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1. What do elevated calcium levels mean?
Elevated calcium levels in the blood, a condition known as hypercalcemia, can indicate various underlying health problems and have potentially serious effects on the body. Calcium is a crucial mineral responsible for many vital functions in the body, including the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, the function of muscles and nerves, and blood clotting. A normal balance of calcium levels in the blood is therefore essential, and deviations from this balance, particularly in the form of elevated calcium levels, can indicate various pathologies and cause various symptoms. One of the most common causes of elevated calcium levels is an overactive parathyroid gland, known as primary hyperparathyroidism. These small glands, located near the thyroid gland in the neck, regulate calcium levels in the blood by secreting parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone increases calcium levels by mobilizing calcium from the bones, increasing the absorption of calcium in the intestine, and reducing its excretion through the kidneys. When one of the parathyroid glands overproduces PTH, the calcium level in the blood rises, which over a long period of time can lead to weakening of the bones, kidney stones and impaired kidney function. Another common cause of elevated calcium levels is the use of certain medications, particularly thiazide diuretics, which reduce calcium excretion through the kidneys. Excessive calcium intake, either through dietary supplements or an extremely calcium-rich diet, can also lead to hypercalcemia in rare cases. In addition, certain types of cancer, particularly those that form bone metastases, such as breast or lung cancer, can cause elevated calcium levels. These tumors can break down bone tissue and release calcium in the process, leading to an increase in calcium levels in the blood. Certain inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis or tuberculosis can also cause an increase in calcium levels by producing vitamin D-like substances. The symptoms of hypercalcemia can vary greatly and range from mild, non-specific complaints to serious health problems. Mild cases may remain asymptomatic or cause non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation and increased thirst. Higher calcium levels can cause more serious symptoms such as kidney stones, increased urination, dehydration, cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure and neurological symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, depression and, in the worst case, coma. In the long term, untreated hypercalcemia can lead to serious complications. The kidneys in particular are at risk as they can be damaged by the increased calcium levels, which can lead to reduced kidney function and even kidney failure. The bones can also be weakened by the constant breakdown of calcium, leading to osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fractures. Elevated calcium levels are usually diagnosed by a blood test that directly measures the calcium level. If this is elevated, further tests are necessary to determine the exact cause of the hypercalcemia. These may include tests to measure parathyroid hormone levels, x-rays, bone density measurements, and studies of kidney function and imaging tests to detect tumors. Treatment of hypercalcemia depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In mild cases, particularly when the cause is medication-related, stopping the medication or reducing calcium intake may be sufficient. More severe cases, particularly when primary hyperparathyroidism or cancer is present, may require surgery, drug treatments to lower calcium levels, or therapies to treat the underlying cancer. In acute cases where calcium levels are very high, measures such as intravenous fluids, medications to promote calcium excretion, and in some cases dialysis may be necessary to lower calcium levels quickly and prevent serious complications. In summary, elevated blood calcium levels are a potentially serious medical problem that may be due to several underlying causes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid long-term complications and to maintain the health and quality of life of those affected.
2. The daily requirement of calcium
Daily calcium requirements vary depending on age, gender, and certain life circumstances. In general, it is recommended that infants need about 210 to 270 milligrams of calcium per day during the first year of life. During toddlerhood, the requirement increases to about 500 to 700 milligrams per day, while children ages 4 to 8 require about 1000 milligrams of calcium per day. During adolescence, the requirement increases further to about 1300 milligrams per day for adolescents ages 9 to 18, as growth and bone formation are especially important during this stage of life. For adults ages 19 to 50, it is recommended to consume about 1000 milligrams of calcium per day to maintain bone health. Women over 50 and men over 70 should increase their calcium requirements to about 1200 milligrams per day, as the risk of osteoporosis increases with age. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased calcium requirements to meet the needs of the developing fetus or breastfed baby. Pregnant women should consume about 1000 milligrams of calcium per day, while breastfeeding women should increase their calcium requirements to about 1200 to 1300 milligrams per day. It is important to note that optimal calcium intake depends not only on the amount but also on the bioavailability of calcium in the diet. Foods such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts and certain types of fish are good sources of calcium. In addition, vitamin D also plays an important role in calcium absorption in the body as it promotes the absorption of calcium from the intestines. People who have difficulty meeting their calcium needs through diet alone can also consider calcium supplements, but should do so in consultation with a doctor to avoid overdose. A balanced lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help maintain bone health and minimize the risk of osteoporosis.
