In almost any disease or suspicion of it, doctors direct a person to do a blood test, one of the important trace elements of which is ionized calcium. Its norm is 1.2-1.3 mmol / l.
The role of calcium in the body
For humans, calcium is one of the most important elements, because it is contained in the skeleton and teeth.
Ionized calcium also takes part in blood coagulation. In addition, it regulates the numerous processes of cell activity: the release of hormones by them, muscle contraction, the release of very important substances - neurotransmitters, without which it would be impossible to transmit an impulse from neurons to various tissues. Also, ionized calcium reduces the permeability of the cell walls of blood vessels and increases its resistance to viruses and allergens.
It is more important for the human body that calcium goes into the blood, therefore, if there is a lack of calcium, then an obvious signal will be the onset of problems with teeth and bones. It is important to note that along with magnesium, sodium, and potassium, calcium ionized plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. He also, like many other mineral substances, strengthens the body's immune system, triggers the action of many hormones and enzymes.
Calcium Rich Foods
Most of the calcium enters the human body with milk and dairy products (cottage cheese, processed cheeses). If we talk about its other sources, it will be cereal (for example, buckwheat porridge), some fruits (oranges), nuts and legumes, as well as greens. Vitamin D plays an important role in the absorption of calcium. Therefore, parents must give it to children from a very young age. The least calcium is found in carrots and beets, wheat bread and cereals.
If you pay attention to the daily intake of calcium, then it is from 850 to 1300 mg per day, but not more than 2500 mg. However, it can be increased when a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, as calcium is taken from her body by a child. Also, sometimes the norm of consumption of this substance is greater in athletes.
Calcium absorption
It is important to note that there are products that promote the production of calcium, and there are those that interfere with its absorption. The second includes: palm oil, which is often present in infant formula, and some animal fats.
In addition, in order to undergo intestinal absorption, calcium ionized must be dissolved with hydrochloric acid contained in the juice secreted by the stomach. Therefore, sweets and other sweets, which contribute to the release of alkaline juice, interfere with its absorption, like other alkaline substances. After all, alkalis enter the neutralization chemical reaction with acids . By the way, it is important to note that there is an opinion about the desirable use of just ionized calcium as a vitamin, since due to chemical characteristics it does not react with alkalis, and also does not remain an insoluble residue.
Indications for appointment analysis
There are many signs that indicate a lack of calcium in the body, all of which should be considered by a doctor in aggregate.
Of these, the main ones can be distinguished:
- slow growth;
- palpitations;
- high fragility of nails;
- high pressure;
- irritability, severe nervous irritability;
- cramps, tingling in limbs.
Assignment of the analysis also occurs when there are suspicions of diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system, various malignant formations, as well as diseases associated with the thyroid gland.
Analysis submission
Analysis of ionized calcium is performed during blood sampling, which, as with many other procedures, should be taken on an empty stomach 8 hours after an extreme meal. However, you can drink plain drinking water if you really want to eat something.
Do not take the day before to take alcoholic beverages, foods with a high fat content, as well as subject your body to increased physical activity. You also need to remember that if you want to know the most reliable test result for calcium ionized, you need to take it when you are not taking any medications.
Deviations from the norm. Increase
Ionized calcium in the blood can be increased in cases where there are:
- gigantism;
- an excess of vitamin D;
- enteritis in the chronic stage;
- various malignant formations, among which myeloma and leukemia are particularly prominent.
Before the analysis, hypercalcemia will be discussed by such changes in the state of the body as:
- constant feeling of nausea or vomiting;
- feeling of thirst;
- cramps
- general weakness.
Among the causes of high calcium may be: excessive consumption of this substance or metabolic disorders.
Reduced element content
Ionized calcium is lowered if a person has:
- a variety of kidney diseases;
- lack of vitamin D;
- rickets;
- lack of magnesium;
- pancreatitis, etc.
So, as already mentioned above, if there is a lack of calcium in the body, or hypocalcemia, this can be expressed in too nervous behavior and deterioration of the emotional state, depressed mood.
Reasons for lowering calcium levels will also be processes such as problems with the absorption of substances in the intestines, the formation of calcium stones in the kidneys, as well as excessive excretion of it in the urine and constant, very high pressure.
Diagnosis by a doctor
Finally, it is worth noting that you do not need to do self-diagnostics, search in medical encyclopedias or the Internet, which means one or another number written in the analysis column opposite the trace element "calcium ionized". This can only be done by a doctor. Since the diagnosis is not carried out solely on the basis of one analysis, an integrated approach is necessary, and the ordinary person who does not have a medical education does not possess the necessary knowledge.
Most likely, a person who has problems with a lack of calcium in the body will be prescribed vitamins containing it. And since this is a really important element, you cannot let the whole situation go by its own accord.
So, what is important to remember:
- You should be wary of calcium intake, and also carefully note all the symptoms that indicate a decrease or increase in calcium.
- If calcium ionized is lowered, then it is worth consuming more often those products in which it is contained.
- If ionized calcium is elevated, then you should at least limit the consumption of coffee drinks, salt, products containing animal proteins.
- In both cases, you should consult a doctor for a referral to a specialized analysis and further diagnosis.
- Do not engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication, as this can lead to negative consequences.