Calcium, along with other trace elements, very important for normal body function. The drawback of this element as well as an excess of negative impact on the functioning of almost all organs and systems of the body. A condition in which there is a lack of calcium, called hypocalcemia.
Causes of hypocalcemia
Hypoparathyroidism – a condition in which chronic hypocalcemia develops as a result of violation generation of production parathyroid glands. This condition can occur for various reasons. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism occurs due to damage or removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery in the neck. There are cases of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism and family pathogenesis of which is very complicated. Causes of hypoparathyroidism may be inborn genetic diseases, diseases of the hematopoietic system, cancer of the parathyroid glands and metastasis in them.
One of the common causes of lack of calcium in the body – is a lack of vitamin D. The lack of this vitamin is the result of inadequate dietary intake, or violation of the absorption in low sunlight.
The symptoms of calcium deficiency
Common symptoms that indicate a possible lack of calcium in the body, are weakness and fatigue. The skin becomes dry, scaly, nails lose their luster and become brittle. Deteriorating condition of the teeth, tooth decay begins.
Due to calcium deficiency suffer neuromuscular system, first there is a feeling of numbness of the fingers and around the mouth, then join cramps and pains in the bones. In long-term calcium deficiency develops osteoporosis, increased susceptibility to deformation and bone fractures, especially in older people.
Observed and cardiac problems, as calcium is needed for normal contraction of the heart, in severe cases may develop heart failure, which is not amenable to drug therapy.
In the chronic shortage of calcium may develop subcapsular cataracts, the intensity of which depends on the duration and degree of hypocalcemia. In addition, the shortage of this trace element reduces the level of immunity, disturbed blood clotting and occurs increased bleeding .
Calcium deficiency in children is especially dangerous because it is essential for normal growth and development of the child. With its deficit disrupted the formation of bones and teeth, occur pathological changes in the eye lens. Children suffer from nervous disorders, increased nervous excitability, occur seizures often . Poor blood clotting in a child is considered to be one of the most dangerous manifestations of hypocalcemia in children. In adults who in a child had a deficit of calcium, increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
Treatment of hypercalcemia
Treatment of acute hypocalcemia is performed only in a hospital, because this condition threatens for the patient’s life.
In chronic deficiency of calcium-based therapeutics comprise calcium and vitamin D. Apply any calcium supplements in dosages such that the daily intake of calcium in the body is at least 1.5-2 g. In parallel, appointed by vitamin D, the dosage of which is selected by the doctor, based on the needs of the patient. The effectiveness of treatment is assessed by the disappearance of the symptoms of hypocalcemia and normalization of serum calcium on the results of laboratory tests. Serum calcium in the beginning of treatment need to be monitored frequently (weekly or 1 time every 2 weeks), and after stabilization enough blood tests 1 time in 3 months.
Prevention of hypocalcemia
For the prevention of hypercalcemia need to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
The greatest number of the trace element found in sesame seed, hard and processed cheeses, wheat bran, yeast, almonds, hazelnuts, legumes. The calcium content in dairy products is significantly lower than, for example, in sesame seed, but they must be consumed in sufficient amounts because of them calcium is well absorbed by the body.
Foods rich in vitamin D, should also be present in sufficient quantity in the diet of each person. A large amount of this vitamin found in dairy products, vegetable oils, egg yolk, seafood, particularly in fish oils and fish liver. In addition, vitamin D is present in oatmeal, potatoes and greens.
In addition to dietary intake of vitamin D can be synthesized in our body independently under the influence of sunlight, so in the warmer months, it is necessary to spend as much time in the sun (of course, in safe time) with open skin.
In addition to vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption other vitamins (vitamins C, K, B group) and minerals (magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, etc.), So that each person’s diet should be balanced.
On the recommendation of a doctor can be taken in addition to the diet of vitamin-mineral supplements containing calcium (Generic Rocaltrol (Calcitriol), Generic Renagel (Sevelamer Hydrochloride) and others which you can buy online through the Internet that will cost you cheap or with good discounts). Increased demand for calcium in children, pregnant and lactating women, and people over 35 years. Developed special multivitamin complexes for pregnant women and nursing mothers, taking into account the increased need for calcium in women during this period.
For the prevention of calcium deficiency and, as a consequence of osteoporosis, especially in menopausal women, as well as all people older than 35-40 years, recommended acceptance of combined products containing calcium and vitamin D ( Calcium-D3 Nycomed, Calcemin et al.) .
For the children calcium supplements are assigned only by the pediatrician. Vitamin D in preventive dose (Akvadetrim) is recommended in the autumn-winter period, especially in areas where at this time is not enough sunlight.
