Serum Calcium Definition - What is Serum Calcium and Why is it Important?

Serum calcium is the name given to the level ofhypercalcaemia and the complications associated with
calcium found in our blood which is determined by athis condition are the outcomes of abnormally high
performing a special blood test. Serum calciumserum calcium.
indicates whether we are calcium deficient or haveBoth hypocalcaemia and hypercalcaemia can be
abnormally high level of calcium in our blood stream.treated by using medication or calcium supplements.
These conditions are termed as hypocalcaemia andOn average we need about 1000 mg of calcium on a
hypercalcaemia respectively.daily basis. If this requirement is not fulfilled we may
Serum calcium definition tells us that both theseend up being calcium deficient or other serious
conditions are dangerous for long-term health.complications.
Extremely low levels of calcium in the blood causeWhen the blood is unable to receive calcium from
fatigue, indigestion, muscle cramps, osteoporosis andfood, it starts robbing it from the bones to carry out
many other health complications. Calcium deficiencyvarious activities like proper circulation, proper
may indicate that the parathyroid glands are notdigestion and absorption of other minerals, blood
working properly and very small amount ofclotting and other functions. As a result there is a
parathyroid hormone is being produced by them.chance of developing degenerative diseases especially
Hypocalcaemia also indicates that we are not gettingosteoporosis when the bones start becoming weaker
enough calcium from our everyday diet. Either this orand weaker.
too much calcium is lost through urine because of aWomen above the age of 40 are advised to increase
high protein diet, too much sugar or too muchtheir daily calcium intake to about 1500 mg. They
phosphoric acid in our diet. Carbonated soft drinksshould also be aware of serum calcium definition and
contain phosphoric acid which interferes with calciumkeep a track of their calcium readings taken after
absorption and as a result causes more and moreevery 6 months. Postmenopausal women are most
calcium to be lost through urine.likely victims of bone disease. Although almost every
Serum calcium definition should also indicate that4 women out of 5 above the age of 40 are calcium
abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood aredeficient, they should also watch out not to consume
sometimes caused due to hyperactivity of themore than 2500 mg of calcium daily.
parathyroid glands. Hypertension, high blood pressure,