Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that builds bones and teeth and is needed for muscles and nerves to work.
Calcium is a mineral that builds bones and teeth and is needed for muscles to contract and nerves to work. Almost all of the body’s calcium is in the skeleton, and the level in the blood is kept within narrow limits by vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and the kidneys.
Vitamin D, calcium intake and hydration affect the level. Some medicines, such as diuretics and cortisone, and large supplement doses of calcium or vitamin D can also play a part. Part of calcium is bound to albumin, so albumin affects the total value.
Foods that help
Dairy such as yoghurt, cheese and milk, leafy greens such as kale and bok choy, nuts, seeds, tofu and fortified plant drinks.
Foods to limit
Very large supplement doses of calcium or vitamin D, and a lot of fizzy drinks, salt and alcohol.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
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