Low calcium. Increased calcium in the blood: causes and symptoms of hypercalcemia. Ionized calcium: norm and deviations

The skeleton, for example, requires a constant supply of protein, calcium and other nutrients to remain strong and healthy so that it can support the body, protect internal organs and provide support points for muscles. This nutrient forms a major part of the skeletal structure; without adequate calcium intake, bones become weak and brittle. However, Ca's role in the body is more complex than just ensuring strong bones and teeth. It is also responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting and muscle coronation. When Ca in the blood is increased or decreased, what this means and what consequences it has for the body, we will tell you in this article.

What analysis determines

A blood test for Ca is determined by a complete blood count. This test helps diagnose diseases that affect your bones, heart, nerves, kidneys and other organs.

Watch the video about this analysis

Indications for analysis

Your doctor may order a Ca blood test during a regular medical checkup or if you have a medical condition that may affect your levels of this mineral, such as:

• bone disease (eg osteoporosis);
• breast, lung, kidney, head and neck cancer, or multiple myeloma;
• kidney or liver disease;
• nerve problems;
• overhydrated thyroid gland;
• pancreatitis;
• parathyroid disease;
• problem absorbing nutrients from food;
• with abnormal ECG results.

This test can test how well your body responds to treatment for some of these conditions.

And it can be used to control the side effects of medications you take.

Another reason to get this test is if you have symptoms of high or low calcium levels in your body.

Preparation

Tell your doctor about all the medications you take. You may need to not eat or drink for several hours before the test begins.

Your doctor will tell you if there are any special instructions.

What can affect the result

Some medicines may affect the results of your blood test:

• antacids;
• diuretics for high blood pressure;
• lithium for bipolar disorder;
• vitamin D supplements.

Drinking too much milk (or large amounts of other dairy products) in the days before your test can cause high levels of calcium in your blood and may cause an incorrect result.

Norm indicators

The normal level of calcium in the blood is determined depending on age, gender and physiological state.

• newborns – from 1.87 to 2.9 mmol/l;
• 2-6 years - from 2.1 to 2.77 mmol/l;
• 6-12 years - from 2.5 to 3.0 mmol/l;
• in adolescents - from 2.33 to 2.7 mmol/l;

• from 18 to 40 years - from 2.1 to 2.74 mmol/l;
• after 40 years - from 2.5 to 3.0 mmol/l;

Calcium levels in the blood of women:

• from 18 to 40 years - from 2.2 to 2.5 mmol/l;
• after 40 years - from 2.2 to 2.5 mmol/l;
• in pregnant women from 2.1 to 2.4 mmol/l.

Increased values

If your test results show elevated calcium in your blood, the causes of this condition, called hypercalcemia, are as follows:

• cancer that started in the bone or cancer that has spread to the bone;
• some cancers can cause hypercalcemia without spreading to the bones;
• overactive parathyroid gland or Paget's disease;
• Some medications cause hypercalcemia, such as alkaline antacids, diethylstilbestrol, long-term use of diuretics, estrogens and progesterone.

In approximately 90% of cases, hypercalcemia may indicate the presence of malignant neoplasms or hyperparathyroidism.

Cancer cells that have spread to the bone can release substances that dissolve or “eat” parts of the bone. These injuries weaken the bone and lead to complications. Some of the complications resulting from this bone destruction are bone pain and fractures.

Reduced values

Hypocalcemia means a condition in which the level of calcium in the blood is too low. As hypocalcemia progresses, muscle cramps, tingling in the lips, fingers and toes, and muscle soreness are observed.

Low calcium levels are a common biochemical abnormality that can range from severe and asymptomatic in mild cases to presenting as an acute life-threatening crisis.

The reasons may be:

• lack of vitamin D;
• hypoparathyroidism after surgery or due to an autoimmune disease or genetic causes;
• kidney disease or end-stage liver disease causing vitamin D deficiency;
• pseudohypoparathyroidism;
• metastatic infiltration of the parathyroid gland;
• hypomagnesia or hypermagnesia;
• sclerotic metastases;
• Fanconi syndrome.

Low calcium levels may be the result of problems with your diet or certain medications.

Symptoms of calcium metabolism disorder

Disturbances in calcium metabolism can lead to hypocalcemia, decreased blood calcium levels, or hypercalcemia when plasma Ca is elevated.

Symptoms of hypocalcemia include:

• numbness of fingers and legs;
• muscle cramps;
• irritability;
• mental impairment;
• muscle twitching.

Hypercalcemia may be mild and without any symptoms, or it may cause complications and life-threatening symptoms.

Symptoms of hypercalcemia include:

Consequences and dangers for the body

If no action is taken to restore the normal balance with low calcium, frequent spasms of the limbs may occur, the condition of the teeth will deteriorate, and a person may develop osteoporosis, this is when the bones become very fragile, so frequent fractures occur. Osteoporosis develops gradually, and symptoms include constant fatigue, excessive plaque on the teeth, brittle nails, early gray hair, and nighttime leg cramps.

Why is elevated Ca dangerous? Inactivity with hypercalcemia can lead to the formation of kidney stones, diabetes insipidus leading to polydipsia and polyuria, observed in approximately 20% of patients. Mechanisms include inhibition of water channels and tubulointerstitial damage caused by calcium deposition.

Rarely, this leads to renal tubular acidosis and renal failure.

How to correct the level of calcium?

What to do with an imbalance of calcium in the body? This aspect cannot be ignored; these levels can be adjusted in several ways.

Honey. drugs

Some medications to normalize calcium include:

Diet

To increase your dietary calcium intake, choose your foods wisely:

• green vegetables;
• sardines and salmon;
• Red beans;
• seaweed;
• milk;
• yogurt;
• cheddar cheese;
• tofu.

Many cereals, orange juices, and other foods are fortified with calcium.

Read your product labels carefully.

