Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, is vitally important for the proper functioning of muscles and nerves, as well as healthy bones and teeth. A low blood calcium level is called hypocalcemia. The most common cause of hypocalcemia is a malfunction of the parathyroid glands in the neck; 1 percent to 2 percent of patients develop hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery. Hypocalcemia can be a mild disorder or a life-threatening condition. Supplemental calcium is used to increase low blood calcium levels.
Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia is usually caused by a deficiency of vitamin D or magnesium, by chronic renal failure, alcoholism, drug therapy for osteoporosis, chemotherapy and some drug side effects. The most common symptom is called neuromuscular irritability, which includes numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, muscle spasms or muscle and nerve twitches. Symptoms are more likely noticeable if you have a sudden drop in blood calcium. With severe hypocalcemia, you may become confused or have heart irregularities.
Treating Hypocalcemia
If you have severe hypocalcemia, with a calcium level lower than 7.0 mg/dL, you may need an intravenous infusion of calcium. In most cases, oral supplements and vitamin D supplementation will correct hypocalcemia. Calcium carbonate is the least expensive form, but may be poorly absorbed in older patients. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends calcium intake should range from 700 mg a day for children ages 1 to 3, up to 1,300 mg a day for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Dietary Calcium
Once the cause of hypocalcemia is determined and treated, you may also need to increase your dietary calcium intake. Dietary calcium sources include dairy products -- the best source -- greens such as collards and kale, sardines and salmon with bones, red beans and seaweed. In addition, you should take vitamin D, as calcium is better absorbed with vitamin D supplementation. You may need to take calcium supplements in addition to your high-calcium foods.
Calcium Supplements
Although the Office of Dietary Supplements says calcium supplements are safe when taken as directed, taking excessive amounts can cause renal insufficiency, kidney stones and constipation. A link between high calcium supplement intake and prostate cancer has been studied. The Office of Dietary Supplements does not recommend anyone take more than 3,000 mg a day, and people over age 50 should not exceed 2,000 mg a day. Ask your doctor if you have questions.
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