Insight into your calcium level.
Calcium is a mineral that plays a role in building bone, in muscle contraction and in the conduction of nerve signals. A test gives insight into the calcium level in your blood.
Also known as: Ca
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
How Bloodworks works
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Blood draw
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Receive your report
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Background
What is calcium?
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. By far the largest part is stored in the bones and teeth. A small part circulates in the blood, and it is precisely that part that is needed for muscle contraction, for the conduction of nerve signals, for blood clotting and for the function of many enzymes.
The body keeps the calcium level in the blood tightly regulated, among other things through parathyroid hormone from the parathyroid glands and through vitamin D. If the blood level falls, the body releases calcium from the bones to maintain that level. A normal calcium level in the blood therefore says little about the amount of calcium in your bones. For this reason calcium is often viewed alongside vitamin D, which is needed to absorb calcium from the gut.
In brief
Bone and teeth
Where the largest part is stored
Muscle contraction
Needed for muscles to contract
Nerve conduction
Involved in signal transmission
Tightly regulated
Parathyroid and vitamin D steer the blood level
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your Calcium be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring Calcium can provide insight.
Insight into your status
A test gives a snapshot of the calcium circulating in your blood at that moment.
Together with vitamin D
Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium from the gut. The two values are therefore often viewed together.
With questions about your bones
People often have calcium measured when they have questions about bone health. Bear in mind that the blood level says nothing about your bone density.
With muscle complaints or tingling
Calcium plays a role in muscle and nerve function. With complaints such as cramps or tingling, the value is often included.
When using supplements
Those taking calcium or vitamin D in higher doses can gain insight into their current blood level with a test.
With long-term medication use
Some medicines, such as certain diuretics, can affect the calcium level. A test then gives insight into your current value.
What your result means
How do we read your Calcium level?
Calcium is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). The laboratory states the reference values that apply there alongside your result. Important: the body keeps the calcium level in the blood tightly regulated. A value within the reference values therefore says little about the calcium stored in your bones.
A low value
A low calcium level in the blood is uncommon. Possible backgrounds include a vitamin D deficiency, reduced function of the parathyroid glands, reduced kidney function, or a low albumin, the protein that binds part of the calcium in the blood. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. Our doctor explains what may be going on in your case and whether follow-up is customary.
A normal value
A calcium level within the laboratory's reference values gives a reassuring picture for this marker. Bear in mind that the body actively maintains that blood level, if necessary by releasing calcium from the bones. A normal blood level therefore says little about your bone stores. For questions about bone density, further investigation via your GP is the usual route.
An elevated value
An elevated calcium level may fit with an overactive parathyroid gland or with the use of high doses of calcium or vitamin D. Certain medicines and, more rarely, other underlying conditions can also play a role. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. Our doctor explains what your value means and whether a repeat test or follow-up via your GP is customary.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your calcium level against the laboratory's reference values and your personal context, such as lifestyle, medication use, supplements and any known conditions.
Related tests
Often combined with Calcium.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Calcium with a theme package or related markers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a calcium test?
No, you do not need to fast for a calcium measurement. Drinking water is always fine.
Does my calcium level say anything about the strength of my bones?
No. The body keeps the calcium level in the blood tightly regulated and, if necessary, releases calcium from the bones to maintain that level. Your blood level can therefore be normal while there is less calcium in the bones. For questions about bone density, further investigation via your GP is the usual route.
What is the link between calcium and vitamin D?
Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium from the gut. With a low vitamin D, the body absorbs less calcium. Both values are therefore often viewed together, and our doctor provides that context with your result.
What affects my calcium level?
The function of the parathyroid glands, your vitamin D status, your kidney function and the protein albumin in your blood all play a role. Supplements containing calcium or vitamin D and certain medicines, such as some diuretics, can also affect the value.
Which foods contain a lot of calcium?
Dairy such as milk, yoghurt and cheese is a well-known source. In addition, leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, sesame seeds and calcium-fortified plant-based drinks all contribute.
Can I get too much calcium from supplements?
High doses of calcium or vitamin D can raise the calcium level in the blood. If you take supplements, mention this during your intake. Our doctor takes it into account when interpreting your result.
How often should I have calcium measured?
A single measurement is enough for initial insight. If an earlier value was abnormal, or if you use supplements or medication that affect the value long term, periodic re-testing is customary. Your doctor will advise on this.
What do I do with my result?
You receive a PDF report with your value and a personal explanation from our doctor. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP, remains entirely your choice.
Ready for insight into your calcium level?
For €49 you receive your calcium level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order Calcium for €74 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Calcium with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
74,-
All-in, blood draw included