Milk-alkali syndrome

Definition

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.

Alternative Names

Calcium-alkali syndrome; Cope syndrome; Burnett syndrome; Hypercalcemia; Calcium metabolism disorder

Causes

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.

Symptoms

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

Exams and Tests

Calcium deposits within the tissue of the kidney (nephrocalcinosis) may be seen on:

Other tests used to make a diagnosis may include:

Electrolyte levels to check the mineral levels in the body
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the electrical activity of the heart
Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure the electrical activity of the brain
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to check how well the kidneys are working
Blood calcium and vitamin D levels

Treatment

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

This condition is often reversible if kidney function remains normal. Severe prolonged cases may lead to permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis.

Possible Complications

The most common complications include:

Calcium deposits in tissues (calcinosis)
Kidney failure
Kidney stones

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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.

Prevention

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.

References

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, Rosner MH. Metabolic alkalosis. In: Gilbert S, ed. National Kidney Foundation Primer on Kidney Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 14.

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.