Abnormally low level of calcium in the blood is termed as hypocalcaemia and this condition is very dangerous for health. It either occurs as a result of too much calcium loss or insufficient calcium intake through food. Serum calcium is a blood test which indicates the level of calcium in the blood.
Early symptoms of low serum calcium include frequent muscle cramps and joint pains. In addition to this, inability to perform tiresome activities, fatigue, brittle nails, and yellowness of teeth also occur as a result of abnormally low level of calcium in the blood stream.
Calcium deficiency should not be neglected for a long period of time because when blood is unable to get the calcium it requires from food, it starts robbing it from the bones where it is naturally present. As a result our bones start becoming weaker and weaker and eventually start breaking one after the other.
This disease is termed as osteoporosis in medical terms. It is a degenerative disease and one of the most dangerous symptoms of low serum calcium. Calcium deficiency in our body normally goes unnoticed until we experience a fracture or some other serious complication. Treatment of hypocalcaemia should start from an early age.
Joint pains and fatigue are common symptoms of low serum calcium which have been seen in almost 4 out of 5 women all over the world after they cross the age of 40. Immediate treatment is advised by doctors because if left untreated, hypocalcaemia in postmenopausal women can cause bone disease in old age and the risk of many other degenerative diseases is also increased.
Deficiency of parathyroid hormone (PTH) produced by parathyroid glands also causes less calcium to be absorbed by the blood stream and as a result calcium deficiency occurs. It is also one of the early symptoms of low serum calcium.
To restore calcium to a normal level, you should eat calcium-rich foods or calcium supplements on a regular basis. Ask a dietician to determine the exact amount of calcium you should be consuming on a daily basis. Normally 1000 - 1500 mg of calcium is required by an average, healthy person. However, if you are already calcium deficient you should increase this intake to about 2000 mg.
Before starting the course of calcium supplements it is advisable that you consult a doctor or have your serum calcium performed for a proper and effective treatment.
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