Products whose consumption should be limited:

• excessive consumption of foods containing salt;
• alcoholic drinks;
• too many sugary foods;
• carbonated drinks;
• excessive coffee consumption.

Sample menu for several days

• Breakfast: cereal flakes with milk, orange.
• Lunch: 150 grams of steamed salmon, 100 grams of rice, freshly squeezed juice.
• Dinner: 200 grams of salad with herbs, tomatoes and beans, a glass of milk.

• Breakfast: 40 grams of oatmeal with milk, 2 pieces of toast.
• Lunch: 150 grams of tuna, salad of tomatoes and green leaves.
• Dinner: 200 grams of sardine salad, rice and eggs.

• Breakfast: 150 grams of cheesecakes with sour cream, a cup of tea.
• Lunch: 200 grams of omelet with sour cream and herbs, 100 grams of baked apples.
• Dinner: 150 grams of cod, vegetable salad, bread toast.

It is very important to drink plenty of water as this prevents the development of kidney stones.

Daily value of Ca

It is important to ensure proper calcium intake at any age. The recommended calcium intake per day for bone health depends on your age:

• children from 0 to 6 months – 200 mg;
• children from 7 to 12 months – 260 mg;
• children from 1 to 3 years;
• children from 4 to 8 years old – 1000 mg;
• children from 9 to 18 years old – 1300 mg;
• men aged 19 to 65 years;
• men over 65 years old - take 1500 mg;
• women aged 18 to 50 years - take 00 mg;
• women over 50 years old - take 1500 mg.

Ca in any form requires the absorption of vitamin D.

Take 1 mg of vitamin D with a calcium supplement daily.

Other Ways to Regulate Calcium

Treatment with folk remedies can be a good addition to a healthy diet. The most famous recipe that helps increase calcium levels consists of chicken or quail egg shells. It is necessary to boil two eggs and remove the eggshells and dry them. Grind the shells in a mortar to a powder.

Add 1 tsp. twice a day in prepared meals.

Causes and consequences of increasing calcium and phosphorus at the same time

Phosphorus and Ca are important for the development of skeletal structure and their presence in soft tissues is also vital. Both help with blood clotting, muscle contraction and energy metabolism. About 99 percent of the calcium and 80 percent of the phosphorus in the body is found in the skeleton and teeth. Phosphorus levels can affect calcium levels in the body and vice versa. When serum calcium and phosphorus levels are high, vitamin D intoxication and milk-alkali syndrome occur.

The connection between calcium and phosphorus can be disrupted by certain diseases or infections.

For this reason, phosphorus and calcium levels are usually measured at the same time.

Prevention

It is easy to prevent diseases associated with calcium deficiency by including it in your diet every day. You can get 1/4 to 1/3 of your daily value of calcium in one serving of some dairy products and yogurts. If you are at high risk of calcium deficiency, you should take additional multivitamins and calcium supplements. While meeting your calcium needs is important, you need to make sure you don't get too much by following your daily intake.

Vitamin D is also important because it increases the rate at which calcium is absorbed into the blood.

Ask your doctor how much vitamin D you need.

To increase your calcium intake, you can add vitamin D-rich foods to your diet. These include:

• fatty fish like salmon and tuna;
• Orange juice;
• fortified milk;
• mushrooms;
• eggs.

Regular sun exposure can also help boost vitamin D levels.

In addition to maintaining healthy levels of calcium and vitamin D, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to improve bone health.

These include:

• maintaining a healthy body weight;
• regular training;
• limiting tobacco use and alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

A common misconception among most people is that Ca is only needed to maintain healthy bones and teeth. But that's not all, Ca is one of the most important minerals in the human body. Although 99 percent of calcium is stored in the human skeleton, Ca is also necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system, blood circulation and muscles.

Blood calcium levels are so important that even a slight imbalance can affect the body's proper functioning.

But if your Ca test results are not in the normal range, it does not necessarily mean that you have a medical condition that requires treatment; you should discuss everything with your healthcare provider to determine what action is necessary.

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What is hypocalcemia?

Hypocalcemic tetany (HT) and hypocalcemia is an metabolic-endocrine pathological condition that manifests itself in the form of paresthesia, local or generalized seizures, which are associated with a low level of calcium in the blood.

Statistics

GT is determined in almost all patients with pancreatitis, concomitant trauma, sepsis, and those in intensive care units. GT is often recorded as the only sign of some hidden pathology.

The causes of hypocalcemia may vary. This topic is perfectly covered in the classification of this condition.

Classification

Hypocalcemia occurs when the regulation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism is impaired, and this is:

• Parathyroid hormone deficiency, which can occur due to damage to the parathyroid glands or their accidental removal, hemochromatosis, tumor metastases, autoimmune destruction, radiation therapy, congenital underdevelopment;
• Violation of the action of parathyroid hormone: Costello-Dent syndrome, Martin-Albright syndrome;
• Violation of the synthesis or action of hormones that regulate the activity of phosphorus-calcium metabolism: excessive production of calcitonin, medullary thyroid cancer, vitamin D deficiency (insensitivity to vitamin D, malabsorption, rickets).

In addition, hypocalcemia can be functional in nature:

• alkalosis;
• hungry bone syndrome;
• hyperproteinemia;
• increased calcium uptake;
• rhabdomyolysis;
• acute destructive pancreatitis;
• endocrinopathies;
• chronic renal failure;
• neonatal hypocalcemia of infants from mothers with hyperparathyroidism.

There is no doubt that hypocalcemia can be toxigenic and iatrogenic, that is, caused by drug exposure:

• excess phosphorus intake into the body;
• hypomagnesemia;
• treatment with mithramycin, cisplatin, neomycin;
• massive infusion of citrated blood;
• the use of phenobarbital, glucagon, laxatives, phenytoin, antacids.

Pathogenetic features

In order for HT to develop, a low calcium level must be present. This in turn leads to increased neuromuscular and interneuronal excitability. These conditions contribute to the formation of paresthesia and muscle cramps.

