Calcium and constipation

[sneaky_boa]

I was just researching herps and calcium supplements, and although I have been keeping herps for YEARS, I've just discovered that too much calcium supplementation can lead to constipation (in the article this was non-species specific). Anyone know if cartain herp species are more prone to this than others, or if this is a general rule of thumb for all????

I wonder if the same is true for humans.....

[Linds]

I don't know, but I know reptile calcium supplements are often made from calcium carbonate (sam thing as Tums), which is actually a poorly absorbed source of calcium, and also acts as an antacid. My guess would be that it is neutralizing things excessively, and hence causing digestive problems.

Most constipation problems in reptiles are caused from ingesting excess amount of indigestible matter. Some arboreal snakes are sensitive to constipation as as a result of improper feeding or husbandry. I don't know of any lizards or amphibians that are generally more sensitive to those type of situations than others. Maybe someone else will be able to shed light on that.