What Causes Low Calcium Levels?
September 11, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Low calcium levels in the blood, a condition known as hypocalcemia, can result from various factors, including medical conditions, medications, dietary deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting, and bone health. Here are some common causes of low calcium levels:
- Hypoparathyroidism: This condition occurs when the parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood, so a deficiency can lead to low blood calcium levels.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium from the intestines. Insufficient vitamin D intake or limited exposure to sunlight, which stimulates vitamin D production in the skin, can lead to low calcium levels.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining calcium balance in the body. In CKD, the kidneys may not efficiently filter and reabsorb calcium, leading to hypocalcemia.
- Malabsorption Disorders: Certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or surgical removal of part of the intestine, can hinder the absorption of calcium and other nutrients from the diet.
- Medications: Some medications can interfere with calcium absorption or utilization. These include anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin), certain diuretics, corticosteroids, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
- Hypomagnesemia: Low magnesium levels in the blood can affect the parathyroid glands’ function and indirectly lead to low calcium levels.
- Acute Pancreatitis: This inflammation of the pancreas can lead to the deposition of calcium within the pancreas and reduce calcium levels in the blood.
- Alkalosis: A condition characterized by an excess of alkaline substances in the blood can lead to decreased ionized calcium levels, even if total calcium levels appear normal.
- Hypoproteinemia: Low levels of blood proteins, particularly albumin, can affect the binding of calcium in the bloodstream. This can result in low levels of ionized or active calcium, even if total calcium levels are normal.
- Certain Cancers: Some types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, can lead to the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream, causing hypercalcemia followed by hypocalcemia.
- Inadequate Dietary Intake: Extremely low dietary intake of calcium over an extended period can contribute to hypocalcemia. This is relatively rare in developed countries due to the prevalence of calcium-fortified foods.
- Surgical Removal of the Parathyroid Glands: In some cases, surgical procedures involving the parathyroid glands can inadvertently lead to hypocalcemia if the glands are damaged or removed.
Symptoms of hypocalcemia can vary but may include muscle cramps, numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes, muscle spasms, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures and abnormal heart rhythms. Treatment of low calcium levels typically involves addressing the underlying cause and may include dietary changes, vitamin D supplementation, calcium supplements, or medications to raise calcium levels. If you suspect you have hypocalcemia or are at risk due to certain medical conditions or medications, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and appropriate management.