Minerals
Calcium
What This Marker Tells Us
Essential for bone structure, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, hormone secretion, and blood clotting.
Why It Matters
Abnormalities indicate parathyroid disorders, vitamin D problems, kidney disease, or bone disorders. Both high and low calcium cause serious symptoms from muscle cramps, seizures, and irregular heartbeat to kidney stones and cognitive impairment. Total calcium must be corrected for albumin levels since calcium binds to albumin for transport.
How to Interpret Your Trends
Low calcium (below 8.5 mg/dL) causes muscle cramps, numbness, seizures, and heart problems from parathyroid issues, vitamin D deficiency, or kidney disease. Typical calcium (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) indicates proper mineral homeostasis. High calcium (above 10.5 mg/dL) causes kidney stones, bone pain, fatigue, and confusion from hyperparathyroidism, cancer, or excessive vitamin D. Both extremes require medical attention.
What Influences This Marker
Vitamin D regulates calcium absorption from diet. Parathyroid hormone mobilizes calcium from bone and increases kidney reabsorption. Dietary calcium, vitamin D status, parathyroid function, and kidney health determine levels. Certain medications and immobilization affect calcium. Adequate vitamin D, balanced calcium intake, and treating underlying disorders maintain proper levels.
How Your Team Uses It
Your coach uses calcium to assess bone health, parathyroid function, and vitamin D status. Abnormal values require medical evaluation and correction for albumin. It guides calcium and vitamin D supplementation while avoiding excessive intake that could cause stones or vascular calcification.
Related Signals We Also Review
Albumin, corrected calcium, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, kidney function, and bone density complete the calcium metabolism assessment.