Tag: Milk alkali syndrome

Studies show that excessive use of calcium carbonate has led to a resurgence of milk-alkali syndrome, a dangerous condition characterized by high calcium, metabolic alkalosis, and renal insufficiency. This highlights the critical importance of understanding who cannot take calcium carbonate and the potential risks involved.

A standard Tums tablet contains 500-750 mg of calcium carbonate, which provides a significant amount of elemental calcium that the body can absorb. Therefore, the short answer is yes, taking Tums can and does increase your calcium levels. This occurs whether you are taking it for heartburn relief or specifically for supplementation.

Approximately one in five adults experiences weekly heartburn, often reaching for over-the-counter remedies like Tums. While effective for occasional relief, daily use is not recommended and can pose significant health risks. Taking Tums daily can disrupt the body's calcium balance, potentially leading to issues such as hypercalcemia, kidney problems, and even a phenomenon known as acid rebound.

Now the third most common cause of hypercalcemia in hospitalized patients, milk-alkali syndrome is often caused by taking too many calcium supplements like Tums [1.5.4, 1.5.5]. To ensure safety, it's crucial to understand what not to eat with Tums.