont miss any
1. It is true that too much calcium also can cause cramps. Eating yogurt and getting cramps is a co incidence because the absorption of calcium from the yogurt to show symptoms will take atleast 24 hours
2. Too much protein is detrimental to the kidney. You can take upto 1.1 g/kg per day of protein. Both animal and plant protein can be taken. However animal protein is superior in quality.
3. Whey is easier on the kidneys than red meat, as it is already broken down.
4. I recommend 0.8 to 1.1 g of protein per kg per day
Regards
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for getting back
Since there are many questions, i'll answer your questions one by one so that I dont miss any
1. It is true that too much calcium also can cause cramps. Eating yogurt and getting cramps is a co incidence because the absorption of calcium from the yogurt to show symptoms will take atleast 24 hours
2. Too much protein is detrimental to the kidney. You can take upto 1.1 g/kg per day of protein. Both animal and plant protein can be taken. However animal protein is superior in quality.
3. Whey is easier on the kidneys than red meat, as it is already broken down.
4. I recommend 0.8 to 1.1 g of protein per kg per day
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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