Blood calcium: normal, hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia

Calcium is an extremely important mineral that plays a key role in the proper functioning of our body. Its levels in the blood can have a significant impact on health, so it is important to monitor it regularly and understand how to maintain the right balance. In this article we will discuss what calcium is, its importance for the body, how to prepare for testing its level in the blood and what are the norms, causes and symptoms of hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia.

What is calcium?

Calcium is one of the most important elements in our body. Most of the calcium in the body is found in our bones and teeth, where it is responsible for their strength and structure. Moreover, calcium plays an important role in many biological processes, such as muscle contractions, conduction of nerve impulses, blood clotting and cell functions. Our body does not produce calcium itself, so we must supply it in our diet.

The role of calcium in the proper functioning of the body

Calcium plays a key role in maintaining health and proper functioning of the body. It is essential for many processes, including:

• Maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
• Control muscle contractions, including the heart.
• Regulation of the conduction of nerve impulses.
• Supporting blood clotting.
• Impact on cell functions and their ability to communicate with each other.

Blood calcium level test. how to prepare for the test?

Testing the calcium level in the blood is relatively simple and painless. However, to obtain accurate results, it is important to properly prepare for the test:

• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the test, especially dairy products.
• Before the test, tell your doctor about any dietary supplements or medications you are taking, as some of them may affect the level of calcium in your blood.
• Make sure your doctor knows about any health problems that may affect your calcium levels, such as thyroid or kidney disease.

Calcium – the norm for women, men and children in test results

Blood calcium levels may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory, but the following ranges are generally accepted:

• Normal range for adults: 8.5 – 10.2 mg/dl
• Normal range for children: 8.8 – 10.8 mg/dl

Values outside these ranges may suggest problems with blood calcium levels that require further diagnosis and treatment.

Hypocalcemia – causes and symptoms of low calcium levels in the body

Hypocalcemia is a condition in which the level of calcium in the blood is too low. This may be caused by various factors, such as calcium deficiency in the diet, thyroid disease, kidney disorders or certain medications. Symptoms of hypocalcemia may include:

• Muscle shortening and convulsions
• Tingling or numbness around the mouth and in the hands
• Increased risk of bone fractures
• Emotional instability

Hypercalcemia – causes and symptoms of too high calcium levels in the body

Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the level of calcium in the blood is too high. The causes of hypercalcemia may include excessive calcium intake from the diet, excessive production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands, kidney disease and some cancers. Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include:

• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Deterioration of concentration
• Heart arythmia

How to ensure proper calcium concentration?

To maintain appropriate calcium levels in the blood, it is worth following several rules:

• A balanced diet rich in dairy products, nuts, leafy vegetables and fish products.
• Physical activity that supports healthy bones.
• Regular blood tests to monitor calcium levels.
• Consult your doctor if symptoms suggest problems with calcium levels.

Your suggestions

If you have any suggestions or questions about blood calcium, we’d love to hear them. Take care of your health and maintain the appropriate level of calcium in your body!

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about calcium and its role in the body, we recommend you read the following articles:

• “Calcium in the diet – how to supplement it?”
• “Calcium and healthy bones and teeth”
• “Calcium in the diet of children and adolescents”