Calcium is an essential mineral for people to build healthy bones and control blood clots. Calcium plays an important role in “skeletal muscle-regulation and maintenance, and contributes to the neuromuscular command and regulation of intracellular myosin fibers for skeletal muscle contraction and relaxation” (Harvey et al. 447). In other words, people need this element to preserve bone and muscle well-being. The main sources of calcium are dairy products like milk and cheese, but one should not neglect its presence in nuts, seeds, and vegetables (Cormick and Belizán). Healthcare providers recommend calcium intake during a lifespan because it promotes strong bones’ growth in children and keeping them firm in aging (Li et al. 2451). Adequate intake results in reduced fractures and the possibility to prevent cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, and gastrointestinal disorders.
When people neglect the role of calcium in their bodies, they may be diagnosed with hypocalcemia, also known as calcium deficiency. The major clinical signs are reduced serum total calcium levels (below 8.5 mg/dl), physical exhaustion, dental problems, respiratory changes, cardiomyopathy (blood pumping problems), and reduced urine filtration rate (Pepe et al.). The causes of calcium deficiency vary, depending on parathyroid hormone (PTH) presence or absence (Pepe et al.; Vannucci et al.). Hormonal changes and genetic factors influence the level of calcium in the body. Sometimes, people take medications that determine calcium absorption or provoke dietary intolerance. Hypocalcemia may remain asymptomatic for a long period, and patients observe such complications as eye damage, osteoporosis, and difficulty walking.
To stabilize the body’s condition and increase serum calcium level, an appropriate treatment therapy is offered in regards to the problem’s etiology. In the majority of cases, dietary improvements are required based on calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium supplements (Abrahamsen 108). Thiazide diuretics aim at normalizing urinary calcium levels, and calcitriol helps to absorb calcium properly (Pepe et al.). Parathyroid hormone injections also raise serum calcium rates, and bisphosphonates break down re-absorption of calcium from bones (Harvey et al. 451). All these steps are necessary to manage calcium intake and predict musculoskeletal complications.
Works Cited
Abrahamsen, Bo. “The Calcium and Vitamin D Controversy.” Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, vol. 9, no. 5, 2017, pp. 107-114.
Cormick, Gabriela, and Jose M. Belizán. “Calcium Intake and Health.” Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 7, 2019.
Harvey, Nicholas C., et al. “The Role of Calcium Supplementation in Healthy Musculoskeletal Ageing: An Experts Consensus Meeting of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) and the International Foundation for Osteoporosis (IOF).” Osteoporosis International, vol. 28, no. 2, 2017, pp. 447-462.
Li, Kelvin, et al. “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Calcium Supplementation: A Review of Calcium Intake on Human Health.” Clinical Interventions in Aging, vol. 13, 2018, pp. 2443-2452.
Pepe, Jessica, et al. “Diagnosis and Management of Hypocalcemia.” Endocrine, 2020.
Vannucci, Letizia, et al. “Calcium Intake in Bone Health: A Focus on Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters.” Nutrients, vol.10, no. 12, 2018.