What are the potential implications of high calcium intake in CKD patients?

High calcium intake in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can have serious health implications, primarily due to its potential to contribute to vascular calcification and hypercalcemia. In CKD, the ability of the kidneys to excrete potassium, phosphate, and other minerals, including calcium, becomes impaired. As a result, excessive calcium might accumulate in the body.

When calcium levels become elevated, this can lead to hypercalcemia, which is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, and confusion. More critically, high calcium levels can exacerbate or contribute to vascular calcification, a condition where calcium deposits build up in the blood vessels. This process can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is already elevated in CKD patients.

Moreover, patients with CKD often deal with mineral and bone disorders, where the regulation of calcium and phosphate is abnormal. Therefore, careful management of calcium intake is necessary to prevent these complications and to maintain overall health in patients with CKD.

Other choices do not address the significant risks associated with excessive calcium intake in this population, highlighting the importance of careful dietary planning in managing CKD.