14 Best Foods Low in Calcium For People With Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is a condition where there are high levels of calcium in the blood.

Calcium is important for our health, but for people with hypercalcemia, they need foods that are low in calcium.

People with hypercalcemia often need to follow a low-calcium diet to manage their condition.

Even though many foods are rich in calcium, there are several other options that are low in this mineral.

In this article, we’ll talk about 14 types of food that have low levels of calcium. These foods are good for people who have hypercalcemia.

So, if you have this condition, you can include these foods in your diet.

Let’s get started and learn more about them.

14 Foods Low in Calcium for People with Hypercalcemia

According to the national institute of health, adult males between the ages of 19 – 70 years older should consume 1000 mg of calcium.

Adult females in the ages of 19 – 51 years and older is 1000 – 1200 mg.

By incorporating these foods that are low in calcium into your diet, you can help keep a better balance of calcium while still enjoying a wide range of tasty and healthy options.

Here are some of the low calcium foods for people who have hypercalcemia.

1. Almond Milk

Almond milk is a popular dairy milk alternative. It contains a fraction of the calcium found in regular cow’s milk.

On average, one cup of almond milk contains about 450 – 500 mg of calcium.

Use almond milk as the base for a delicious and creamy smoothie.

Combine it with fruits like berries, add some greens like kale, and include a scoop of protein powder for an extra nutritional boost.

2. Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are delicious and nutrient-rich nuts. They contain a modest amount of calcium, making them a suitable choice for people with hypercalcemia.

A 1-ounce serving of hazelnuts provides about 56 mg of calcium.

Simply roast hazelnuts in the oven until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Enjoy them as a delicious and nutritious snack mixed with dried fruits.

Incorporate hazelnuts into your homemade granola mix.

Combine them with oats, dried fruits, seeds, and a sweetener of your choice. Bake until golden and enjoy it with yogurt.

3. Pecans

Pecans are known for their buttery flavor and are often used in baking.

They have minimal calcium content that has about 20 mg of calcium.

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that highlights the rich and buttery flavor of pecans.

Make a traditional pecan pie with a flaky crust and a gooey, caramel-like filling. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Add chopped pecans to your morning oatmeal for extra texture and a nutty flavor.

Top it off with a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and satisfying start to your day.

4. Pistachios

Pistachios are a popular snack known for their unique taste and nutritional benefits.

In terms of calcium content, they’re relatively low, providing 30mg per 1-ounce serving.

Enjoy roasted pistachios as a healthy and satisfying snack on their own. You can also mix them with other nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate for a delicious trail mix.

Sprinkle chopped pistachios over salads to add a crunchy texture and a pop of color. They work well in green salads, grain salads, and fruit salads, bringing a nutty and savory element.

5. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a creamy and dairy-free milk alternative. It has very little calcium, with 38 – 60 mg per one cup serving.

Coconut milk is a common ingredient in many curries and stews, providing a rich and creamy base.

Use it in Thai curries, Indian curries, and Caribbean stews for a flavorful and comforting dish.

Add coconut milk to creamy soups like butternut squash soup, pumpkin soup, or sweet potato soup.

It adds a velvety texture and a subtle coconut flavor to the soup.

6. Raspberries

Raspberries are delicious berries that are packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

They are also low in calcium, and provides only about 30 mg per one cup serving.

Combine raspberries with fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and sliced kiwi.

Toss them together and serve as a refreshing fruit salad.

Simmer raspberries with a little sugar and lemon juice to create a sweet and tangy sauce.

Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, and cheesecake.

7. Cornmeal

Cornmeal, a staple ingredient in many cuisines, is derived from dried corn kernels. It is a low-calcium food, with negligible amounts of calcium that has 8mg per serving.

Make traditional cornbread by combining cornmeal with flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and butter.

Bake it in a preheated oven until golden brown. Serve it as a side dish with chili, soups, or barbecue.

Substitute some of the flour in your pancake recipe with cornmeal to add a deliciously crispy texture and a subtle corn flavor. Serve the pancakes with maple syrup.

8. Barley

Barley is a versatile grain commonly used in soups, stews, and salads.

It is a good option for individuals with hypercalcemia as it contains minimal calcium of about 8 mg.

Prepare a creamy and comforting risotto using barley instead of rice.

Sauté some onions and garlic, then add the barley and gradually incorporate vegetable.

Cook barley until tender, then stir-fry it with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms.

Season with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian-inspired dish.

9. Pasta

Pasta is a pantry staple and a versatile base for many dishes.

Most types of pasta are low in calcium, especially if they are not fortified with additional nutrients.

One cup of pasta contains 19 – 25 mg of calcium.

Cook spaghetti and toss it with a creamy sauce made from eggs, grated cheese, cooked bacon, and black pepper. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and create a luscious, velvety sauce.

Create a vibrant pasta dish by combining cooked pasta with bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus. Toss with olive oil, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.

10. Wheat

Wheat is a widely consumed grain used in bread, cereals, and pastries.

It is naturally low in calcium, making it a suitable choice for those with hypercalcemia. One cup of wheat contains 30 – 35 mg of calcium.

Bake your own homemade whole wheat bread using whole wheat flour. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or use it for sandwiches and toast.

Make fluffy and nutritious pancakes by using whole wheat flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

Serve them with your favorite toppings like fresh yogurt.

11. Beef

Lean cuts of beef, like tenderloin, are generally low in calcium.

It’s important to moderate the intake of beef due to its high protein content, as excessive protein can increase calcium levels.

3 ounces of beef contains 10 mg of calcium.

Cook a tender steak to your desired doneness like sirloin, and serve it simply seasoned with salt and pepper.

Pair it with your favorite side dishes like roasted potatoes, and fresh vegetable salad.

12. Pork

Pork, most especially lean cuts like tenderloin, is relatively low in calcium.

As with beef, you should eat pork in moderation and balance it with other low-calcium options. 3 ounces of beef has about 20 mg of calcium.

Season a pork tenderloin with your favorite herbs and spices, then roast it in the oven until it’s juicy and tender. Serve it sliced with roasted vegetables.

Slow-cook pork shoulder until it’s tender and easily shreddable.

Toss the pulled pork in your favorite barbecue sauce and serve it on a bun with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich.

13. Shrimp

Shrimp is a lean source of protein that is low in calcium. It can be a tasty addition to a low-calcium diet for people with hypercalcemia.

3 ounces of shrimps contains about 100 mg of calcium.

Marinate shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice.

Skewer the shrimp and grill them until they are cooked through and slightly charred. Serve them as an appetizer.

Sauté shrimp with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Fill warm tortillas with the cooked shrimp and add toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lime crema.

14. Salmon

While salmon is a highly nutritious fish, it does contain a moderate amount of calcium.

People with hypercalcemia should exercise caution and limit their intake of salmon.

85 grams of salmon contains about 180 – 210 mg of calcium.

Toss cooked salmon flakes with cooked pasta, sautéed garlic, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and a creamy sauce. Top it up with grated parmesan cheese for added richness.

Brush salmon fillets with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill them over medium heat until they are cooked to your desired doneness, and serve with grilled vegetables.

Takeaway

It’s important for people with hypercalcemia to eat low-calcium foods. By sticking to a low-calcium diet, individuals can help keep their calcium levels under control and avoid complications.

When people with hypercalcemia include foods in their meals that have low amounts of calcium, they can have a diverse and healthy diet while effectively managing the condition.

This means choosing and eating foods that don’t have much calcium in them.

By doing this, they can still enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without worrying about calcium levels getting too high.