Common causes of HT and hypocalcemia

Most often, HT occurs as a result of decreased function of the parathyroid glands. This occurs more often as a result of surgery on the thyroid gland, when the parathyroid glands are removed randomly.

Irreversible HT develops after massive radiation therapy of the thyroid gland for thyrotoxicosis. Tumors very rarely lead to the development of HT. This is most likely an incident.

Various forms of parathyroidism

Idiopathic pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHPT) is the insensitivity of target organs to parathyroid hormone.

Pseudohypohyperparathyroidism is characterized by renal cells' insensitivity to parathyroid hormone. In this case, the formation of a bone form of hyperparathyroidism occurs, but calcium in the blood is reduced, not increased.

There is also pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism. The syndrome is genetic and is caused by damage to the parathyroid hormone molecule.

Other causes of hypocalcemia

A decrease in calcium in the blood may be due to increased albumin levels and alkalosis.

Hypocalcemia that occurs after surgery on the thyroid gland for thyrotoxicosis is called “hungry bone” syndrome. Bone tissue actively absorbs ionized calcium from the blood, which was unavailable during thyrotoxicosis.

In neonatal hypocalcemia of infants from mothers with hyperparathyroidism, the pathogenesis is explained by increased secretion of calcitonin, as well as suppression of the thyroid gland.

In chronic renal failure, there is an increased loss of calcium in the urine due to impaired reabsorption in the kidneys, which leads to a decrease in calcium in the blood.

A decrease in calcium during rhabdomyolysis and pancreatitis occurs due to an increase in chelate compounds in areas of destruction of fat and muscle tissue, due to an increase in phosphorus and potassium in the blood. These conditions lead to accelerated excretion of calcium from the body. Patients with this pathology also suffer from dysfunction of the kidneys, endocrine and digestive systems.

Hypocalcemia caused by drugs or medical interventions is called iatrogenic.

Symptoms of hypocalcemia

The first signs of hypocalcemia are tonic convulsions of a generalized nature. These spasms are called tetany. For the patient, tetany is terrible and painful. The patient can die from tetany because spasms and convulsions of the muscles involved in breathing or the heart muscle may occur.

A chronic decrease in the level of calcium in the blood changes a person’s life in a negative direction. In addition, metastatic calcifications, cataracts, mental disorders, miscarriage and infertility develop, and chronic infection becomes more active.

Pathognomonic symptoms of hypocalcemia are:

Sensory disorders begin in the most delicate and sensitive areas of the skin. First, numbness of the lips occurs, spreading to the feet and hands.

Convulsions most often occur in the form of a sardonic grin on the face and carpopedal spasm. Before the onset of convulsive syndrome, the patient cannot pronounce words clearly, swallowing is impaired, paresis of the cranial nerves, and spastic paresis of the arms and legs occur.

The autonomic nervous system is affected, which manifests itself:

Differential diagnosis

Seizures with hypocalcemia resemble seizures with epilepsy. However, it is worth noting that in epilepsy, the nature of the seizures is often clonic and with loss of consciousness. Of course, HT can also occur with clonic-type convulsive syndrome and fainting.

In addition, HT can be confused with mental disorders such as depressive-catatonic attacks and hallucinatory psychosis.

Tests for hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia is also called spasmophilia. There are several tests for spasmophilia, which often manifests itself in childhood:

1. Chvostek's sign. When tapping with a fingertip between the corner of the mouth and the zygomatic arch, the lips twitch and the orbicularis oris muscle contracts;
2. Weiss's sign. The facial muscles contract when tapping along the outer edge of the orbit;
3. Trousseau's sign. The “obstetrician’s hand” appears (the index and middle fingers are straightened and folded together with the others bent) after compression of the shoulder with the sphygmomanometer cuff;
4. Schlesinger's sign. The starting position of the patient is lying on his back. When bending the leg at the hip joint, twitching of the thigh muscles and supination of the foot appear.

These symptoms occur in a quarter of healthy people, as well as in patients who suffer from vegetative-vascular dystonia. However, in a third of patients with spasmophilia, these signs are not observed.

In order to correctly establish the diagnosis of hypocalcemia, it is necessary to carefully examine the anamnestic data:

• have there been any previous seizures;
• whether operations on the thyroid gland were performed;
• whether there is chronic renal failure;
• does the patient suffer from frequent fractures;
• whether radiation therapy was performed.

Signs of chronic hypocalcemia

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism can be identified by scars on the neck, eczema and dermatoses, brittle dry hair, brittle nails. Patients often experience visual impairment in the form of cataracts. Cataracts are considered a specific sign of chronic hypocalcemia

Quickly determine the presence or absence of hypocalcemia using a blood calcium test. The lower limit of the normal level of total calcium is 2.2 mmol/L.

Treatment of hypocalcemia and HT

To relieve the symptoms of HT, a ml of calcium chloride is injected intravenously. Calcium chloride cannot be administered intramuscularly, subcutaneously or intradermally, because it causes aseptic tissue necrosis.

In addition to calcium chloride, calcium gluconate or calcium lactate is often used. These drugs are less dangerous when administered non-intravenously, but they can also cause tissue necrosis.

If the introduction of calcium does not have an effect, but there is confidence that the diagnosis is hypocalcemia, add a solution of ascorbic acid and magnesium sulfate.

An adequate diet with sufficient vitamin D and calcium is necessary. The diet should include dairy products, hard cheeses, pink salmon, sardines, dried apricots, celery, almonds, sesame seeds, and soy.

Calcium intake into the body should be no less than 1 g per day. The calcium diet must be supplemented with preparations of this metal.

Prevention of hypocalcemia and HT must be carried out constantly in risk groups. This means that the level of calcium in the blood plasma should be measured regularly.

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Normal blood calcium levels in women. Symptoms of calcium deficiency and excess

Calcium (Ca) is an essential element for the female body. It is involved in various body processes. Monitoring Ca levels in the blood can prevent the development of many pathologies. The level of calcium in a woman’s blood depends on her age.

