What are the symptoms of low calcium

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Symptoms of Low Calcium (Hypocalcemia)

Neuromuscular Irritability and Tetany

One of the primary symptoms of low calcium, or hypocalcemia, is neuromuscular irritability. This can manifest as muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching, commonly referred to as tetany. These symptoms are often acute and can be severe, requiring immediate medical intervention such as intravenous calcium administration to resolve the symptoms quickly 13.

Seizures and Convulsions

Severe hypocalcemia can lead to seizures and convulsions. These symptoms are particularly noted in newborns with low calcium levels, where facial twitching and convulsions can occur within the first few days of life. Intensive calcium therapy is often required to manage these symptoms effectively .

Chronic Hypocalcemia Symptoms

In cases of chronic hypocalcemia, the symptoms can be more subtle and may include fatigue, muscle weakness, and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression or anxiety. Chronic conditions like hypoparathyroidism, which impairs the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), are common causes of long-term low calcium levels 16.

Gastrointestinal and Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Low calcium intake is also associated with gastrointestinal issues and musculoskeletal symptoms. These can include abdominal pain, muscle cramps, and joint pain. In some cases, very high or very low calcium intake can exacerbate these symptoms, indicating the importance of balanced calcium levels for overall health .

Skeletal and Non-Skeletal Fluorosis

In regions with high fluoride levels, such as the Ethiopian Rift Valley, low calcium intake can worsen symptoms of skeletal and non-skeletal fluorosis. Women with low dietary calcium intake in these areas are more likely to experience skeletal rigidity, joint pains, and muscular weakness .

Conclusion

Low calcium levels can lead to a range of symptoms, from acute neuromuscular irritability and seizures to more chronic issues like muscle weakness and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Proper management and balanced calcium intake are crucial for preventing and alleviating these symptoms.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Hypocalcemic disorders.

Chronic hypocalcemia can be managed with individualized treatment plans based on the underlying disorder, including calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

2018·

51citations

·Erin Bove‐Fenderson et al.

THE SYMPTOMS OF CALCIUM DEFICIENCY IN PLANTS

Calcium deficiency in plants leads to water-soaked tissues, cell breakdown, and necrosis, with potential mechanisms including membrane permeability and cell fluid invasion.

Highly Cited

1978·

166citations

·E. Simon

Low calcium tetany in the newborn

Low calcium tetany in newborn infants is more common if routine blood calcium determinations are made in cases of convulsions or twitches of unexplained etiology.

Case Report

1934·

7citations

·J. Rothstein

Low-threshold calcium spike bursts in the human thalamus. Common physiopathology for sensory, motor and limbic positive symptoms.

Low-threshold calcium spike bursts in the human thalamus are a common cause of sensory, motor, and limbic positive symptoms, and medial thalamotomy can provide 50-100% relief without affecting neurological functions.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

1996·

388citations

·D. Jeanmonod et al.

Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and joint symptoms in postmenopausal women in the women's health initiative randomized trial.

Daily supplementation with 1,000 mg calcium carbonate and 400 IU vitamin D-3 did not reduce the self-reported frequency or severity of joint symptoms in postmenopausal women.

RCT

2013·

23citations

·R. Chlebowski et al.

Mineral intake and clinical symptoms in adult patients with Hypophosphatasia.

High or very low phosphorus and calcium intake in hypophosphatasia patients is associated with increased frequency of clinical symptoms, particularly neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Observational StudyVery Rigorous Journal

2020·

11citations

·Katinka Kuehn et al.

Association of Dietary Calcium Intake with Dental, Skeletal and Non-Skeletal Fluorosis among Women in the Ethiopian Rift Valley

Low dietary calcium intake is associated with increased risk of developing skeletal rigidity, joint pains, and muscular weakness in women living in high-fluoride communities in South Ethiopia.

Observational StudyRigorous Journal

2022·

3citations

·Demmelash Mulualem et al.

The effect of vitamin D levels on postoperative calcium requirements, symptomatic hypocalcemia, and parathormone levels following parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Postoperative calcium requirements and hypocalcemia symptoms are identical for patients with very low, low, normal, or supplemented vitamin D levels, and vitamin D supplementation from very low to high levels has no clinical benefit.

Observational Study

2011·

25citations

·D. Press et al.

Evidence for abnormal calcium homeostasis in patients with adynamic bone disease.

Adynamic bone disease in end-stage renal failure patients is characterized by a very low bone capacity to buffer calcium and inability to handle an extra calcium load, impacting daily care.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

1994·

312citations

·P. Kurz et al.

Calcium Intake and Health

Increasing calcium intake to 400-500 mg/day can reduce blood pressure, reduce osteoporosis risk, and lower cholesterol levels, with potential benefits for both rich and poor populations.

Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2019·

282citations

·G. Cormick et al.

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