For almost any disease or suspicion of it, doctors send 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
Calcium is one of the most important elements for humans, as it is found in the skeleton and teeth.
Ionized calcium takes part in blood coagulation. In addition, it regulates numerous processes of cell vital activity: the release of hormones, 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.
For the human body, it is more important that calcium goes into the blood, therefore, if there is a lack of calcium, then problems with teeth and bones will be a clear signal. It is important to note that along with magnesium, sodium and potassium, ionized calcium plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. He also, like many other mineralsubstances, 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, then it will be cereals (for example, buckwheat), some fruits (oranges), nuts and legumes, as well as greens. Vitamin D plays an important role in the absorption of calcium. Therefore, parents must definitely give it to their 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, it ranges 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 the baby takes calcium from her body. Also, sometimes the rate of consumption of this substance is higher in athletes.
Calcium Absorption
It is important to note that there are foods that promote calcium, and there are those that interfere with its absorption. The latter include: palm oil, which is often found in infant formula, and some animal fats.
In addition to undergoing intestinal absorption, ionized calcium must be dissolved with the help of hydrochloric acid contained in the juice secreted by the stomach. Therefore, sweets and other sweets that contribute to the release of alkaline juice interfere with it.assimilation, like other alkaline substances. After all, alkalis enter into a chemical neutralization reaction with acids. By the way, it is important to note that there is an opinion about the desirable use of 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 analysis appointment
There are many signs that indicate a lack of calcium in the body, all of them should be considered by a doctor together.
The main ones can be distinguished from them:
- slow growth;
- increased heartbeat;
- high fragility of nails;
- high blood pressure;
- irritability, strong nervous excitability;
- cramps, tingling in limbs.
Assignment of the analysis occurs when there are suspicions of diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system, various malignant tumors, as well as diseases associated with the thyroid gland.
Analysis
Analysis for ionized calcium is performed during blood sampling, which, as with many other procedures, should be taken on an empty stomach 8 hours after the last meal. However, you can use plain drinking water if you really want something to eat.
You should not take alcoholic beverages, foods high in fat the day before, and also expose your body toincreased physical activity. You also need to remember that if you want to know the most reliable result of the ionized calcium test, then you need to take it when you are not taking any medications.
Deviations from the norm. Boost
Ionized blood calcium may be elevated when present:
- gigantism;
- too much vitamin D;
- enteritis in the chronic stage;
- various malignancies, among which myeloma and leukemia stand out.
Before the analysis of hypercalcemia, such changes in the state of the body as:
- constant feeling of nausea or vomiting;
- feeling thirsty;
- convulsions;
- general weakness.
Among the causes of high calcium levels may be: excessive consumption of this substance or metabolic disorders.
Reduced element content
Ionized calcium is low if a person has:
- various kidney diseases;
- vitamin D deficiency;
- rickets;
- lack of magnesium;
- pancreatitis, etc.
So, as 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.
Causes of low 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 asexcessive excretion of it in the urine and constant high blood pressure.
Doctor Diagnosis
Finally, it is worth noting that you do not need to engage in self-diagnosis, look in medical encyclopedias or the Internet, which means a particular number written in the analysis column opposite the "ionized calcium" microelement. This can only be done by a doctor. Since the diagnosis is not carried out only on the basis of one analysis, an integrated approach is needed, and an ordinary person who does not have a medical education does not possess the necessary knowledge for this.
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 can’t let the whole situation take its course.
So what's important to remember:
- You should be smart about calcium intake, and be sensitive to any symptoms that indicate a decrease or increase in it.
- If ionized calcium is low, then you should eat more often those foods that contain it.
- If ionized calcium is high, then you should at least limit the consumption of coffee drinks, s alt, products containing animal proteins.
- In both cases, you should consult a doctor for a referral for a specialized analysis and further diagnosis.
- Do not engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment, as this can lead to negative consequences.
