Understanding hypocalcemia: Causes and symptoms of low calcium levels

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Calcium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It's essential for building strong bones, enabling muscle movement, nerve function, blood clotting, and heart health.

Calcium is stored primarily in bones, but it's also needed in the blood to facilitate these functions. Inadequate dietary calcium can lead to calcium being drawn from bones, weakening them over time.Calcium deficiency occurs when the level of calcium in the blood is too low; it is referred to as Hypocalcemia. This condition can cause muscle aches, fatigue, and potentially serious complications if left untreated.

In some cases, calcium deficiency may not exhibit early symptoms, making regular check-ups crucial. By understanding the causes and symptoms, you can take proactive steps to manage your calcium levels.

What is calcium, and why is it important for your body?

Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, as well as various bodily functions, including blood vessel regulation, nerve function, blood clotting, and muscle contractions. The body typically maintains calcium balance through hormones like parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, and vitamin D.

What is hypocalcemia?

Hypocalcemia is a condition in which calcium levels in the blood are too low, often due to underlying health conditions. Various health conditions can cause it, often resulting from abnormal levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) or vitamin D. The condition can range from mild to severe and may be temporary or chronic, requiring proper diagnosis and treatment to manage its effects. Treating hypocalcemia is crucial to prevent potential health complications.

Who is affected by hypocalcemia?

Hypocalcemia can affect individuals of all ages, including infants. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the age of onset often depends on the underlying cause. In infants, hypocalcemia is often linked to genetic disorders, while in other cases, it may be caused by various health conditions or factors that disrupt calcium levels in the blood.

Causes of low calcium levels in the body

The following conditions can lead to low calcium levels in the blood, causing hypocalcemia. According to reports, the most common causes include:

Hypoparathyroidism: Low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) due to underactive parathyroid glands.
Vitamin D deficiency: Insufficient vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium.
Kidney failure: High phosphorus levels and reduced vitamin D production in the kidneys.

Other causes include:

Certain medications
Pseudohypoparathyroidism (a genetic disorder affecting PTH response)
Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia)
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Rare genetic disorders, such as DiGeorge syndrome.

Symptoms of hypocalcemia

Mild hypocalcemia may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, as the condition progresses, symptoms can include:

Muscle cramps, especially in the back and legs
Dry, scaly skin
Brittle nails
Coarse hair

If left untreated, hypocalcemia can lead to more severe symptoms, such as:

Neurological symptoms: Confusion, memory problems, irritability, restlessness, depression, and hallucinations
Severe symptoms: Tingling in lips, tongue, fingers, and feet, muscle aches, spasms, tetany, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and congestive heart failure.
Early detection and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Treating and preventing calcium deficiency

The best way to address a calcium deficiency is through dietary changes, incorporating calcium-rich foods such as:

Calcium rich food

Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Beans
Figs
Broccoli
Tofu
Fortified cereals
Nuts and seeds (almonds, sesame seeds)

For vegans, options include fortified plant-based milk, tofu, and leafy greens like kale and spinach.If supplements are needed, consult a doctor to avoid excessive intake, which can lead to hypercalcemia and related health issues. A healthcare professional will determine the best course of treatment.

Calcium blood test

A calcium blood test assesses the amount of calcium in your blood. According to WebMD, for adults, the typical normal range for calcium is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL (2.15 to 2.55 mmol). Reference ranges can vary among laboratory reference ranges. Calcium levels are typically slightly higher in children and adolescents. The test can establish a diagnosis of hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels, and hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, and aid health care providers in considering what may be causing the elevated or decreased calcium levels.

Diagnosing hypocalcemia

To help identify the cause of hypocalcemia, healthcare professionals may order the following tests:

Calcium blood test: This test measures calcium in the blood.
Other blood tests: Tests may check magnesium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D blood levels.
Electrocardiogram (EKG): A test that looks at the heart rhythm to assess for potential problems.
Bone imaging tests: Takes a look at calcium problems in the bones, such as osteomalacia or rickets.

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