Pharma gyan Pandit

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and helps in the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Blood calcium level is regulated by vitamin D and several hormones, including parathyroid hormone, thyrocalcitonin, and cortisol that control absorption, excretion and bone turnover of calcium. Old age and inadequate calcium in the diet can lead to calcium deficiency, also known as hypocalcemia.

Natural source of calcium:

Milk, Cottage cheese / Paneer, Goat cheese, Whey protein, Kidney beans, White beans, Mustard greens, Lady’s finger (Bhindi), Almonds.

Function:

Calcium is one of the most important minerals for the human body. It helps form and maintain healthy teeth and bones. A proper level of calcium in the body over a lifetime can help prevent osteoporosis.

Calcium helps your body with:

a)  Building strong bones and teeth

b)  Clotting blood

c)  Sending and receiving nerve signals

d)  Squeezing and relaxing muscles

e)  Releasing hormones and other chemicals

f)    Keeping a normal heartbeat

Deficiency Symptoms:

Muscle pain, spasms and twitching, Tingling in fingers, toes and face, Fragile bones prone to fractures, Brittle nails, Coarse hair, Pale and dry scaly skin, Tooth decay, Loss of memory, Confusion & Insomnia.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is carried out by blood testing. The test is designed to measure total calcium. Abnormal levels of total calcium indicate an underlying problem, in which case other tests including ionized calcium and urine calcium may also be required. 

Treatment:
Calcium carbonate supplements at a dose of 600 mg/day for adults.