.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Calcium
People with kidney failure may develop high blood levels of calcium while taking calcium
acetate. Since calcium acetate is a source of supplemental calcium, people taking the drug
should avoid taking additional calcium supplements.1 People experiencing adverse
effects of high blood calcium—such as loss of appetite, mental depression, poor memory,
and muscle weakness—should notify their healthcare practitioner.
Zinc
People with renal failure or on hemodialysis often have low blood levels of zinc, which may
produce symptoms such as abnormal taste or smell, reduced sexual functions, and poor immunity.
One controlled study showed that taking zinc at the same time as calcium acetate reduces
absorption of zinc.2 Therefore, people should avoid taking calcium acetate and zinc
supplements together. Another controlled study revealed that neither short-term nor long-term
treatment with calcium acetate results in reduced blood zinc levels.3 Thus, while
calcium acetate reduces the amount of zinc absorbed from supplements, long-term treatment with
the drug does not appear to affect overall zinc status. However, people with renal failure who
experience symptoms of zinc deficiency might benefit from supplementing with zinc, regardless
of whether or not they take calcium acetate.
Interaction with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Taking calcium acetate with food reduces absorption of phosphorus, which is the goal of
therapy.4 Therefore, calcium acetate should be taken with a meal.
Antacids
(Calcium-containing)
Calcium-containing antacids, when taken together with calcium acetate, may result in
abnormally high blood levels of calcium.5 Consequently, people taking calcium
acetate should avoid taking calcium-containing antacids.
Summary of Interactions for Calcium Acetate
| Depletion or interference | Zinc |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | Antacids
(calcium-containing) Calcium |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | Food |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 811–2.
2. Hwang SH, Lai YH, Chen HC, Tsai JH. Comparisons of the effects of calcium carbonate and calcium acetate on zinc tolerance test in hemodialysis patients. Am J Kidney Dis 1992;19:57–60
3. Hwang SJ, Chang JM, Lee SC, et al. Short- and long-term uses of calcium acetate do not change hair and serum zinc concentrations in hemodialysis patients. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1999;59:83–7.
4. Schiller LR, Santa Ana CA, Sheikh MS, et al. Effect of the time of administration of calcium acetate on phosphorus binding. N Engl J Med 1989;320:1110–3.
5. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 811–2.
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The information presented in VitaminLore is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.