Blood test for calcium

[SarahBa]

I was reading the 'Supplement timing' post which appeared in my daily e-mail this morning and one of the replies from greygoose raised a good point.

In the past I was mildly low with my calcium and since going through a surgical menopause in October 2021 and having a DEXA scan which showed mild osteopenia in my hip I began taking calcium citrate supplements. I do also take Vitamin D3 and K2 as well as I wish any calcium in my body to go to my bones and not clog up my arteries.

At the moment I am having chemo so I am having regular blood tests and my latest calcium blood test showed my level as follows:

Calcium 2.42 mmol/L (range: 2.20 - 2.60)

I am now within the normal range and with greygoose suggesting it is better to not take calcium supplements if they're not required I thought it would be far better if I can get calcium from my diet.

Anyway the point of my post and my question is I am surprised when looking at my most recent (January 2022) blood test results from my GP surgery that they did not test my calcium levels.

As a postmenopausal woman I feel this is an oversight on their part and going forward I would like them to test my calcium levels. I know in the past I have asked them to test my vitamin D3 level and they won't but are people finding that if requested their GP will test their calcium level for them?

Is there a particular calcium test I need to request or is it simply 'please can you also test my calcium levels'? that I need to say to my GP?

Thank you for any replies.

[radd]

SarahBa,

I think (but am not sure & others will correct me but ... ) calcium tests usually measure free, bound and the protein albumin that calcium is attached to, but are incorporated into other test bundles that would help evaluate reason for any calcium deficiency/elevation, ie electrolytes, liver enzymes, kidney function, etc.

Calcium is easy to gain from a good diet and taking supplements can be risky. I was prescribed calcium for my osteopenic state but have never taken them, instead concentrate on dairy, broccoli, sardines, etc

[greygoose]

I do also take Vitamin D3 and K2 as well as I wish any calcium in my body to go to my bones and not clog up my arteries.

Not sure if I've understood correctly what you're saying here, but just want to make the point that it is vit K2 that assures the calcium goes to the bones and teeth, not the vit D3. Taking vit D increases absorption of calcium from food, which is why we take K2 with it?

[SarahBa in reply to greygoose]

Thank you greygoose for your reply. Yes, thank you for making that clarification re what vit K2 and vit D3 are used for in our bodies.

I was providing background information regarding what I'm taking to improve my bone health as well as my calcium supplements and you're right it is K2 that assures the calcium goes to my bones and teeth and not the D3.

It is the calcium supplements/risks that I would like to understand more about please. I believe there is a link on your profile to the risks but unfortunately I could not find it.

A few years ago my calcium levels were low but if I am now getting the calcium I need from my food then I will come off my supplements but unfortunately on my most recent blood test undertaken by my GP surgery despite it supposedly being a full blood count they did not test my calcium levels. I intend to message the surgery ahead of my blood test which is scheduled for April to request that they test my calcium level too but would be grateful if it is simply me asking them to 'test my calcium level'?

Thank you again for taking the time to reply.

[greygoose]

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu......

These are some of the articles on calcium and bones, etc. that I've posted in the past six years. Don't know if there are any other because it gets difficult to find them once you get that far back. But this will give you something to be getting on with.

I don't know about calcium tests. I don't think I've ever had one - never taken calcium supplements, either, so never seen the necessity for one. Besides, I live in France, and it's very difficult to get nutrients tested here, and no private tests available. So, I'm afraid I can help you with that.

[SarahBa in reply to greygoose]

Thank you very much for providing the links. I'll have a good read of them.

[greygoose in reply to SarahBa]

You're welcome.

[Partner20]

Calcium tests are included under the heading of bone profile test, which I assume you are having done in a regular basis considering your recent history. My GP has often done this for me during general investigations, particularly when skeletal issues might be involved. I also request a DEXA scan from time to time due to a family history of osteoporosis. Keep a record of the testing you have done so you can track the individual tests and their results. If you think that the necessary ones are not being done, then just mention this to your GP, who can discuss your concerns with you.

[porter5]

Because magnesium allows calcium into the cells, what is your magnesiumlevel? Also magnesium works with b6.

Blood tests don't give an accurate value for magnesium or calcium. The measurement is of the blood content, ditto calcium , very different from whole body status which test was only discovered a few years ago for magnesium, so is unlikely to be available from doctors. a hair tissue mineral analysis will give a comprehensive view of current status.

[SarahBa in reply to porter5]

Thank you for your reply.

I take a magnesium supplement (Solgar's Magnesium Citrate) and my magnesium is within the normal range.

My latest blood test (21 Feb '22) showed it was 0.8 mmol/L (normal range: 0.7 - 1.0).