Normal blood calcium levels in women by age (table)

The level of calcium in a woman's blood varies depending on her age. This allows us to identify pathological processes in the body, taking into account the age category. Optimal calcium levels are shown in the table.

Deviations from the norm do not provide grounds for diagnosis. If there are changes in the level of the element in question in the blood, the amount of Ca in the bones is determined. This makes it possible to identify a pathological process in which bones release calcium to other body systems.

Normal after 40 years

Calcium is just as necessary in the female body as in the male body. A blood test determines two indicators: free and isolated calcium.

For women whose age exceeds 40 years, normal levels of free calcium are 2.16-2.51 mmol/l. The optimal values ​​for isolated Ca are 1.13-1.32 mmol/l.

The level of calcium in the blood of women depends on their age

Normal after 60 years

The amount of free calcium in women's blood can be determined using a special analysis (for women, the norm of calcium in the blood is presented in the table above).

The optimal level of a microelement in the blood of an elderly woman should be 2.20-2.55 mmol/l. The normal level of ionized calcium in the blood of elderly women is 1.15-1.27 mmol/l.

Normal during pregnancy

During pregnancy, an analysis of the amount of the microelement in question in the blood allows you to determine whether there is a need for additional calcium intake.

The optimal amount of calcium for a pregnant woman is 2.15-2.5 mmol/l. If the readings fall below 2.1 mmol/l, you must immediately begin using calcium tablets.

Blood test for calcium

A blood test to determine the amount of Ca is a procedure that allows you to determine the level of total Ca in the blood structure. Total calcium includes:

• Ionized Ca. This type of microelement makes up 1/2 of the total Ca.
• Ca is bound to protein, mainly albumin. The volume of such an element is 40% of the total quantity.
• Microelement included in anionic complexes – 10% of the total volume.

Blood test to detect ionized calcium

Ionized Ca has no connection with other substances and circulates freely in the blood. This form of microelement is involved in all vital processes.

An analysis to determine the type of calcium in question allows you to evaluate calcium metabolism in the body. This analysis is prescribed when:

• undergoing therapy after surgery or serious damage to the body, for example, a major burn;
• diagnosis of cancerous tumors in the body is carried out;
• the performance of the parathyroid gland is assessed;
• hemodialysis is necessary;
• The following medications are used: “Heparin”, “Magnesia” and drugs containing calcium.

An analysis of the blood composition for ionized Ca is carried out in conjunction with the determination of the content of total calcium and blood pH. There is an inverse relationship between ionized Ca and blood pH. Reducing the amount of ph by 0.1 units. leads to an increase in calcium levels by 1.5-2.5%.

A blood test for the level of calcium in it is prescribed for cancer

When should you determine the amount of calcium in the blood?

Specialists prescribe an analysis to determine the amount of calcium in the blood in women (deviations from the norm are natural here) in the following cases:

• signs of increased or decreased Ca levels in the body;
• cancerous tumors;
• stomach and duodenal ulcer;
• decrease in the amount of albumin;
• preparation for surgery;
• decreased muscle tone;
• hyperthyroidism;
• pathology of the urinary system;
• pain syndromes in the bones;
• abnormal conditions of the cardiovascular system;
• increased urine volume;
• paresthesia;
• convulsive syndrome;
• screening for osteoporosis.

In women, calcium in the blood may have deviations from accepted norms in other pathological processes. The listed anomalies also have other manifestations, on the basis of which, the specialist has the right to assume a diagnosis and send for an additional examination.

Preparing for tests

In order for the results of the tests to be reliable, it is necessary to prepare for them. This requires:

• stop drinking alcohol, fried and fatty foods;
• exclude heavy physical activity and psychological shocks;
• do not eat food on the day of testing;
• refrain from other types of examination a few days before donating blood.

Neglecting these rules will lead to false results, which in turn will complicate the correct diagnosis.

What affects test results

Test results are affected not only by improper preparation for them, but also by the use of pharmacological agents. To obtain reliable blood test results, you should stop using medications 7-14 days before donating blood. If this is not possible, you should inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

The use of these substances leads to an increase in the element in question in the blood:

• vitamin A and D;
• teslak;
• tamoxifen;
• parathyroid hormone;
• progesterone;
• lithium;
• 13-cis-retinoic acid;
• ergocalciferol;
• dihydrotachysterol, etc.

Tetracycline antibiotics reduce calcium levels

• sulfuric acid salts;
• salts and esters of oxalic acid;
• fluorites;
• tetracycline antibiotics;
• plicamycin;
• methicillin;
• magnesium sulfate;
• phenytoin;
• isonicotinic acid hydrazide;
• insulin, etc.

Exclusion of the used medications may be required after receiving the results of a clinical blood test for Ca.

Daily calcium intake for women

The World Health Organization states that a woman over the age of 16 should absorb mg of Ca per day.

During the period of childbearing and breastfeeding, the daily intake of the element in question should be increased to mg.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, a woman should take at least 1800 mg of calcium daily.

Calcium deficiency in women: causes

The lack of the element in question in the body may be due to the following factors:

• Strict diet. Diet food often excludes the use of many useful and necessary products for the normal functioning of the body.

This is especially true for vegan diets that do not include dairy products.

• Bad habits. The use of a large number of alcohol-containing and caffeine-containing products, smoking contribute to the release of Ca from the body.
• The use of foods containing phosphorus, which prevents the absorption of calcium. For example, this applies to carbonated drinks.

Calcium deficiency caused by carbonated drinks

• Taking certain medications (listed above) lowers blood Ca levels.
• Unfavorable ecology, heavy metals and toxic elements do not allow calcium to be absorbed or remove it from the body.

In addition, active physical exercises, constant overheating of the body, sudden weight loss can also cause a lack of calcium in the blood.

