Normal 8.4-10.2 mg/dL

Indications

• Identify problems with:
  • Parathyroid
  • Neuromuscular functions
  • Diseases that affect bone
  • Effectiveness of treatments.

Description

Calcium (Ca+), a positive ion in the body, is necessary for neuromuscular processes, bone mineralization, and hormonal secretion. The parathyroid gland and vitamin D are responsible for calcium regulation in the body. In the blood, about half of calcium travels in ion form, the other half is bound to proteins like albumin. When albumin levels are low, calcium levels will appear lower. Calcium has an important relationship with phosphorus: they are inversely proportional.

What would cause increased levels?

• Cancers:
  • Breast, lung, and multiple myeloma are the most common
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Acidosis
• Renal transplant
• Sarcoidosis
• Vitamin D toxicity
• Dehydration

What would cause decreased levels?

• Malnutrition
• Cirrhosis
• Chronic Renal Failure
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Alkalosis
• Hypomagnesemia
• Hypoalbuminemia
• Hyperphosphatemia
• Malabsorption
• Alcoholism
• Osteomalacia
• Vitamin D deficiency