About Calcium
Calcium is a vital mineral in the human body, essential for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth. It plays a crucial role in intracellular signaling, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and hormonal secretion. Approximately 99% of the body's calcium is stored in bones and teeth, with the remaining 1% circulating in the blood and other bodily fluids.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
8.5 - 10.5 mg/dL
Women's Optimal Range
8.5 - 10.5 mg/dL
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate hypercalcemia, which can lead to osteoporosis, kidney stones, and impaired heart and brain function.
Low
Low levels may be associated with hypocalcemia, potentially leading to muscle spasms, memory issues, and a higher risk of bone fractures.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness, constipation, and increased thirst.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling in fingers, and fatigue.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Hoori, A., Al-Kindi, S., Hu, T., Song, Y., Wu, H., Lee, J., Tashtish, N., Fu, P., Gilkeson, R., Rajagopalan, S., & Wilson, D. L. (2023). Enhancing cardiovascular risk prediction through AI-enabled calcium-omics. arXiv preprint arXiv:2308.12224.
- Institute of Medicine. (2011). Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. National Academies Press.
- Ross, A. C., Taylor, C. L., Yaktine, A. L., & Del Valle, H. B. (Eds.). (2011). Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. National Academies Press.
- Weaver, C. M., Gordon, C. M., Janz, K. F., Kalkwarf, H. J., Lappe, J. M., Lewis, R., O'Karma, M., Wallace, T. C., & Zemel, B. S. (2016). The National Osteoporosis Foundation's position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations. Osteoporosis International, 27(4), 1281-1386.
- Bolland, M. J., Grey, A., Avenell, A., Gamble, G. D., & Reid, I. R. (2015). Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D and risk of cardiovascular events: reanalysis of the Women's Health Initiative limited access dataset and meta-analysis. BMJ, 351, h4580.