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 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:
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.
Filomena Cetani is in Pisa, Italy. Cetani is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. She is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Hypercalcemia, Milk-Alkali Syndrome, Hyperparathyroidism, and Parathyroid Adenoma.
Claudio Marcocci is in Pisa, Italy. Marcocci is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hypercalcemia, Milk-Alkali Syndrome, Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia, and Hyperparathyroidism.
Fadil Hannan is in Oxford, United Kingdom. Hannan is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Milk-Alkali Syndrome, Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia, Hypercalcemia, and Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia Type 1.
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:
Contact your health care provider if:
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.
Published Date : October 31, 2021
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 Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Bringhurst FR, Demay MB, Kronenberg HM. Hormones and disorders of mineral metabolism. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 29.
DuBose TD. Metabolic alkalosis. In: Gilbert SJ, Weiner DE, eds. National Kidney Foundation Primer on Kidney Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 14.