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.
NewYork Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center
John Bilezikian is an Internal Medicine provider practicing medicine in New York, New York. Dr. Bilezikian is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hyperparathyroidism, Hypoparathyroidism, Hypercalcemia, Parathyroidectomy, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
William Simonds is an Endocrinologist practicing medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Simonds is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Parathyroid Adenoma, Parathyroidectomy, and Thymectomy. Dr. Simonds is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.
University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Naim Maalouf is an Endocrinologist practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Maalouf is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 29 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Milk-Alkali Syndrome, Hypercalcemia, Hyperparathyroidism, Parathyroidectomy, and Ureteroscopy.
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: The study will be an effectiveness study. The study will include enrollment of a total of 20 patients with at least one PC lesion for ultrasound guided RFA to PC recurrence in the neck to assess the effectiveness in reducing patient's hypercalcemia. Patients will have surgically proven PC from prior parathyroidectomy and suspicious PC visible on ultrasound and request for treatment for uncontrolle...
Summary: This study aims to clarify whether surgical treatment of persistent hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation offers clinically meaningful benefits compared with a conservative treatment strategy. Kidney transplant recipients (\>6 mo after transplantation) with persistent hyperparathyroidism (elevated PTH and either hypercalcemia or hypophosphatemia) will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to eit...
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.