Calcemia: Normal Values, Symptoms and Treatments : Your online pharmacy selection

Calcemia, or calcium levels in the blood, is a crucial indicator of bone health and overall body function. Understanding blood calcium levels is essential for maintaining a healthy balance and preventing associated disorders.

What is Calcemia?

Calcemia refers to the amount of calcium present in the blood. Calcium is a vital mineral for many bodily functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, muscle contraction and blood clotting. A precise balance is maintained by the body to ensure optimal functioning.

What are the Normal Values of Calcemia?

Normal blood calcium values vary slightly between laboratories, but generally lie between 8.5 and 10.2 mg/dL. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to correctly interpret your results according to specific laboratory standards.

What causes abnormal blood calcium levels?

Abnormal blood calcium levels can be caused by a variety of conditions, including :

• Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels): often due to hyperparathyroidism, cancer, certain diseases, or excessive use of calcium supplements.
• Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels): can result from vitamin D deficiency, kidney problems, hypoparathyroidism, or certain medications.

How to increase calcium levels?

To increase calcium levels, we recommend :

• Consume calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and bony fish.
• Take calcium and vitamin D supplements, as recommended by a health professional.
• Moderate sun exposure to stimulate vitamin D production.

What are the symptoms of abnormal calcium levels?

Symptoms vary depending on whether blood calcium levels are high or low, and can include :

• Hypercalcemia: fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, abdominal pain and muscle weakness.
• Hypocalcemia: muscle cramps, numbness, spasms, and in severe cases, convulsions or cardiac arrhythmias.

How is blood calcium measured?

Calcemia is measured by a simple blood test. It is often included in a wider panel of tests to assess overall health and organ function.

Can blood calcium levels predict health problems?

Yes, abnormal calcium levels can indicate underlying health problems requiring medical attention. Hypercalcemia can signal serious conditions such as cancer or hyperparathyroidism, while hypocalcemia can indicate vitamin D deficiency or kidney problems.

How does vitamin D influence blood calcium levels?

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating blood calcium levels by promoting calcium absorption in the intestine. Without sufficient vitamin D, your body cannot absorb calcium efficiently, leading to hypocalcemia. Adequate exposure to sunlight and consumption of vitamin D-rich foods or supplements can help maintain adequate levels.

Which drugs affect blood calcium levels?

Several drugs can influence blood calcium levels, either by increasing or decreasing them. Thiazide diuretics can raise blood calcium levels, while drugs such as bisphosphonates or calcium citrate can lower them. It is essential to discuss the potential effects of your medication on blood calcium levels with your healthcare professional.

Can calcium imbalances be prevented?

Preventing blood calcium imbalances involves a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, a healthy lifestyle including regular physical activity, and moderate exposure to sunlight. Avoiding excess alcohol and tobacco can also help maintain a healthy balance.

How does Hyperparathyroidism affect blood calcium levels?

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where one or more of the parathyroid glands produces too much parathyroid hormone, which increases calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia). This imbalance can lead to bone weakness, kidney stones and other health problems. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing this condition.

What is the link between Calcemia and Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease can affect the body's ability to regulate blood calcium levels. The kidneys play an essential role in converting vitamin D into its active form, necessary for calcium absorption. Kidney failure can therefore lead to hypocalcemia, while high calcium levels can cause further damage to the kidneys, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.