COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 190
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is essential
not only for strong bones, but also for healthy nerves and heart
function. Yet, nearly 4 in 10 people4including half of all
children4aren’t getting enough.
The body keeps calcium levels in the blood tightly balanced.
When levels drop, the parathyroid gland releases a hormone (PTH)
that helps raise calcium by activating vitamin D, reducing calcium
loss in urine, and pulling calcium from bones. When levels get too
high, the thyroid gland releases calcitonin, which helps lower
calcium by reducing absorption, slowing bone breakdown, and
increasing calcium loss through urine.
This test is commonly used to check the health of many body
systems, including the bones, kidneys, liver, thyroid, parathyroid,
pancreas, heart, nerves, and digestive system. It’s also often done
for people with cancer.
A blood (serum) test measures the total amount of calcium in the
blood at that moment4including both the calcium that’s freely
available and the calcium that's attached to proteins. This is
called total calcium.
When to use this test:
● To determine parathyroid function.
● To check digestive sufficiency.
Range
Units
Conventional
8.5-10.8 mg/dL
Optimal / Functional
8.9-10.6 mg/dL
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