Calcium is an important mineral that is utilized inside the body to signal cells, build strong bones and contract skeletal muscle. Unfortunately, if your body does not have sufficient calcium intake, it can seek to correct the deficiency by removing calcium from your bones. Bones can become weak and brittle resulting in greater risk of fractures, bone pain and poor posture.
Hypocalcemia
According to the Cleveland Clinic, hypocalcemia is confirmed when symptoms are associated with a calcium level lower than 8.2 mg/dL. Although normal values may vary slightly by medical facility, the typical normal range for calcium is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL. Symptoms of hypocalcemia may include movement disorders, muscle aches, irregular heart rhythm, dry skin, mood changes, and seizures. Hypocalcemia requires medical evaluation and treatment by a qualified health care professional.
Causes of Hypocalcemia
Since calcium is strictly obtained from dietary sources, hypocalcemia can occur from poor dietary intake or impaired absorption within the digestive tract. Vitamin D is an important cofactor in the absorption of calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can also cause low calcium levels. Hyperphosphatemia can also cause calcium to bind with phosphate inside the body, lowering the availability of free calcium. In addition, certain drugs including chemotherapy have also been known to cause hypocalcemia.
Hyperparathyroidism
Calcium is an important mineral used in many biological processes. The parathyroid gland is responsible for ensuring that sufficient calcium concentrations are maintained inside the bloodstream. Certain diseases as well as low calcium levels stimulate the production of parathyroid hormone, which subsequently signals the breakdown of bones to provide calcium for the bloodstream.
Treatments
In order to prevent the breakdown of bone and excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone, patients must be treated for the underlying cause of excess parathyroid secretion. This may include disorders that affect the parathyroid gland or any of the causes of hypocalcemia mentioned earlier. Patients should speak to a physician with concerns regarding calcium levels and appropriate treatment options.
