Calcium is very important to the body. It can be found in the skeletal system and teeth, but also in the muscles, nerves and blood. There are many systems and processes that depend on normal calcium levels and having too much or too little can result in serious illnesses. The endocrine system is responsible for making sure calcium is properly distributed. Sometimes a disease like hyperparathyroidism can cause an imbalance of blood calcium levels. In other cases, osteoporosis is the culprit.
Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia is a condition where there is a lack of calcium in the blood. This can be due to hypoparathyroidism, where the parathyroid gland cannot make enough hormones to maintain plasma calcium levels, or a poor diet lacking in calcium or vitamin D. Severe hypocalcemia can cause numbness and spasms in the hands, feet and mouth. It can also cause memory loss, hallucinations and depression. Treatments include injections of calcium ions, or oral doses of calcium.
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is when you have too much calcium in the blood. This is usually because of hyperparathyroidism, a condition of excessive hormonal levels by the parathyroid gland. In some cases cancer can be the cause, though it is rare. Mild elevated calcium levels usually have few or no symptoms, but severe cases can result in nausea and vomiting, depression and lethargy, weakness, joint aches, and headaches.
Calcium in the Body
Calcium can be found in three major areas of the body. In cells, it is important for enzyme function, muscle contraction and intracellular signals. In the blood stream, calcium floats freely or is bound to proteins. The skeletal system is the third major source of calcium because most of the bones are calcium. The small intestine, bones and kidneys also help regulate the calcium levels of blood.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become fragile and weak, especially in the hips, spine and wrist. Women are more at risk, though men can suffer from it as well. Osteoporosis makes the bones porous, and can go undetected for years until a bone finally fractures. Maintaining calcium amounts in the body, exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding cigarette smoking and alcohol decrease the chances of getting osteoporosis.
Calcium Deposits
Calcium deposits are small granules of calcium that build up in the body. They can appear almost anywhere and are virtually undetectable. Usually, the only time they are found is when pain occurs at that location. Calcium deposits aren't rocks that grow in the body. They are closer to a chalky toothpaste consistency. The reason calcium deposits occur isn't entirely known.
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