You have been diagnosed with hypocalcemia (not enough calcium in your blood). Calcium is a mineral. It helps develop bones and teeth, controls heart rhythm, and allows muscles to contract. Causes of hypocalcemia include lack of calcium or vitamin D in your diet, digestive system problems, gland problems, kidney or pancreas disease, and low magnesium levels. Each of these possible causes comes with its own treatments and other things to look out for.
Home care
-
Eat more foods high in calcium. Increase your intake (in moderation) of dairy products such as milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Fortified soy milk and orange juice, spinach, kale, sardines, salmon, and tofu are also good sources of calcium.
-
Read food labels. Buy dairy products, juices, and breads that contain added calcium.
-
Take a calcium supplement as directed by your healthcare provider.
-
Take a vitamin D supplement as directed by your healthcare provider. Most multivitamin tablets contain vitamin D.
-
Don't have salty foods. Salt makes you lose calcium.
-
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking. This includes herbal preparations and other dietary supplements. Some common medicines can cause your body to lose calcium.
-
Go back to your normal activities as directed by your healthcare provider.
Follow-up
Make a follow-up appointment, or as advised by your healthcare provider. Depending on the cause of your hypocalcemia, you may need frequent blood tests. They will help to be sure that the level of calcium in your blood remains in the normal range.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
-
Extreme fatigue
-
Depression
-
Hallucinations
-
Muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching
-
Numbness and tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
-
Seizures
-
Irregular heartbeat
Online Medical Reviewer: Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CD CDE
Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Robert Hurd MD
Date Last Reviewed: 12/01/2022
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Find a cardiac specialist
Because every beat matters, our cardiac doctors are dedicated to providing care like no other can.
Related Articles
Discharge Instructions for Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia means you have a high level of potassium in your blood. Learn how to care for hyperkalemia at home, including what diet changes to make.
Foot Surgery: Plantar Fascia Problems
Your plantar fascia is the ligament that extends from the heel of your foot to the ball of your foot. If your foot flattens too much or too little as you move, you may strain your plantar fascia. While the vast majority of people with plantar fascia pain can be helped with nonsurgical treatments, surgery can be considered if these treatments fail.
Arthralgia
Arthralgia is the term for pain in or around the joint. It is a symptom, not a disease. This pain may affect 1 or more joints. Here's how to care for yourself at home.
Joint Dislocation
You have a joint dislocation. This happens when a strong force is applied to the joint, tearing ligaments and forcing the bones out of place. Often no bones are broken. But the nearby nerves and blood vessels can be damaged.
