Calcium Levels in the Body and Disorders

Calcium in the Body

• Factors determining calcium levels:
  • Dietary intake of calcium
  • Calcium and vitamin D absorption by the intestine
  • Phosphate levels in the body
  • Certain hormones, including parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and estrogen
  • Calcium supplements

Hypocalcemia

• Definition: Abnormally low calcium level in the blood
• Causes:
  • Low parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Kidney failure
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Insufficient magnesium and protein in the blood

Hypercalcemia

• Definition: Abnormally high calcium level in the blood
• Causes:
  • High PTH levels
  • Vitamin D overdose
  • Prolonged bed rest or immobilization
  • Cancers of bones

Calcium Test

• Reasons for testing:

  • Checking for parathyroid gland problems, kidney failure and stones
  • Detecting cancers of the breast, neck, lung, and head
  • Evaluating bone problems, pancreatitis, and abnormal ECG
  • Determining if symptoms are caused by very high or low calcium levels
  • Routine blood test

• Bone mineral density test: Measures the amount of calcium in the bones

Calcium Test Procedure

• Patient preparation: Rest in a recumbent position for at least 30 minutes before the test
• Blood draw: Drawn without using a tourniquet

### Magnesium

• Importance: Essential for all living cells and plays critical roles in the structure and function of the human body
• Body content: The adult human body contains about 25 grams of magnesium, with over 60% in the skeleton and 27% in muscle
• Metabolic role: Involved in over 300 essential metabolic reactions

Magnesium Functions

• Overall health: Magnesium is crucial for regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and protein, bone, and DNA synthesis
• Recommended intake: Varies based on age and sex

Dietary Sources of Magnesium

• Rich sources: Legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach), fortified breakfast cereals, milk, yogurt, and some milk products
• Fortified foods: Fortified breakfast cereals and other fortified foods contribute to magnesium intake

Magnesium Supplements

• Availability: Available in multivitamin-mineral supplements, dietary supplements, laxatives, and products for treating heartburn and indigestion
• Better absorption: Forms like magnesium aspartate, citrate, lactate, and chloride are more easily absorbed by the body

Magnesium and Health

• High blood pressure and heart disease: Magnesium supplements might slightly decrease blood pressure, and people with higher dietary magnesium may have a lower risk of certain heart diseases and stroke
• Type 2 diabetes: Higher dietary magnesium intake is associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes; it assists in sugar breakdown and might prevent insulin resistance
• Osteoporosis: Important for bone health, and higher magnesium intake can lead to increased bone mineral density, potentially reducing fracture and osteoporosis risk
• Magnesium safety: Magnesium from food is generally safe and not limited; the kidneys remove excess in the urine

Further Research on Magnesium

• Potential benefits of magnesium supplements for type 2 diabetes management
• Potential effectiveness of magnesium supplements for reducing osteoporosis risk or treatment