In hypercalcemia, which dietary guidance is recommended?

• A. Eat foods high in calcium and take supplements
• B. Discourage use of calcium/vitamin D supplementation
• C. Avoid fluids
• D. Limit phosphoric acid beverages

Answer: (B)

When calcium is high in the blood, the goal is to reduce the amount of calcium entering and being absorbed. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption from the gut, and calcium supplements add to the total calcium load. So discouraging calcium and vitamin D supplementation directly lowers exogenous calcium input and helps bring levels down. Hydration and medical treatments may also be needed, but the most straightforward dietary step to address hypercalcemia is to avoid adding extra calcium and vitamin D. Eating calcium-rich foods isn’t the same as taking supplements, but the key is not to introduce more calcium or vitamin D beyond what the body needs. The other options would either increase calcium (eating more calcium or taking supplements), reduce the body’s ability to excrete calcium (avoiding fluids), or aren’t the primary targeted dietary change in this situation.