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Hypocalcemia is a condition where there are low levels of calcium in the blood, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Symptoms include muscle twitching, numbness, tingling, mental confusion, and irregular heartbeat. It can be caused by various factors, but can be prevented through an adequate diet and calcium supplements with vitamin D.
Hypocalcemia is a medical condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood. Much of the calcium in our blood is bound to proteins, but about half is present in solution, as ionized calcium. This second type is what is regulated by the body, and hypocalcemia occurs when this type of calcium gets too low. Calcium is an essential part of many chemical functions in the body, including the transmission of signals along nerves as well as various cellular processes. For this reason, severe hypocalcemia can be life-threatening if left untreated.
It is well known that our bones depend on calcium for their maintenance and repair. Almost all — 99% — of the calcium in our bodies is found in our bones and teeth. The remaining XNUMX% is found in fluids such as blood. Its delicate balance is maintained by parathyroid hormones and calcitonin, as well as vitamin D. Calcium levels are also indirectly influenced by magnesium and phosphorus levels.
The symptoms of hypocalcemia are many, but one of the first to look for is nerve or muscle twitching, called neuromuscular irritability. Calcium acts as a neurotransmitter and causes this symptom if it is not present in high enough amounts. Muscle cramps, as well as numbness and tingling in the extremities, are not uncommon.
Some of the more serious symptoms are mental confusion and irregular heartbeat. These two, especially the last one, indicate the need for emergency medical attention. Even so, it is very rare for someone to die as a direct result of hypocalcemia, but it has occurred.
Many factors can contribute to the presence of hypocalcemia. It can present as a symptom of many different disorders, including kidney failure, vitamin D deficiency, or alcoholism. Hypocalcemia can also be one of the complications of chemotherapy. Excessive intake of caffeine and other chemicals found in soft drinks can cause calcium to leach out of bones, and some antibiotics can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
Hypocalcemia is a completely preventable disorder. An adequate diet, including dairy products, grains and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, should be sufficient to effectively prevent it. Calcium supplements can also help, but it’s important to remember that calcium needs to be accompanied by vitamin D for the body to take up. Many calcium supplements are made with a certain amount of vitamin D included specifically for this purpose.
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