Charles Burnett Characterizes The Milk-alkali Syndrome Caused By Excess Intake Of Calcium And Alkali

Who:Charles Burnett
When:May 19 1949

Publishing in the New England Journal of Medicine Charles Hoyt Burnett characterized hypercalcemia, a condition where the body absorbs too much calcium and alkali. Burnett stated it is caused by repeated ingestion of calcium and absorbable alkali (such as calcium carbonate, or milk and sodium bicarbonate, or any antacid with calcium) and thus named it the milk-akali syndrome.

Effects due to hypercalcemia may lead to an increased risk of kidney stones, bone fractures, anorexia, vomiting, constipation and a host of psychiatric effects, including weakness, fatigue and altered mental status.

References

  1. Burnett C.H., Commons R.R., et al. Hypercalcemia without hypercalcuria or hypophosphatemia, calcinosis and renal insufficiency; a syndrome following prolonged intake of milk and alkali. N Engl J Med. 1949 May 19;240(20):787-94.

Links