Calcium: It's Not Just in Your Bones

Calcium is a vital mineral mainly stored in bones and teeth, with a small portion in the blood, supporting functions like nerve transmission, muscle function, vascular contraction, and hormone secretion. The body carefully maintains blood calcium levels; increases might be linked to hyperparathyroidism or vitamin D overdose, while decreases could relate to hypoparathyroidism or kidney failure.

The hormone calcitonin, along with parathyroid hormone and vitamin D, plays a role in managing serum calcium levels, and changes in pH or albumin can affect calcium's binding in the blood.

Low serum calcium, or hypocalcemia, is linked to various health issues such as osteoporosis, hypoparathyroidism, renal failure, vitamin D deficiency, and conditions like menopause, acute pancreatitis, and sepsis. Certain drugs, as well as low serum magnesium and increased resistance to PTH, can contribute to decreased calcium levels in the blood.

Conversely, higher serum calcium levels have been correlated with higher blood pressure, increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI), arterial stiffness, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, yet the complex relationships between calcium, diet, medications, and various health conditions necessitate further study.

Additionally, lead can negatively impact calcium metabolism, illustrating calcium's complex role in overall health.

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