Oyster shell calcium induced parotid swelling.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Calcium and vitamin D3 are crucial for various bodily functions, including potential roles in salivary secretion.
• The specific impact of oyster shell calcium and vitamin D3 on human parotid secretion remains largely uninvestigated.

Observation:

• A 59-year-old female experienced recurrent parotid gland swelling after taking oyster shell calcium with vitamin D3.
• The swelling resolved upon discontinuation of the supplement and recurred upon re-initiation, suggesting a causal link.

Findings:

• The adverse drug reaction (ADR) was assessed as 'certain' by the World Health Organization (WHO) causality assessment scale.
• Naranjo's algorithm classified the reaction as 'probable', and Hartwig's severity scale rated it as 'mild'.
• Vitamin D3 was ruled out as the causative agent, with oyster shell calcium identified as the suspected culprit.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, adverse effect of widely used oyster shell calcium supplements.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying calcium's role in parotid secretion and potential hypersensitivity reactions.