Hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency)
Hypocalcemia, or calcium deficiency, is a medical condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood, which is crucial for various bodily functions. This deficiency can arise from several factors, including inadequate absorption of calcium or vitamin D, poor nutrition, and certain medical conditions like hypoparathyroidism and kidney disease. Symptoms of hypocalcemia can vary widely, starting from none to severe manifestations, including tingling sensations, muscle spasms, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or heart complications. The body's response to low calcium levels often involves drawing calcium from bones, leading to increased risks of osteopenia and osteoporosis over time. Treatment typically includes dietary modifications to enhance calcium and vitamin D intake, along with supplements as needed. In emergencies, calcium may be administered intravenously. Regular monitoring is advisable for individuals with a history of hypocalcemia to manage their calcium levels effectively. Awareness of calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified items, is essential for maintaining sufficient calcium levels in the body.
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Hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency)
Hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency) is a condition caused by low levels of calcium in the blood. The body depends on the mineral calcium to carry out many important functions; therefore, a decreased calcium level can have serious effects. Any medical condition that inhibits the body's absorption of calcium or vitamin D—which assists with calcium absorption—can cause hypocalcemia. The symptoms of calcium deficiency range from mild to severe, and left untreated, hypocalcemia can lead to death. Common treatments for hypocalcemia include dietary changes to increase calcium intake and/or supplements including calcium and vitamin D. In emergency situations, doctors may deliver calcium to a patient intravenously.
Background
Calcium is the most prevalent mineral in the body. Most of the body's calcium, about 99 percent of it, resides in bones and teeth. These structures store calcium and depend on it to remain strong and healthy. Bones are constantly undergoing repair. Calcium gets deposited into weak spots in bone and forms new bone. The body's remaining calcium is found in blood, muscle, and the fluid surrounding cells. This 1 percent, however, carries out several important metabolic functions. Calcium is necessary for the contraction and expansion of blood vessels and for the proper functioning of muscles. Nerves and cells depend on it to send signals to other parts of the body, and calcium helps with the release of hormones and enzymes.
Most people get calcium from the foods they eat. Foods that are naturally high in calcium include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese and leafy green vegetables such as kale and broccoli. Some foods, such as breakfast cereals and fruit juices, are fortified with calcium. Certain canned fish, such as sardines and salmon, are also good sources of calcium. In addition to food, people may get calcium from supplements. The two most common calcium supplements are calcium carbonate, which is found in many antacids, and calcium citrate.
The amount of calcium a person should consume tends to increase from birth to adulthood. It then slightly decreases between the ages of nineteen and fifty before increasing again for those past the age of fifty. For most of adulthood, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium is about 1,000 milligrams for both men and women. It is important to note, however, that women are more prone to calcium deficiency than men are. Postmenopausal women especially are prone to bone loss because the body's ability to absorb calcium decreases. Doctors often recommend that women increase their calcium intake as they age to help slow bone loss.
When the amount of calcium in the body is too high or too low, certain conditions can result. Hypercalcemia is a condition caused by blood calcium levels that are too high. Hypercalcemia may result from overactive parathyroid glands or cancer. In addition, taking certain medications or too many calcium supplements can cause the condition. The opposite of hypercalcemia is hypocalcemia, which occurs when blood calcium levels are too low.
Overview
Hypocalcemia, also known as calcium deficiency, is a condition that results when the amount of calcium in the blood decreases to below-normal levels. The causes of hypocalcemia are numerous, but some of the most common are hypoparathyroidism, a vitamin D deficiency, and kidney disease. Hypoparathyroidism is when the parathyroid glands fail to produce enough parathyroid hormone, or PTH, which then leads to low blood calcium levels. It usually results from damage to or removal of the parathyroid glands during parathyroid or thyroid surgery. Vitamin D plays an important role in the body's absorption of calcium; therefore, when vitamin D is lacking, a calcium deficiency can result. Kidney disease can lead to hypocalcemia because certain forms of vitamin D that aid in the absorption of calcium must be activated in the kidneys. When kidney function is impaired, these forms of vitamin D are not activated, and calcium absorption is hindered. Other causes of hypocalcemia include poor nutrition (i.e., not eating enough calcium-rich foods), medications that inhibit calcium absorption, hormonal changes, and genetic factors.
The signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia vary. Early on, people may not have any symptoms. When the amount of calcium in the blood decreases, the body uses the calcium stored in bones to stabilize blood calcium levels so it can continue to carry out its necessary functions.
Although hypocalcemia may be asymptomatic at first, symptoms will begin to appear over time. One of the most common symptoms is a tingling sensation in the hands and feet or around the mouth. Other symptoms include muscle stiffness and/or spasms, confusion or memory loss, slowed heartbeat, light-headedness, low blood pressure, and fatigue. Some people experience anxiety, depression, and/or hallucinations. People with chronic hypocalcemia often have brittle hair and nails and dry, itchy skin. Some may develop psoriasis or eczema. Cataracts are another symptom resulting from long-term hypocalcemia. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. As the body uses calcium from bones to make up for the lack of calcium in the blood, the bones begin to weaken and break down. For this reason, people with hypocalcemia are at an increased risk for developing osteopenia, or low bone mass, and osteoporosis, a condition characterized by very fragile, porous bones. Increasingly severe symptoms include seizures, irregular heartbeat, and congestive heart failure. Left untreated, hypocalcemia can lead to death.
In many cases, the treatment for hypocalcemia is simply a change in diet. Doctors may recommend that patients increase their intake of foods high in calcium and vitamin D. In addition, doctors may recommend spending time in sunlight, which increases vitamin D levels and can help improve calcium absorption. Doctors may advise some patients to take calcium supplements and/or vitamin D supplements. In extreme cases, doctors may deliver calcium directly to a patient's bloodstream via an intravenous injection.
Patients who have had hypocalcemia in the past should have their blood calcium levels checked periodically. People with chronic hypocalcemia may need to take medication for their whole lives to keep their blood calcium levels regulated.
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