3. Calcium for dental health
Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the health of teeth and bones. Calcium is important even in childhood because it supports the growth and development of teeth. In dentistry, calcium is often considered the foundation of healthy teeth because it contributes significantly to the hardness and stability of tooth enamel. Tooth enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth, consists mainly of calcium phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals. These crystals give tooth enamel its remarkable hardness, which is necessary to protect teeth from mechanical stress caused by chewing and biting. Without an adequate supply of calcium during growth and continuous mineralization, teeth would become more susceptible to wear, breakage and caries. A lack of calcium can have serious consequences for dental health in both children and adults. In children, a calcium deficiency can lead to insufficient mineralization of the teeth, which increases the risk of tooth decay. In severe cases, it can lead to developmental disorders of the teeth, which can affect the long-term health of the teeth. In adults, however, a chronic calcium deficiency can reduce the density of tooth enamel and lead to an increased susceptibility to tooth decay and tooth erosion. In addition, a lack of calcium can also reduce bone density in the jaw in the long term, which in turn can endanger the stability of the teeth. Calcium is not only important for the structure of the teeth, but also for the functionality of the entire oral cavity. It plays an important role in saliva production. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which help to remineralize tooth enamel after it has been attacked by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Calcium-rich saliva can therefore help prevent tooth decay by compensating for mineral loss and strengthening tooth enamel. Another important aspect is the role of calcium in conjunction with vitamin D. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium from food and ensures that it is used effectively in the body. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body would not be able to use the calcium it ingests efficiently, which in turn would impair dental health. Therefore, it is important not only to ensure adequate calcium intake, but also to ensure that there is enough vitamin D to optimize calcium absorption. Calcium intake can be ensured through a balanced diet. Foods such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts and fortified plant products are excellent sources of calcium. For people who have difficulty getting enough calcium from their diet, calcium supplements can be a useful addition. However, it is advisable to discuss the use of supplements with a doctor or nutritionist to avoid overdosing, which could also cause health problems. In summary, calcium plays a central role in dental health. It not only ensures strong and resilient teeth, but also helps prevent tooth decay and other dental problems. Adequate calcium intake is therefore of great importance both in childhood and adulthood to keep teeth healthy throughout life.
4. Calcium in the form of dietary supplements
If you want to increase a low calcium level with a dietary supplement, you should definitely pay attention to the form of the active ingredient and its origin. Calcium capsules are particularly suitable for increasing calcium levels. They are very well tolerated and are utilized by the body to a high degree. The preparation should also not contain any chemical additives. If you buy a preparation from Germany, you can be sure that the product has been produced safely and is of high quality.
Our recommendation:
Vitamineule® Calcium Capsules
In our online shop you will find our calcium capsules from Vitamineule®, which are completely free of artificial additives. Vitamineule® calcium capsules contain 120 mg of pure calcium from calcium carbonate per capsule. Each can contains 90 capsules. In addition to fast and free shipping, we offer a voluntary six-month return guarantee for all products.
5. Conclusion: What do elevated calcium levels mean?
Elevated calcium levels in the blood, also known as hypercalcemia, can indicate various health problems. Common causes are an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism), cancers that affect the bones, or an elevated vitamin D level. Possible symptoms include fatigue, nausea, constipation, increased thirst, and frequent urination. In the long term, untreated elevated calcium levels can lead to kidney stones, kidney failure, and cardiac arrhythmias. A precise determination of the cause and appropriate treatment are crucial to avoid complications.