Whenever you consider calcium in relation to your well being, you doubtless consider growing your dairy consumption to your bones and muscle tissues and maybe not a lot past that. However how do you truly know the quantity of calcium in your physique and whether or not your ranges are the place they need to be? The reply lies in a easy blood take a look at. We spoke to docs to be taught extra about how testing works and what regular blood calcium ranges are for every age group. 

Irregular blood calcium ranges can have an effect on your well being

In comparison with different blood work, like checks that measure coronary heart well being, checking your calcium ranges may appear much less necessary. However our specialists agree it performs a key function in your general wellbeing.

“Prolonged high blood calcium levels can cause kidney and pancreas issues, along with cardiac arrhythmia and cognitive dysfunction,” says Cory Rice, DO, Chief Medical Advisor for Biote.

Then again, “Prolonged low calcium levels can cause neuromuscular problems, seizures, psychiatric problems, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased risk of infections and kidney failure.”

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Forms of calcium checks

It would sound counterintuitive to have a look at blood to measure calcium ranges, however our blood can inform us rather a lot.

“In your blood serum—the clear, yellowish fluid left after blood cells and clotting factors are removed—calcium is found in three main forms,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis. “About half of it exists as free or ionized calcium, which is the active form your body uses for things like muscle movement and nerve function. Around 35 to 45 percent is bound to proteins and isn’t immediately available for use. The remaining five to 10 percent is attached to negatively-charged particles.”

In terms of measuring calcium by a blood take a look at, two choices are most frequently used: whole calcium and ionized calcium. Whereas they may sound comparable, they serve totally different functions.

“When you get a routine calcium blood test, it usually measures total calcium, which includes all three forms,” explains Dr. Dasgupta. “This gives a good overall snapshot of your calcium levels. But if your protein levels are abnormal or you’re having certain symptoms, your doctor might order an ionized calcium test to get a clearer picture of how much active calcium is actually available in your body.”

The outcomes are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and may also help clue your physician into any potential underlying well being points.

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Regular blood calcium ranges by age

For those who’ve already had your blood calcium ranges measured or have been impressed to make an appointment, you’re most likely questioning what’s thought of regular—particularly as we age.

“Normal blood calcium levels vary by age group,” says Dr. Rice. “Higher values are seen in early childhood, and then calcium levels gradually decline and stabilize out into the adulthood years.” He says the conventional vary for blood calcium ranges for every age group is:

Kids 0 to 11 years previous: 8.7 to 11 mg/dL
Teenagers 11 to 19 years previous: 8.5 to 10.4 mg/dL
Adults 20 years and older: 8.6 to 10 mg/dL 

Whereas pointers for regular ranges are useful, Dr. Dasgupta notes that particular person variations in blood calcium ranges can nonetheless happen. “If you have any concerns about your calcium levels, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional,” Dr. Dasgupta says.

How usually do you have to get your calcium ranges checked? 

Dr. Dasgupta says most docs embrace a calcium take a look at in routine blood work. However in case you haven’t been examined, it may very well be price requesting.

“If you’re a woman with risk factors like postmenopause, a history of thyroid or parathyroid issues or symptoms like fatigue or muscle cramps, it’s worth keeping an eye on,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “For most women, once a year as part of routine labs is fine. But your doctor might recommend more frequent testing depending on your health history.”

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This content material shouldn’t be an alternative choice to skilled medical recommendation or analysis. All the time seek the advice of your doctor earlier than pursuing any remedy plan.