RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Excessive Ingestion of Almond Milk Causes Severe Hypercalcemia and Acute Kidney Injury in a Patient With Chronic Kidney Disease
JF Ochsner Journal
JO Ochsner J
FD O. P. Jindal Global University
SP 64
OP 66
DO 10.31486/toj.24.0067
VO 25
IS 1
A1 Bouhuwaish, Ahmad
A1 Ehnisch, Elgassi
A1 Arhaym, Ahmed Abdullah Husayn
A1 Mohamed, Muner M. B.
A1 Velez, Juan Carlos Q.
YR 2025
UL http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/25/1/64.abstract
AB Background Almond milk has a higher calcium content than cow's milk. Hypercalcemia after consuming almond milk has been reported in infants, but to our knowledge, we report the first case of almond milk–induced severe hypercalcemia in an adult.Case Report A 66-year-old male with a history of diabetes and chronic kidney disease was referred to the emergency department because of laboratory results that showed severe hypercalcemia and acutely elevated serum creatinine. The family member who brought the patient to the hospital reported that he had displayed intermittent confusion. History revealed that 4 weeks prior, the patient had stopped his habit of consuming a gallon of cow's milk every day because of hyperglycemia. He switched to consuming a gallon of unsweetened almond milk every day, leading to severe hypercalcemia. Other causes of hypercalcemia were ruled out. Treatment with intravenous fluids and calcitonin normalized the patient's serum calcium level and improved his kidney function.Conclusion The consumption of almond milk in large quantities is associated with the potential risk of hypercalcemia, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease. Careful consideration of the mineral content is recommended.