Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, 99% of which is stored in the bones and the rest in the blood, muscle and other tissues. It undertakes important tasks such as bone and tooth development, blood coagulation, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, 99% of which is stored in the bones and the rest in the blood, muscle and other tissues. It undertakes important tasks such as bone and tooth development, blood coagulation, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm.

Calcium is not produced in the body, it is taken with food and supplements. Most of it circulates in the blood bound to albumin.

It works in coordination with many vitamins and hormones such as calcium, vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin.

If the level of calcium in the blood decreases, parathyroid hormone is secreted. Parathyroid hormone activates cells called osteoclasts in bones, bone demineralization occurs. The level of vitamin D3 increases and the reabsorption of calcium from the intestines increases.

If the level of calcium in the blood increases, calcitonin is secreted. It inhibits osteoclast activation of calcito and lowers the calcium level.



If this balance is disturbed, symptoms related to calcium deficiency or excess occur.

Where is calcium contained?

  • Milk and dairy products (cheese, yoghurt, etc.),
  • Enriched plant-based (almond, soy, rice, chia, etc.) milks,
  • Courgette,
  • Fish (salmon with bones, sardines etc.),
  • Almond, Hazelnut,
  • Legumes,
  • Green leafy vegetables (cabbage, turnip, okra, etc.),
  • Lemon,
  • Strawberry,
  • Grape molasses,
  • Sesame,
  • Cereals,
  • Red meat.

What are the functions of calcium?

  • The development and health of bones and teeth,
  • Blood coagulation,
  • Strengthening the immune system,
  • Fulfilling the functions of enzymes involved in fat and protein synthesis,
  • Nerve conduction,
  • Regulation of heart rhythm,
  • Regulation of blood pressure,
  • Protection from some types of cancer (colon cancer etc.),
  • Protection from certain diseases such as osteoporosis.

 What is the calcium requirement?

  • 0 – 1 year old child: 250 mg/day
  • 1-3 years old child: 700 mg/day
  • 4-8 years old child: 1000 mg/day
  • 9-13 years old child: 1300 mg/day
  • Boy 14 years and older: 1000 mg/day
  • Girl 14 years and older: 1200 mg/day
  • Pregnancy period: 1300 mg/day
  • Lactation period: 1300 mg/day

In a healthy adult, the blood calcium level is 8.5-10.2 mg/dL. Below this value is called hypocalcemia and above it is called hypercalcemia.

What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency?

Diseases that can cause calcium deficiency include:

  • Conditions due to decreased absorption from the intestines,
  • Vitamin D3 deficiency,
  • Malabsorption syndromes,
  • Conditions related to increased urinary excretion,
  • Alcohol addiction,
  • Hypoparathyroidism,
  • Magnesium deficiency,
  • Some drugs (phenobarbitol, gentamicin, diuretics, steroids etc.),
  • Acute pancreatitis,
  • Intensive blood transfusion (due to rhabdomyolysis).

Possible symptoms and diseases related to calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) include:

  • Weakness,
  • Muscle weakness,
  • Muscle cramps,
  • Involuntary muscle contractions,
  • Loss of feeling,
  • Fragility of hair,
  • Hyperpigmentation of the skin,
  • Caries on teeth,
  • Decrease in insulin level,
  • Heart rhythm disorders,
  • Hallucinations,
  • Dementia,
  • Cataract,
  • Osteoporosis (breakage of bones),
  • Autoomalacia (softening of bones),
  • Rickets (bone deformity).

 What happens in excess of calcium?

Elevated blood calcium levels below 11.5 mg/dL usually do not cause symptoms.



Blood calcium levels above 16 mg/dL can be fatal.

Diseases that increase the level of calcium in the blood include:

  • Conditions due to excessive destruction in bones,
    • Hyperparathyroidism,
    • Cancers,
    • Kidney failure,
    • Addison’s disease,
    • Being bedridden for a long time
  • Conditions related to decreased urinary excretion,
    • Thiazide group diuretic use,
    • Genetic diseases (Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia etc.),
  • Conditions due to excessive absorption from the intestine,
    • Granulomatous diseases,
    • Milk alkali syndrome
    • Excessive intake with supplements.

Possible signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia include:

  • Weakness,
  • Nausea, Vomiting,
  • Diarrhea, Constipation,
  • Headache,
  • Dehydration findings,
  • Drinking lots of water,
  • Kidney stones,
  • Bone pain,
  • Bone fractures,
  • Reduction in reflexes
  • Muscle weakness,
  • Heart rhythm disorders,
  • Calcifications in the veins,
  • Conjunctivitis,
  • Pancreatitis findings,
  • Orientation disorders,



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