The Russian doctor Mikhail Labukhin warned that uncontrolled consumption of calcium supplements without medical supervision or health justification could lead to serious health complications.
The doctor said in an interview with the Russian newspaper "Gazeta.ru": "Some people resort to taking calcium supplements randomly, believing that they improve the health of hair, nails, and teeth, but this belief is incorrect, as these tissues primarily depend on keratin and sulfur-containing amino acids, while the main role of calcium is to support the health of bones and the nervous system."
He added: "Taking calcium supplements does not improve the health of hair or nails, as calcium goes to the bones or remains in the bloodstream, and it does not benefit the enamel of the teeth, which finishes forming between the ages of 13 and 15, and requires fluoride found in toothpaste for maintenance."
The doctor warned that random use of these supplements could lead to elevated calcium levels in the blood for up to eight hours after taking the dose.
He added that regular consumption without medical need for five years could increase the risk of heart disease by 20 to 30%, and it raises the risk of kidney stones by about 20%.
Labukhin advised people suffering from hair loss to check their levels of iron, copper, and zinc, due to their essential role in keratin production, recommending obtaining these elements from natural sources, such as seafood, legumes, grains, and nuts, and warned that excessive calcium intake could hinder the absorption of iron and zinc in the body.
The doctor emphasized the necessity of medical examinations and consulting a physician before taking any dietary supplements, ensuring vitamin D levels are adequate, as it plays a crucial role in enhancing calcium absorption from food.