Importance of Calcium for Cancer Patients

Calcium is a distinctive and indispensable dietary mineral generally found in yoghurt, cheese, milk, and leafy vegetables. It is furthermore found in specific grains, lentils, beans, peas, peanuts, and Nuts. It is a determining and fundamental element of human teeth and bones. It also plays a vital role in the clotting of blood due to injuries. A precise amount of Calcium is highly required to properly function muscles, nerves, and heart. Thus, it is unquestionably the most significant and abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium supplements for cancer patients play a fundamental role in treating different types of cancer symptoms, especially prostate and Colorectal Cancer.

Also Read: Calcium

Role of Calcium:

Analyzing the right amount is a critical factor, it can lead to Prostate Cancer and cardiovascular problems. However, consuming the right amount can help inhibit bone fracture, colorectal cancer, and osteoporosis.

It plays a plethora of significant and imperative roles in the human body. It is involved in systematic muscle contraction, blood clotting, nerve transmission, and enzyme reaction. In situations of low estrogen and Calcium levels, the body uses bone Calcium for different body processes.

Insufficient calcium level in the blood leads to high blood pressure. Studies suggest that the intake of calcium supplements can advance the risk of cardiac events and heart disease. However, it hasn't been approved yet with proper clinical trials.

It is not only present in several foods but is also found in certain antacids. The advantages and potential threats are still unclear. Thus, consulting your doctor before making use of it is essential.

Uses of Calcium:

• Preventing Cancer- In recent years, several clinical trials have been performed on humans to determine if it helps treat cancer. However, a meticulous result of supplemental and dietaryCalciuminCancer Treatment hasn't been analyzed and detected. It is unquestionably a potential threat for causing Prostate Cancer. However, some medical institutions recommend an adequate amount for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disordersStudies aren't certain about the cardiovascular risks caused by it. Furthermore, additional studies can help analyze the potential risks and benefits.
• Decreasing high blood pressure- According to studies, clinical trials have been performed to determine that it plays a vital role in decreasing diastolic and systolic blood levels in the body.
• Preventing the progression of osteoporosis-According to research, specific supplements can inhibit bone loss in aged women. Moreover, decreased bone loss can help in avoiding bone fractures.

Lack of Calcium

Calcium deficiency can cause a variety of health problems. Adults with insufficient calcium are more likely to develop osteoporosis, which is characterized by weak and porous bones that are readily fractured. Because osteoporosis is more frequent in elderly women than in men, the National Institutes of Health recommends that they eat more calcium than their male counterparts.

Calcium supplements

A calcium supplement can assist you in getting enough calcium in your diet. Calcium supplements in the form of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the most commonly prescribed.
Calcium carbonate is less expensive and more widely available. Most antacid medications include it. It must be taken with meals to be effective.

Calcium citrate does not need to be taken with meals, and it may be more easily absorbed by older persons who have less stomach acid.
Calcium supplements do have negative effects, so keep that in mind. Constipation, gas, and bloating are all possible side effects. Your body's capacity to absorb other nutrients or drugs may be harmed as a result of the supplements. Before starting any supplements, see your doctor.

Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the body, including bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. While calcium itself is not a direct cancer treatment, research suggests that it may have some potential benefits in fighting certain types of cancer. Here are some ways in which calcium may contribute to cancer prevention and treatment:

Inhibition of cell growth: Studies have indicated that calcium can regulate cell growth and differentiation. Adequate calcium levels can help prevent uncontrolled cell proliferation, which is a hallmark of cancer development.

Apoptosis promotion: Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a natural process that eliminates damaged or abnormal cells. Calcium ions play a role in regulating this process. Proper calcium levels can help induce apoptosis in cancer cells, contributing to their elimination.

Reduced colon cancer risk: Several studies have suggested a potential link between higher calcium intake and a reduced risk of colon cancer. Calcium binds to bile acids in the colon, reducing their harmful effects on the intestinal lining and potentially decreasing the risk of cancerous changes.

Anti-inflammatory effects: Chronic inflammation can promote cancer development and progression. Calcium has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to reduce inflammation-induced DNA damage and subsequent cancer risk.

Protection against DNA damage: Calcium ions are involved in DNA repair processes, and maintaining sufficient calcium levels may support efficient DNA repair mechanisms. By aiding in DNA repair, calcium can help prevent the accumulation of genetic mutations that can lead to cancer.

Hormone regulation: Calcium is involved in regulating hormone levels in the body. Hormones such as estrogen have been linked to certain cancers, and calcium may help modulate their effects. For example, adequate calcium intake has been associated with a lower risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancers.

It's important to note that while calcium intake may have potential benefits in cancer prevention and treatment, it should be consumed within recommended dietary guidelines. Excessive calcium supplementation may have adverse effects on health, including an increased risk of kidney stones. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or starting any new supplementation regimen.

Side-effects of Calcium:

• Consuming an appropriate amount is indispensable to avoid future damage to your body. It comprises several side effects if taken inappropriately. Chalky taste, constipation, dry mouth, and flatulence are a few of the common side effects.
• A higherCalciumblood level in aged women can result in the above side effects such as constipation and Dry mouth.
• Abusing Calcium in the long term can risk causing urinary stones.
• Nausea and Fatigue are rare but obvious side effects.
• Consuming high doses can risk a potential stroke.

Also Read: Importance of Calcium for Cancer Patients

Potential risks:

• It can affect the absorption of zinc, magnesium, and iron.
• High consumption or overdosing on Calcium can lead to a potential threat to the prostate glands causing Prostate Cancer. It can also cause milk-alkali syndrome.
• Patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases can fall prey to Calcium-associated cardiovascular disease.
• Excessive Vitamin D and calcium supplements can cause kidney stones. Eating calcium foods rather than supplements can help decrease the risk of kidney stones.

Additional Insights:

• Consuming it via dietary food such as leafy vegetables rather than supplements can help potentially decrease the risk of kidney stones.
• Patients requiring a specific amount of calcium supplementation are advised to improve fluid intake. Improving your fluid intake can help lower the risk of kidney stones.
• Several medications, such as gastric reflux medications can lower its absorption to a certain extent.
• It is said to be an ingredient in several antacids.

To sum up, It is a vitally essential mineral found in the human body. Excessive Calcium in your blood is a condition known as hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is a severe condition and can be found in several patients going for Cancer Treatment. It is thus necessary to treat yourself if you're suffering from high Calcium levels. A higher Calcium level can be a potential threat to different body parts and can cause Lung Cancer Symptoms, Breast Cancer Symptoms, Leukaemia, etc. Therefore, the right amount can unquestionably help to avoid becoming a victim of different forms of cancer. Moreover, consuming sufficient but not excessive amounts can help relieve pain caused during cancer treatments.

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Reference:

1. Brunner RL, Wactawski-Wende J, Caan BJ, Cochrane BB, Chlebowski RT, Gass ML, Jacobs ET, LaCroix AZ, Lane D, Larson J, Margolis KL, Millen AE, Sarto GE, Vitolins MZ, Wallace RB. The effect of calcium plus vitamin D on risk for invasive cancer: results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) calcium plus vitamin D randomized clinical trial. Nutr Cancer. 2011;63(6):827-41. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2011.594208. Epub 2011 Jul 20. PMID: 21774589; PMCID: PMC3403703.

2. Datta M, Schwartz GG. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation and loss of bone mineral density in women undergoing breast cancer therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2013 Dec;88(3):613-24. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2013.07.002. Epub 2013 Aug 7. PMID: 23932583; PMCID: PMC3844003.