Excess calcium in the body: symptoms in women

Excess Ca in the blood is no less dangerous than its deficiency. An excessive amount of the element in question in the body manifests itself as:

• excessive growth of bone tissue, leading to skeletal deformation;
• increased neuromuscular excitability, manifested in the form of involuntary muscle contractions;
• spasm of smooth muscles, resulting in constipation, attacks of nausea and vomiting, as well as frequent urination;
• increased secretion of enzymes, which leads to the development of pancreatitis and its complications;
• disruption of the functioning of the central uneven system, leading to hallucinations of various types (comas and loss of consciousness are possible);
• anomalies in the functioning of blood vessels and cardiac muscles, leading to cardiac arrest.

With the manifestation of signs of hypercalcemia, emergency medical care is necessary, since a fatal outcome is possible.

Lack of calcium in the body: symptoms in women

Ca deficiency in the body, like any other pathological process, has its manifestations. Symptoms of calcium deficiency are:

• general weakness and impairment of performance;
• increased irritability;
• dry skin and increased flaking;
• excessive sweating of the scalp;
• brittle nails;
• rapid tooth decay;
• numbness of the limbs and face;
• increased blood loss during menstruation;
• violation of bone integrity;
• abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels;
• decreased blood clotting ability;
• the occurrence of cataracts;
• disruption of the immune system;
• increased sensitivity to cold.

General weakness and decreased performance - the first sign of calcium deficiency in the body

Girls in the first few years of life may have malformations, such as abnormal formation of the skeleton and teeth.

What flushes calcium from the body

Food not only supplies calcium to the body, but also removes it. The use of the following types of products can lead to a deficiency of the element in question:

Drinks based on black and green tea in small quantities remove calcium from the body. After drinking 10 cups of tea, a person loses 6 mg of microelement.

• Alcohol.
• Oatmeal.
• Smoked products.
• Some pharmacological agents.
• Excessively salty foods.

Salt and sugar flush calcium from the body

Strict diets and excessive sugar consumption also lead to increased calcium loss.

Does coffee flush calcium from the body?

There is an opinion that coffee has a negative effect on the body and removes calcium from it. This is true.

Caffeine, entering the body, leads to an increase in acidity in the stomach, which in turn provokes the release of trace element reserves, and since Ca is not absorbed in an acidic environment, it leaves the body naturally.

Consequences of calcium deficiency in the human body

Lack of calcium, as one of the violations of its norm in the blood of women, men, and children, leads to such negative consequences as growth retardation, scoliosis, allergic manifestations, deformation of bone tissue, blood clotting disorders, capillary weakness and the occurrence of kidney stones .

The most serious consequences of hypocalcemia are osteoporosis and osteomalacia. These pathologies are characterized by softening of bone tissue.

Also, a deficiency of the element in question can lead to the development of multiple sclerosis.

Why calcium is not absorbed in the body: reasons

There are many different factors that lead to impaired absorption of calcium by the body. The main ones are:

• Improper functioning of the stomach.

As a result of poor nutrition and bad habits, insufficient production of hydrochloric acid and enzymes occurs in the stomach. Without these components, the body is not able to independently absorb various microelements, including Ca.

Fatty and fried foods interfere with the body's absorption of calcium

• Fried fatty foods.

Fatty acids, in contact with calcium salts, turn into complex deposits that are not only not absorbed by the body, but are also difficult to remove from it.

By consuming foods containing this substance, a person is unable to absorb calcium in the body. It, interacting with the acid in question, turns into difficultly soluble oxalate salts, which accumulate in the organs, leading to serious consequences.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Without this component, Ca is not retained in the body and is removed from it. Please note that in order to absorb vitamin D, the body must take in fatty acids contained in foods such as fatty fish, eggs and vegetable oils.

In order for calcium to be well absorbed, the body must have sufficient amounts of vitamin D.

• Climax.

When the amount of estrogen (female sex hormone) in a woman’s body decreases, a disturbance in the conductivity of calcium in the tissue occurs. The production of female hormones slows down when the reproductive system, due to age, stops functioning.

Also, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids and pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract lead to impaired absorption of calcium. To exclude possible pathologies, you should undergo a preventive examination by specialists once a year.

Which calcium is better absorbed in the body?

There are various forms of calcium in modern pharmacological agents:

• calcium chloride;
• calcium carbonate;
• calcium citrate;
• calcium salt of gluconic acid (has a minimal percentage of digestibility).

The absorption of different forms of Ca varies. Calcium chloride, when consumed orally, leads to pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract, so its use is carried out in the form of injections. This type of microelement is well absorbed by the body, but is not always convenient to use.

Calcium carbonate is most often used in pharmacological preparations. This form of the trace mineral is produced from natural sources such as eggshells or pearls. The absorption of this substance occurs in the stomach.

Among oral forms of Ca, the body absorbs calcium citrate best. The digestibility of this form is two times higher than that of calcium carbonate.

Medicines for calcium deficiency in the body

In case of calcium deficiency, it is necessary to restore the balance of the microelement in the body as quickly as possible to prevent complications. As a rule, for this purpose, specialists use drugs containing Ca in various forms.

The most effective means for maintaining calcium levels in the blood (including women) are:

1 ml of solution contains 0.1 g of active ingredient. The pharmacological agent is sold in the form of an injection solution.

A complex medication aimed at treating hypocalcemia and preventing it. In addition to Ca, the composition includes Mg, zinc, copper, B, and fat-burning vitamin D3.

The drug is not a medicine, but during the period of therapy it is prescribed as an additional source of the missing microelement.

During the first month of therapy, it is important to check calcium levels in the blood weekly.

Calcium supplements for the prevention of osteoporosis in women

To prevent possible complications of hypocalcemia, it is necessary to take prophylactic medications containing various types of Ca and other components that help its absorption. Experts recommend using:

The product is used to replenish and maintain optimal Ca levels in a woman’s body. The cost of one package in Russia is 450 rubles.

