Hypocalcaemia, also known as calcium deficiency, is a condition in which there is an abnormally low level of calcium in the blood. Calcium is a mineral that is essential for many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, bone health, and blood clotting. This nutritional disorder is common worldwide in children. Over 13.3 percent of kids in the rural areas of South Africa have abnormally low calcium levels.
If you treat Hypocalcaemia, you may relieve most of its associated symptoms. But if the underlying cause of calcium deficiency is a medical condition, you may develop additional symptoms.
Calcium deficiency is common in many individuals and in regions where people don’t consume a balanced diet.
The following are the primary causes of Hypocalcaemia.
Many factors can make you susceptible to developing Hypocalcaemia. Your risk of experiencing the Hypocalcaemia symptoms increases if you have/are:
Like any nutritional disorder, your doctor may need your blood test to measure calcium levels. In addition, other tests may be performed to identify the underlying cause of the condition, such as vitamin D levels, parathyroid hormone levels, kidney function tests, and tests for malabsorption.
Lack of calcium or Hypocalcaemia can be severe and can cause medical emergencies like:
In general, treatment involves restoring normal calcium levels in the blood with the help of
Oral calcium supplements. Calcium can be taken as a standalone supplement or in combination with vitamin D. In cases where Hypocalcaemia is caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease or Hypoparathyroidism, treatment of the underlying condition is necessary.
Maintaining healthy calcium levels in the body is important to prevent deficiency. Foods such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and calcium-fortified foods are excellent sources of calcium. Getting enough vitamin D from sunlight, food, or supplements can also help prevent Hypocalcaemia.