Low calcium levels can be caused by a variety of factors. These include Vitamin D deficiency and genetic mutations. Ignoring the symptoms may not be the best course of action. However, low calcium levels can lead to several health problems, including tooth decay, bone fractures, and mood disorders.
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a chronic disorder that leads to low levels of calcium in the body. A doctor can diagnose this condition by conducting blood tests to measure calcium and phosphorus levels. These tests are usually done once or twice a year, once the condition is stabilized. The goal of treatment is to restore calcium and phosphorus levels to the normal range. Patients with this disease can take oral calcium supplements to increase calcium levels in their blood. But be aware that high doses of calcium supplements may cause side effects in the digestive system.
Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism may begin in childhood or in adulthood, and include numbness and tingling, seizures, and spasms. In some cases, the condition can develop during pregnancy. Babies born prematurely are at an increased risk of developing the disorder because parathyroid hormone is not released normally from the parathyroid glands after delivery. A mother who has diabetes or overactive parathyroid glands during pregnancy is also at risk for this condition.
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that is necessary for the proper development of healthy bones. People with low levels of vitamin D can experience several health problems including rickets and osteomalacia, which are severe types of bone deformity. If untreated, these conditions can lead to permanent bone deformities.
There are a number of causes of low vitamin D levels. Inadequate exposure to the sun and restricted diets are two common culprits. Moreover, liver or kidney disease, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions can also lower the level of vitamin D. In addition, some medications reduce vitamin D levels.
Taking calcium supplements may cause an excessive buildup of calcium in the blood. This can lead to various symptoms, including frequent urination, nausea, and kidney problems. Therefore, you should be very careful about the amount of calcium supplements that you take. If you must take calcium supplements, make sure to read the labels and take the supplements as directed. You can also spend some time outdoors and get plenty of sun.
Genetic mutations
Genetic mutations that lead to low calcium levels are a real possibility in people with a number of diseases. There are about 65 genes that are involved in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. For this study, researchers analyzed the genes in 127 patients with different diseases. Among them, fifty had primary hyperparathyroidism, 44 had hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, 13 had hypocalcemia, and 12 had pseudohypoparathyroidism. The study included both adult and pediatric patients with various bone diseases. The researchers studied the genetic mutations of these patients using a Next-Generation Sequencing panel. Five of these patients showed variants in the GCM2 gene, which is known to be associated with familial hypocalcemia.
Another genetic mutation that is associated with this disease is in the GNA11 and CASR genes. These genes encode proteins that regulate calcium levels in the blood. When a person has a mutation in either gene, the calcium levels in their blood will be abnormal. Symptoms include low calcium levels and a loss of calcium.
Ignoring symptoms
The first warning sign of low calcium levels is a tingling sensation in the toes, which can progress to painful muscle spasms. Other symptoms of hypocalcaemia include Chvostek’s sign, which causes the facial muscles to twitch in response to tapping on a facial nerve. Severe hypocalcaemia can even lead to neurological conditions, including seizures.
People with low calcium levels should seek medical attention immediately. The symptoms of a low calcium level can be so serious that they can be fatal. The best way to treat the condition is to consult with your doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms. You should also be aware of possible complications that could occur if you ignore them.
Low calcium levels can also lead to skin problems. Some sufferers experience psoriasis and eczema. These skin conditions have similar symptoms but differ in their severity. Both conditions cause scaliness on the skin and can be extremely itchy.
Treatment
Symptoms of low calcium levels in infants are often mild and a simple diet change can fix the problem. However, there are cases when the condition is more serious and requires medical treatment. A doctor can prescribe calcium supplements as oral tablets or as injections. In most cases, an increase in calcium levels can be seen within a couple of weeks.
Calcium is important for the proper functioning of the heart, bones, and teeth. Low levels can lead to brittle teeth and roots, irritated gums, and tooth decay. It can also delay tooth formation. There is even a link between low calcium levels and mood disorders. Although the reason for this connection is unclear, it’s worth noting that low calcium levels can contribute to depressive symptoms as well.
