First thing you would want to do is check out any vitamins you may be taking and make sure they don’t have calcium added. If they do, you may want to talk to your doctor about alternative vitamins that don’t have calcium in them. Many times, your nephrologist will recommend a “renal vitamin” instead of regular multivitamins like Centrum Silver. Next, let’s look at food sources. Here are some examples of high-calcium food sources: 1) Dairy products such as cow’s milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese. Although many kidney patients have been instructed to use cow’s milk alternatives because of milk’s phosphorus content, these alternatives have extra calcium in them. Cow’s milk alternatives are almond milk, cashew milk and rice milk. Soy milk does contain calcium but it is lower and could be a good alternative. 2) Dark leafy vegetables such kale, broccoli and collard greens have extra calcium; however it depends on the amount and how it is cooked. 3) Kefir, which some people use for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance, is very high in calcium. 4) Enriched products such as orange juice, cereals like Total, Raisin Bran, and even some kid cereals, as well as some flour. 5) Sardines, as they are consumed with bones and all.
Looking at this list can get overwhelming. Talk to a renal dietitian who can help clarify how best to limit your calcium intake.
