Final answer:
Taking a calcium supplement in quantities greater than 2,500 mg per day can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition resulting in an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood, which may cause various health issues including decreased bone density, calcium deposits in tissues and confusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Taking a calcium supplement in quantities greater than 2,500 mg per day can lead to hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood. If the kidneys cannot filter out the excess calcium, symptoms such as lethargy, sluggish reflexes, constipation, loss of appetite, confusion, and possibly coma can occur. It is important for calcium homeostasis to maintain a blood calcium level of about 10 mg/dL. Homeostasis is regulated by hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and calcitonin and involves the skeletal, endocrine, digestive, and urinary systems working in tandem. In hyperparathyroidism, which can be a consequence of taking excessive calcium, bone density may decrease leading to spontaneous fractures and the formation of calcium deposits in tissues and organs, impairing their function.