A pharmacological agent that allows you to replenish the amount of the microelement in question. Since the product has a high degree of absorption by the body, experts recommend using it for girls during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The price of one package is 400 rubles.

A combined medication that allows you to regulate calcium-phosphate metabolism and replenish Ca deficiency in the female body. The average cost in Russia is 350 rubles.

An effective remedy that accelerates the absorption of Ca in the gastrointestinal tract and replenishes the deficiency of this microelement. The use of the considered pharmacological agent allows you to regulate the metabolic processes of P and Ca. The price for one package varies from 150 to 400 rubles, depending on the locality.

Biological food supplement based on hematogen. It is used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The average price of one preventive course is 500 rubles.

Vitamins with calcium and magnesium for women

Magnesium is no less necessary than calcium to maintain women's health. Experts recommend choosing vitamin complexes containing both of these substances. The most common are:

The average cost of a medicine is 180 rubles. Sold in the form of chewable tablets in various flavors (mint, menthol and orange). The product includes 680 mg Ca and 80 mg magnesium. Use is permissible from 12 years of age. Allergic reactions to fragrances are possible.

Sold in the form of round lozenges with fruit flavor. This medicine contains a high content of vitamin D3. The use of this product allows you to eliminate the fragility of hair, nails and bones in women, as well as prevent abnormal conditions of blood vessels and the heart, due to the magnesium content.

The vitamin complex contains calcium in the amount of 100 mg and magnesium - 40 mg. The preparation also contains other elements necessary for the body. The use of these vitamins will prevent hypocyemia and other pathological processes.

One tablet of a pharmacological agent includes calcium, magnesium and other vitamins and microelements. Consuming a vitamin complex will strengthen the female body and prevent many health problems.

Deficiency and excessive levels of calcium can lead to irreversible consequences. Therefore, the level of calcium in the blood of women should be maintained by food and vitamin complexes. In addition, it is recommended to carry out preventive examinations with specialists at the right time and adhere to a correct lifestyle.

What is a biochemical blood test, how does it stand and what is the normal level of calcium in the blood (in women and men):

Calcium: functions, symptoms of deficiency and excess + foods high in the element.

Some diseases can cause hypercalcemia—high levels of calcium in the blood—which can lead to the development of other health problems over time. It is important to determine the reasons for both excess and deficiency of the element.

Elevated blood calcium levels most often occur in patients with primary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

In most cases, diagnosis reveals benign tumors (adenomas) on the parathyroid gland. The disease develops predominantly in the female half of the population and in those who have undergone radiation therapy in the neck area.

In oncology of the lungs, ovaries, and kidneys, the resulting metastases can penetrate the bone tissue and destroy it, thereby “releasing” calcium. Therefore, patients with malignant tumors have high concentrations of the mineral in their blood serum.

The development of hypercalcemia is caused by hereditary pathologies (hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, endocrine neoplasia), granulomatous lesions (sarcoidosis, histoplasmosis,).

Reasons for increased calcium levels in the body include taking medications containing lithium, theophylline, thiazide diuretics, and thyroid hormones.

Prolonged lack of movement, for example, after fractures, burns, provokes an increase in calcium and resorption (destruction) of bone tissue.

The main causes of hypercalcemia are an excess of parathyroid hormone in the body (hyperparathyroidism), oncology and long-term use of calcium preparations.

Diagnostics

The level of calcium in the body is determined using a urinalysis and biochemical blood screening for electrolytes. The amount of magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine and potassium is also examined.

With latent hypercalcemia (against the background of low protein levels), laboratory diagnostics of plasma is carried out for the amount of free calcium. for free calcium is a more accurate indicator of the content of the mineral in the blood than a study of the total amount.

Calcium, along with other macronutrients, is very important for the normal functioning of the body. The lack of this element, as well as its excess, negatively affects the functioning of almost all organs and systems of our body. A condition in which there is a lack of calcium is called hypocalcemia.

Causes of hypocalcemia

Violation of the function of the parathyroid glands is one of the common causes of a decrease in the level of calcium in the blood.

Hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which chronic hypocalcemia develops as a result of impaired production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands. This condition can develop for various reasons. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism occurs as a result of damage or removal of the parathyroid glands during neck surgery. There are cases of idiopathic and familial hypoparathyroidism, the pathogenesis of which is very complex.

The causes of hypoparathyroidism can be congenital genetic pathologies, diseases of the hematopoietic system, cancer of the parathyroid glands and metastases to them.

One of the common causes of calcium deficiency in the body is a lack of vitamin D. A deficiency of this vitamin occurs as a result of insufficient dietary intake, impaired absorption, or insufficient sunlight.

Symptoms of calcium deficiency

Common symptoms indicating a possible calcium deficiency in the body are weakness and fatigue. The skin becomes dry, flaky, nails lose their shine and become brittle. The condition of the teeth worsens and begins.

Due to calcium deficiency, the neuromuscular system suffers, first there is a feeling of numbness in the fingers and around the mouth, then pain in the bones appears. With prolonged calcium deficiency, an increased tendency to deformation and bone fractures develops, especially in older people.

Cardiac problems are also observed, since calcium is necessary for normal contraction of the heart; in severe cases, it can develop, which is not amenable to drug therapy.

With chronic calcium deficiency, subcapsular cataracts may develop, the severity of which depends on the duration of hypocalcemia and its degree. In addition, with a lack of this microelement, the level of immunity decreases, blood clotting is impaired and increased bleeding occurs.

Calcium deficiency in children is especially dangerous because it is essential for the normal growth and development of the child. With its deficiency, the formation of bones and teeth is disrupted, and pathological changes occur in the lens of the eye. Children suffer from nervous disorders, increased nervous excitability, and seizures often occur. Poor blood clotting in a child is considered one of the most dangerous manifestations of hypocalcemia in childhood. Adults who were calcium deficient as children have an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

Treatment of hypocalcemia

Treatment of acute hypocalcemia is carried out only in a hospital, since this condition threatens the patient’s life.

