Hyperparathyroidism causes an excess amount of calcium in the blood, increasing the risk of health conditions like osteoporosis, heart attack and stroke. But a recent study Henry Ford Health contributed to found that taking daily vitamin D and calcium supplements may reduce the risk of hyperparathyroidism.
“Your parathyroid hormone ensures you have the right amount of calcium in your blood,” says Eric Adjei Boakye, Ph.D., one of the study authors and an assistant scientist at Henry Ford Health. “When you have hyperparathyroidism, this hormone goes into overdrive. It leaches calcium from your bones to deposit into your blood – which is why it can cause brittle bones and osteoporosis. It can also cause kidney stones, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke because excess calcium can build up in your kidneys, blood vessels and heart.” Brain fog, fatigue and headaches can also be symptoms, as hyperparathyroidism causes changes in the body that can interfere with neurological function.
Why Vitamin D and Calcium Can Reduce Your Risk Of Hyperparathyroidism
Those who are age 50+ and female are at an increased risk for hyperparathyroidism. Being vitamin D and calcium deficient are also risk factors – and most Americans are vitamin D deficient.
“Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, so when you are vitamin D deficient, there’s a good chance you could also be lacking in calcium,” says Dr. Adjei Boakye. “While it might seem counterintuitive, being calcium deficient can signal your parathyroid hormone to overproduce calcium, causing hyperparathyroidism.” Ensuring you are getting enough vitamin D and calcium in your diet, then, can help keep calcium levels balanced.
But Dr. Adjei Boakye recommends talking to your doctor before taking vitamin D and calcium supplements. “Too much vitamin D and calcium can cause other health issues, too,” he says.
Endocrinology At Henry Ford Health
The Link Between Obesity and Hyperparathyroidism
The study also found that those who are obese are also more likely to develop hyperparathyroidism. While obesity is not yet a confirmed risk factor, there are a few hypotheses as to why it could be:
- With increased body mass, vitamin D levels decrease.
- Increased weight is associated with increased resistance to the insulin hormone. It may also cause increased resistance to the parathyroid hormone, decreasing calcium levels in the blood and stimulating the parathyroid hormone to overcorrect.
Can Vitamin D and Calcium Treat Hyperparathyroidism?
If you already have hyperparathyroidism, Dr. Adjei Boakye says it’s most likely that non-reversible changes have occurred and taking vitamin D and calcium alone wouldn’t alleviate your condition. At that point, you’d need to seek treatment options from your doctor, which include surgery, medication and healthy lifestyle modifications – including exercising, drinking plenty of water and eating a well-rounded diet.
Reviewed by Eric Adjei Boakye, Ph.D., an assistant scientist in the department of public health sciences at Henry Ford Health.
