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Why taking calcium tablets 'randomly' can do more harm than good to your health

India has one of the world's lowest calcium intakes—but according to endocrinologist Dr Ambrish Mithal, that doesn't mean everyone should start taking calcium tablets. In this interview with ThePrint's Sneha Richhariya, Dr Mithal explains why calcium supplements are often prescribed irrationally, why many people take far more calcium than they actually need, and why food should remain the primary source of calcium. He also discusses why India continues to have poor calcium intake despite being the world's largest milk producer, the importance of dairy in meeting daily calcium requirements, and why trends encouraging people to eliminate dairy may be hurting bone health. Dr Mithal also raises concerns about the widespread use of calcium tablets containing calcitriol, an activated form of vitamin D that he says is unnecessary for most people and may increase the risk of high calcium levels and kidney stones. The interview also covers common myths around calcium supplements, whether they really cause heart attacks or kidney stones, who genuinely needs supplementation, and why doctors should prescribe calcium more judiciously. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exclusive content, special privileges & more – Subscribe to ThePrint for Special benefits: https://theprint.in/subscribe/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with ThePrint » Subscribe to ThePrint: https://theprint.in/subscribe/ » Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3nCMpht » Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theprintindia » Tweet us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theprintindia » Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprintindia » Find us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/theprint » Subscribe to ThePrint on Telegram: https://t.me/ThePrintIndia » Find us on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2NMVlnB » Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3pEOta8