In case of chronic calcium deficiency, the basis of therapy is calcium supplements and vitamin D. Any calcium supplements are used in such dosages that the daily intake of calcium in the body is at least 1.5–2 g. In parallel, vitamin D is prescribed, the dosage of which is selected by the doctor based on the needs patient. The effectiveness of treatment is assessed by the disappearance of symptoms of hypocalcemia and normalization of calcium levels in the blood serum according to the results of laboratory tests. Serum calcium levels at the beginning of treatment must be monitored quite often (weekly or once every 2 weeks), and after stabilization of the condition, it is enough to take a blood test once every 3 months.

Prevention of hypocalcemia

To reduce the risk of developing hypocalcemia, you should eat foods rich in this microelement every day.

To prevent hypocalcemia, it is necessary to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.

The largest amount of this microelement is found in sesame seeds, hard and processed cheeses, wheat bran, yeast, almonds, hazelnuts, and legumes. The calcium content in dairy products is much lower than, for example, in sesame seeds, but they must be consumed in sufficient quantities, since calcium from them is well absorbed by the body.

Foods rich in vitamin D should also be present in sufficient quantities in every person's diet. Large amounts of this vitamin are found in fermented milk products, vegetable oils, egg yolks, seafood, especially fish oil and fish liver. In addition, vitamin D is present in oatmeal, potatoes and greens.

In addition to being supplied with food, vitamin D can be synthesized in our body independently under the influence of sunlight, so in the warm season it is necessary to spend as much time as possible under the sun's rays (of course, during safe hours) with open skin.

In addition to vitamin D, other vitamins (vitamins C, K, group B) and minerals (phosphorus, iron, zinc, etc.) are necessary for the absorption of calcium, so the diet of each person must be balanced.

On the recommendation of a doctor, you can take vitamin-mineral complexes containing calcium in addition to food (Vitrum, Biomax, Complivit, etc.). Increased need for calcium in children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as in people over 35 years of age. Special multivitamin complexes have been developed for pregnant women and nursing mothers, taking into account the increased need for calcium in women during this period.

To prevent calcium deficiency and, as a result, osteoporosis, especially during menopause in women, as well as in all people over 35–40 years old, it is recommended to take combined preparations containing calcium and vitamin D (Calcium-D3 Nycomed, Calcemin, etc.) .

Calcium supplements for children are prescribed only by a pediatrician. Taking vitamin D in a prophylactic dose (AquaDetrim) is recommended during the autumn-winter period, especially in areas where there is not enough sunlight at this time.

Which doctor should I contact?

In children, prevention of calcium and vitamin D deficiency is necessary, which is carried out by a pediatrician. If the described symptoms appear in an adult, he needs to consult a therapist or endocrinologist. Often a consultation with a gastroenterologist is needed to rule out problems with calcium absorption in the intestines. If complications develop, treatment by a neurologist, cardiologist, or ophthalmologist is required. Consulting a dietitian about proper nutrition for calcium deficiency is very useful.

Video version of the article:

Calcium in the blood is a very important indicator, since the element calcium itself in the human body performs not only the well-known functions of bone formation, but also takes part in the biochemistry of cells. For example, you began to feel muscle cramps - these are problems with calcium. There are other manifestations.

Because of its importance, a calcium blood test should be performed when necessary. For example, the level of calcium in the blood of women during pregnancy and breastfeeding differs from the usual norm - this should be monitored. The fact is that increased calcium levels in the blood have their consequences.

Many people ask the question: increased calcium in the blood, what does this mean in an adult - is it good or bad? Moreover, in order to allegedly avoid bone fragility (especially for the older generation), they are trying by all means to increase this very calcium. But an increased indicator can also signal a disease, including cancer. This is something to think about.

In the human body, calcium is the main component of bone tissue, as well as the most important biogenic element that performs structural, metabolic and regulatory functions.

For reference. Calcium is the most abundant inorganic element in the human body. The body of an adult male contains, on average, about 1.5 kilograms of Ca, women - about 1 kilogram.

However, of all this amount, only 1% of Ca is in the blood, the remaining 99% is in the bone tissue in the form of sparingly soluble hydroxyapatite crystals. The crystals also contain phosphorus oxide. Normally, in the body of an adult there is about 600 grams of this trace element, and 85% of phosphorus is found in the bones, along with calcium.

Hydroxyapatite crystals and collagen are the main structural components of bone tissue. Ca and P make up about 65% of the total bone mass. Therefore, it is impossible to overestimate the role of these microelements in the body.

Calcium in the blood

All calcium in the blood can be divided into three types:

• ionized Ca;
• calcium, in albumin-bound form;
• located in the composition of anionic complexes (bicarbonates, phosphates).

Normally, in an adult, approximately 350 milligrams of calcium circulates in the blood, which is 8.7 mmol. The microelement concentration in mmol/l is 2.5.

About 45% of this amount is associated with albumin, up to five percent is included in anionic complexes. The rest is ionized, that is, free (Ca2+).

Important. It is ionized calcium that is physiologically active.

It is a vital part of the total amount of a microelement in the body, contained in all cells (nmol/L is used to measure the concentration in cells). It is important to remember that the calcium concentration in cells directly depends on the calcium concentration in the extracellular fluid.

Attention. It must be taken into account that the amount of ionized Ca does not depend on the level of albumin, therefore, for patients with low protein in the blood, the level of ionized calcium in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism is more reliable.

Functions of Ca in the body

Ionized calcium in the blood acts as a cofactor necessary for the full functioning of the enzymes involved in maintaining the hemostasis system (that is, calcium is involved in the blood coagulation process, facilitating the transition of prothrombin to thrombin). In addition, ionized Ca serves as the main source of calcium, which is necessary for the normal implementation of skeletal muscle and myocardial contractions, the conduction of nerve impulses, etc.

