Milk-Alkali SyndromeSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Milk-Alkali Syndrome
Milk-alkali syndrome is a condition in which there is a high level of calcium in the body (hypercalcemia). This causes a shift in the body's acid/base balance toward alkaline (metabolic alkalosis). As a result, there can be a loss of kidney function.
Calcium-alkali syndrome; Cope syndrome; Burnett syndrome; Hypercalcemia; Calcium metabolism disorder
Milk-alkali syndrome is almost always caused by taking too many calcium supplements, usually in the form of calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is a common calcium supplement. It is often taken to prevent or treat bone loss (osteoporosis). Calcium carbonate is also an ingredient found in many antacids (such as Tums).
A high level of vitamin D in the body, such as from taking supplements, can worsen milk-alkali syndrome.
Calcium deposits in the kidneys and in other tissues can occur in milk-alkali syndrome.
In the beginning, the condition usually has no symptoms (asymptomatic). When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Back, middle of the body, and low back pain in the kidney area (related to kidney stones)
- Confusion, strange behavior
- Constipation
- Depression
- Excessive urination
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Other symptoms that can result from kidney failure
In severe cases, treatment involves giving fluids through the vein (by IV). Otherwise, treatment involves drinking fluids along with reducing or stopping calcium supplements and antacids that contain calcium. Vitamin D supplements also need to be reduced or stopped.
North Hills Health Center - Specialty Clinics
Joseph Shaker is an Endocrinologist practicing medicine in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Dr. Shaker is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Milk-Alkali Syndrome, Hypercalcemia, Hyperparathyroidism, Parathyroidectomy, and Thyroidectomy. Dr. Shaker is board certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes And Metabolism and Internal Medicine. Dr. Shaker is currently accepting new patients.
Germantown Health Center
Amy Miller is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Germantown, Wisconsin. Dr. Miller is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. She is also highly rated in 54 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, and High Cholesterol. Dr. Miller is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Miller is currently accepting new patients.
Ravinder Singh, Md, Inc.
Ravinder Singh is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Dr. Singh is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 121 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hypercalcemia, Milk-Alkali Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and Parathyroidectomy. Dr. Singh is board certified in American Board Of Family Medicine. Dr. Singh is currently accepting new patients.
This condition is often reversible if kidney function remains normal. Severe prolonged cases may lead to permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis.
The most common complications include:
- Calcium deposits in tissues (calcinosis)
- Kidney failure
- Kidney stones
Contact your health care provider if:
- You take a lot of calcium supplements or you often use antacids that contain calcium, such as Tums. You may need to be checked for milk-alkali syndrome.
- You have any symptoms that might suggest kidney problems.
If you use calcium-containing antacids often, tell your provider about digestive problems. If you are trying to prevent osteoporosis, do not take more than 1.2 grams (1200 milligrams) of calcium per day unless instructed by your provider.
Summary: Jansen s Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia (JMC) is a very rare disorder with only approximately 30 people known to have the disease worldwide. It is caused by parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R) variants leading to constitutive activation of the receptor for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP). PTH1R is predominantly expressed in the kidneys and bone and growth...
Summary: This trial is a multicenter, open-label, biology driven, phase II study using a sequential Bayesian design, aiming to assess the efficacy and safety of different Matched Targeted Therapy (MTT) in independent and parallel cohorts of treatment. Patients will be assigned to a treatment cohort based on molecular alterations/characteristics detected on tumor sample from primary tumor or metastatic lesi...
Published Date: October 23, 2025
Published By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Bilezikian JP, Walker MD, Binkley N, Goltzman D, Mannstadt M. Hormones and disorders of mineral metabolism. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 27.
Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 104.
Thakker RV. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 227.