Russian physician Maxim Labukhin warned that taking calcium supplements without medical supervision or health justification could lead to serious health complications.
In an interview with the Russian newspaper Gazeta.ru, the doctor said: "Some people resort to taking calcium supplements indiscriminately, believing that they improve the health of their hair, nails, and teeth, but this belief is incorrect. These tissues are mainly based on keratin and sulfur-containing amino acids, while the main role of calcium is limited to supporting the health of bones and the nervous system."
He added: “Taking calcium supplements does not improve the health of hair or nails, as the calcium goes to the bones or remains in the bloodstream. It also does not benefit tooth enamel, which is fully formed between the ages of 13 and 15 and needs to be maintained with the fluoride found in toothpaste.”
The doctor warned that the indiscriminate use of these supplements could lead to elevated blood calcium levels for up to eight hours after ingestion. He added that taking them regularly without a medical need for five years could increase the risk of heart disease by 20 to 30 percent and raise the risk of kidney stones by approximately 20 percent.
Lapukhin advised people experiencing hair loss to have their iron, copper, and zinc levels checked, given their essential role in keratin production. He recommended obtaining these elements from natural sources such as seafood, legumes, grains, and nuts. He also cautioned that excessive calcium intake can hinder the body's absorption of iron and zinc.
The doctor stressed the need to undergo medical examinations and consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement, while also checking the level of vitamin D, which plays a key role in enhancing calcium absorption from food
