The Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institute of Health reports that 99 percent of the body's calcium content is found in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1 percent in the bloodstream, muscles and cells is used for dilation and contraction of blood vessels, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission as well as enzyme and hormone secretion. Though calcium is needed for the body to work properly, high levels of it in the blood can cause health problems.
Excessive Urination
"Trauma: Critical Care," by William C. Wilson, et al., explains that high levels of calcium in the blood can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, a condition that is characterized by frequent urination. An antidiuretic hormone helps the body conserve water by stimulating the kidneys to retain water. However, high levels of calcium in the blood inhibit the action of this hormone. In hypercalcemia--high blood levels of calcium--the kidneys are unable to respond to the antidiuretic hormone. Because of this, the body loses water through large amounts of urine produced by the kidneys. Therefore, urinating constantly may be an indication of high blood calcium.
Nervous Dysfunction
The nervous system helps the human body respond to both mental and physical stimuli. It also helps with contraction of muscles needed for breathing and other vital functions. Calcium is an electrolyte--a substance that conducts electricity--needed for the nerves to work properly. In the presence of high blood levels of calcium, nerve dysfunction can occur. This could then lead to neurologic symptoms such as muscle weakness, confusion, hallucination, delirium and a coma. Having some form of nervous dysfunction may be an indication of hypercalcemia.
Gastrointestinal Problems
The gastrointestinal tract is lined with smooth muscles that contract rhythmically, a movement called peristalsis. Peristalsis propels ingested food down the gastrointestinal tract. "Handbook of Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances," by Joyce LeFever Kee, et al., explains that when the body is exposed to abnormally high calcium levels, peristalsis is reduced. This may then lead to gastrointestinal problems that may indicate hypercalcemia. Constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting are among the symptoms to watch for.
References
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
- "Handbook of Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances"; Joyce LeFever Kee, Betty J. Paulanka, Carolee Polek; 2009
- "Trauma: Critical Care"; William C. Wilson, Christopher M. Grande, David B. Hoyt; 2007
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Calcium
