Blood Calcium Levels – Understanding your Blood Work

Serum Calcium is typically measured in a Complete Metabolic Panel or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. These levels are regulated in a tight range, mainly by the parathyroid hormone (PTH) with the aide of Vitamin D. If someone has a LOW blood Calcium is most commonly associated with issues with Vitamin D, hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), deficiencies in Magnesium, Phosphorus, unsaturated fatty acids, or Vitamins A, B and C, and is rarely associated with Calcium deficiency as one’s bones store adequate Calcium to balance serum levels.

Elevated serum Calcium is more common and is a major indices for one with cancer to observe. For those with a cancer diagnosis, metastasis to bone often causes destruction and liberation of excess Calcium into the blood. If one has elevated Calcium and no cancer diagnosis, one would initially consider hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland, commonly seen in benign parathyroid tumors.

Ranges:

Standard / Lab Range – 8.60 – 10.40

Optimal / Functional Range – 8.90 – 9.50

Dr. Conners discusses more on this video: