Calcium laboratory value – normal values, deviations and causes

You can find out what calcium is, what the laboratory value says and what the normal values are here.

Abstract

• Calcium is absorbed through food. In some phases of life, such as during pregnancy and growth, the requirement is increased.
• Calcium from bones and teeth can be released when it is needed in the blood.
• A deviation from the normal values causes various symptoms. However, if the calcium level is severely elevated, this can be life-threatening.

What is calcium?

Calcium is an important building block for bones and teeth. A person stores one to two kilograms of calcium in their body, depending on their size and gender. Deviating values can be dangerous under certain circumstances.

What does the calcium value say?

Calcium is an important component of osteoporosis prophylaxis and plays a role in blood clotting, muscle and nerve activity. Among other things, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, a hormone of the parathyroid gland, regulate calcium levels.

What is the standard value?

In adult men and women, the normal value of calcium in the blood is 2.2 to 2.65 millimoles per liter of blood. In children under the age of twelve, it can be higher at up to 2.7 millimoles per liter.

What do too high values mean?

Calcium levels can rise in the event of a hormonal disorder associated with increased parathyroid hormone secretion. Other causes are

• Overdose of vitamin D and vitamin A
• diuretic medication
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypofunction of the adrenal glands

When can the calcium laboratory value be too low?

A deficit in the hormone parathyroid hormone causes a calcium deficiency. If the calcium concentration is too low, there may also be a vitamin D deficiency. To ensure you have an adequate supply of vitamin D, you can test yourself for vitamin D deficiency.

What symptoms indicate an abnormal calcium level?

Symptoms of high or low calcium levels are unspecific and often only occur when there are significant deviations:

Important: A value of more than 3.5 millimoles of calcium per liter of blood can be life-threatening. In a so-called hypercalcemic crisis, there is a strong urge to urinate and considerable thirst, fever, dehydration and even loss of consciousness within a short period of time.

What treatment options are available?

The first step is to find out the cause and then initiate suitable treatment. A low-calcium diet may be sufficient for a slightly elevated value. The doctor can also prescribe medication. Even if the level is too low, it can often be compensated for through diet.