Calcium

Overview

Calcium is a vital mineral found primarily in bones and teeth, playing crucial roles in muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. About 99% of the body's calcium is stored in bones and teeth, providing structural support. The remaining 1% circulates in the blood and is essential for critical bodily functions. Calcium levels in the blood are tightly regulated by the parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and calcitonin. These mechanisms ensure that when blood calcium levels drop, calcium is released from bones, absorbed from the intestines, or conserved by the kidneys. Imbalances in calcium levels can indicate various health issues, including bone diseases, kidney disorders, and problems with the parathyroid glands.

Testing Levels:

• High (2.6 mmol/L) - Elevated calcium levels (hypercalcemia) can indicate hyperparathyroidism, certain cancers, excessive vitamin D intake, or prolonged immobilisation. Symptoms of high calcium levels include fatigue, nausea, confusion, and bone pain. Chronic hypercalcemia can lead to kidney stones and cardiovascular issues.
  
  
• Mid - Normal calcium levels indicate that the body's calcium regulation mechanisms are functioning properly, ensuring adequate calcium availability for bones, teeth, muscle function, and other critical processes. A balanced diet typically helps maintain these levels.
  
  Calcium levels near the upper limit might suggest early signs of hypercalcemia, often due to mild hyperparathyroidism or high dietary calcium intake. It’s important to monitor these levels and address any underlying issues to prevent complications.
  
  Calcium levels near the lower end might suggest a slight deficiency, which could be due to low dietary intake, malabsorption, or mild hypoparathyroidism. It’s important to monitor these levels and consider dietary adjustments or supplements if necessary.
  
  
• Low (2.1 mmol/L) - Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) can result from inadequate dietary intake, vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, or chronic kidney disease. Symptoms include muscle cramps, tingling in fingers, fatigue, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias. Treating the underlying cause and possibly supplementing calcium are essential steps.

Why We Test Calcium

Testing calcium levels is important for diagnosing and managing conditions affecting bones, kidneys, and parathyroid glands. It's particularly useful for individuals with symptoms like muscle cramps, bone pain, fatigue, or those at risk for osteoporosis. Monitoring calcium levels helps ensure proper bone density, prevent kidney stones, and maintain overall metabolic balance.

What Affects It

Factors influencing calcium levels include dietary intake, absorption efficiency in the intestines, kidney function, levels of vitamin D and PTH, and certain medications. Conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, kidney disease, and vitamin D deficiencies can significantly impact calcium levels.

How to Improve

For high calcium levels, identifying and treating the underlying cause is crucial. This may involve adjusting medications, reducing calcium and vitamin D intake, or treating hyperparathyroidism. For low levels, increasing dietary calcium through foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods is important. Vitamin D supplements can enhance calcium absorption. Regular monitoring and working with a healthcare provider are essential for managing and maintaining balanced calcium levels.

Common Name: Calcium