Do calcium supplements increase serum and urine calcium levels in post-menopausal women?

The frequent prescription of calcium supplements with vitamin D by health practitioners is a topic of concern globally. The present study was designed to find out whether the calcium supplements with vitamin D really affect serum and urinary calcium levels in post-menopausal women.

The age-matched comparative study was performed among postmenopausal women who were already on and those who were not on calcium supplements with vitamin D for a period of time in relation to the estimation of the serum calcium and the urine calcium levels. Sixty healthy postmenopausal women were enrolled, with thirty among them forming the study group (SG) - who were on calcium supplements with vitamin D for a period of a month, three months, and up to twelve months - were studied and compared the results obtained with the age-matched control group (CG) of thirty post-menopausal women who were not on calcium supplements.

The serum and the urinary calcium levels were estimated by using appropriate biochemical methods and the data were analysed using relevant statistical methods.

The serum calcium levels did not vary significantly in SG in spite of consuming calcium supplements over a period of time, whereas the urinary calcium levels increased progressively (p value < 0.005) in those who have taken calcium supplements for a year compared to those who have taken for a month.

Thus, the calcium supplements were of little significance on the serum calcium levels, but have a significant effect on the urinary calcium levels in post-menopausal women.