Probably, each of us mothers from early childhood forced to eat cottage cheese and drink milk, "so that the teeth are strong." In fact, dairy products are high in calcium (Ca), a healthy macronutrient needed for bone growth and strength. A reduced level of this electrolyte negatively affects not only dental health, but also the general condition of the body, nervous system, hair, nails, and also leads to such serious pathologies as scoliosis, flat feet, tetany (seizures). Fear of such complications often prompts people to consume excessive amounts of foods or medications containing this element, which can cause excess calcium in the body. And this condition is no less dangerous for humans than Ca deficiency.

Why does excess calcium deposits occur in the body?

Many women, especially those who have given birth to several children, believe that they are at risk of hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency) due to the fact that they “gave their reserves to the baby.” Meanwhile, it is in women and older people that excess calcium is more common. What are the causes of excess calcium deposits in the body?

Only a doctor can diagnose hypercalcemia based on the results of a biochemical blood test. The most common reasons for elevated calcium levels in the blood are:

• development of malignant tumors;
• drug intoxication with vitamin D (for example, as a side effect when using Ergocalciferol);
• hereditary diseases;
• hormonal disorders.

Vitamin D is involved in the absorption of macronutrients, and this process is regulated by a number of hormones produced mainly by the parathyroid glands. That is why, when there is an overdose of vitamin D and an imbalance of hormones, there is a failure in the absorption of calcium, which can lead to its deficiency or excess.

An overdose of calcium can also occur with uncontrolled intake of calcium gluconate, certain medications for the gastrointestinal tract, as well as during radiation therapy and the rehabilitation period after irradiation.

How does hypercalcemia manifest?

Can a person somehow sense excess calcium in the body? Yes, some nonspecific symptoms may indicate excess calcium in the body. These symptoms are called nonspecific because they are characteristic not only of hypercalcemia, but also of many other diseases.

One of the first signs indicating excess calcium in the blood is constipation, accompanied by pain and cramps in the abdomen, flatulence, bloating, and sometimes leading to peptic ulcers. Excess calcium in the blood can be manifested by the following conditions:

• dizziness;
• increased fatigue;
• digestive problems;
• nausea, vomiting;
• lack of appetite;
• dry mouth;
• depression;
• disorientation and confusion;
• cardiac dysfunction;
• renal failure;
• causeless weight loss;
• frequent seizures.

In addition, symptoms of excess calcium in the blood and body can be periodic heart attacks (due to the deposition of its salts on the walls of blood vessels) and the development of urolithiasis.

According to some medical studies, a daily overdose of this element exceeding 600 mg can lead to prostate cancer.

All this indicates the need to remove excess calcium from the body.

How to reduce high Ca levels in the blood

Reducing the level of macroelements in the blood should be done with great caution, constantly monitoring their content using laboratory tests.

Only a doctor can determine how to remove excess calcium from the body without causing any harm to the patient.

Therefore, any decisions about prescribing medications or recommending products that remove excess calcium from the body should be made by a doctor.

What foods remove Ca

Foods that are not recommended for consumption when calcium levels are low cannot be considered as those that can be unconditionally used to reduce the level of this trace element. Some of them, by lowering the level of one element, can cause significant damage to most internal organs and systems. This can be said about table salt, alcohol, carbonated drinks and coffee. Excessive consumption of these foods has been and continues to be harmful and hazardous to health. But there are other products that can remove calcium from the body without much harm to health:

• green tea, thanks to the tea caffeine it contains;
• foods high in vitamin A, which promotes Ca leaching;
• oatmeal porridge;
• distilled water.

It is very important that you should not abuse the above products, especially distilled water, even to lower high calcium levels!

It is necessary to drink large amounts of purified water to remove excess calcium, but over time, distilled water should be replaced with boiled or simply filtered water.

What medications promote calcium excretion?

Serious overdoses of calcium require drug treatment, and in these cases, diuretics (diuretics) are most often prescribed, for example, Furosemide, which ensure rapid excretion of the macronutrient in the urine, as well as calcium antagonists with a high magnesium content (for example, Veropamil). In addition, if symptomatic therapy is necessary, the following may be prescribed:

• glucocorticosteroids;
• bisphosphonates;
• calcitonin.

Of course, all calcium-containing medications should be discontinued at this time.

What are the consequences of an excess of Ca?

Fortunately, Ca is not so toxic that an overdose can be fatal. In any case, medicine does not have data on the lethal dose of this macronutrient. However, excess Ca can lead to serious consequences, requiring long-term treatment and sometimes surgery (for example, in severe cases of aortic valve calcification).

The most commonly observed consequences of hypercalcemia include:

• arterial hypertension – high blood pressure caused by the deposition of calcium salts on the walls of blood vessels;
• gout is a disease of tissues and joints caused by metabolic and salt imbalance and characterized by the accumulation and difficulty of excretion of uric acid by the kidneys;
• calcification – deposits of calcium salts in organs or soft tissues, accompanied by characteristic painful formations in different parts of the body;
• hyperparathyroidism is a disease of the endocrine system caused by an excess of parathyroid hormones due to impaired salt metabolism.

In addition, with hypercalcemia, the excitability of nerve fibers and skeletal muscles is inhibited, the tone of smooth muscles is reduced, useful microelements such as magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron are washed out of the body, the blood thickens, kidney stones form, bradycardia and angina develop, and the acidity of gastric juice increases. , which can cause hyperacid gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Given the vagueness of the symptoms of hypercalcemia, one should not hope that independent measures to remove excess calcium will quickly give a noticeable result. For example, hypercalcemia provoked by an overdose of vitamin D can be observed in the blood even several months after the withdrawal of a vitamin-containing preparation. Therefore, when carrying out measures to reduce Ca, you should regularly donate blood for biochemical analysis, monitor the level of its Ca content in it, and be observed by a doctor. This will most effectively restore the salt balance and overall well-being.