Introduction
Calcium is a crucial component in bones and teeth as it provides strength and structure and protects vital organs. It is also responsible for proper muscle functioning, which includes muscle contractions and relaxation. When a nerve signal reaches the muscle, it allows the muscle fibers to contract. It is also essential for blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Calcium is additionally involved in the maintenance of cardiovascular health. Adequate calcium intake is necessary for maintaining optimal bone health. Calcium also plays a crucial role in preventing osteoporosis. In humans, an imbalance in calcium levels may result in hypocalcemia. The main characteristic feature of this condition is low levels of calcium. It is essential to maintain proper calcium levels by balancing the dietary intake, absorption, and excretion of calcium. Calcitonin is a hormone necessary for maintaining calcium levels. This article will explain the significant effects of calcitonin on hypocalcemia.
What Is Calcitonin?
A hormone that plays a vital role in regulating calcium and phosphate in the body is called calcitonin. The primary function of the hormone is to counteract the action of parathyroid hormone. It increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption and enhances calcium absorption in the intestines. The inhibition of bony density enables calcium to maintain bone density and prevents excessive release into the blood. It also maintains calcium homeostasis during rapid bone growth phases like childhood and pregnancy. Calcitonin acts as a negative feedback mechanism to counteract high calcium levels in the blood.
How Is Calcitonin Produced?
A specialized type of cell produces calcitonin which is the parafollicular cells in the thyroid gland. It helps lower blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone breakdown and resorption. In addition, it promotes calcium and phosphate excretion via the kidneys. Once the mature hormone is produced, it is stored in the secretory granules within the parafollicular cells. They are later released into the bloodstream.
What Are the Functions of Calcitonin?
It blocks the activity of osteoclasts which are involved in destroying bone cells, and maintains lower calcium levels in the blood. When osteoclasts undergo a breakdown, the calcium from the bone migrates to the bloodstream. So a temporary blocking of osteoclasts reduces calcium levels in the body. In addition, it decreases calcium reabsorption from the kidneys and releases it back into the bloodstream, which causes lower blood calcium levels.
What Is Hypocalcemia?
When there is a dip in the level of calcium levels in the blood, it could result in hypocalcemia. Calcium is an essential mineral stored in the bones. This mineral is also required in the blood. So calcium in the blood helps the nerves work and also aids in squeezing the muscles so that the blood keeps moving throughout the body and ensures proper heart functioning. The condition can affect people of all ages. The most common symptoms of the condition are
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Muscle cramps.
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Dry skin.
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Brittle nails.
If left untreated, the condition may worsen. It could also cause neurological effects like the following:
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Confusion.
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Memory problems.
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Hallucination.
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Irritation.
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Restlessness.
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Muscle aches.
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Seizures.
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Congestive heart failure.
What Is the Relation Between Calcitonin and Hypocalcemia?
The contribution of calcitonin to hypocalcemia is very limited. The hormone mainly focuses on opposing the action of the parathyroid hormone, which is responsible for maintaining calcium levels within a narrow range. Hypocalcemia is rarely caused by calcitonin. When the blood calcium levels are low, the parathyroid hormone stimulates different processes to increase calcium levels. On the other hand, calcitonin helps lower blood calcium by inhibiting bone breakdown and promoting calcium excretion.
In cases of hypocalcemia, calcitonin deficiency cannot be the underlying cause. The condition is commonly associated with the factors mentioned below:
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Vitamin D deficiency, which is crucial for bone development, is also essential for calcium absorption from the intestines. Inadequate vitamin D levels can impair calcium absorption. This may gradually result in hypocalcemia.
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In the case of hypoparathyroidism, the inactive parathyroid decreases the parathyroid hormone. Since it is a significant regulator of calcium levels, it can impair calcium absorption resulting in hypocalcemia.
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Kidneys play a considerable role in maintaining calcium balance. In patients with kidney impairment, impaired renal function causes excretion of calcium resulting in hypocalcemia.
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Certain disorders, with malabsorption, can interfere with calcium absorption. For example, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease cause poor absorption.
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Drugs used for seizure management and blood pressure, like diuretics, can affect calcium levels in the body.
Although calcitonin is not directly involved in causing hypocalcemia, it plays a huge role in specific conditions. For instance, during high blood pressure, calcitonin is administered to lower calcium levels. It is essential to note the use of the hormone to treat hypocalcemia. Also, other treatment modalities to manage the condition are highly preferred, which involve vitamin D and calcium supplements.
How Is Hypocalcemia Diagnosed and Treated?
Various tests are involved in diagnosing the condition. Most commonly, calcium concentration blood tests will provide the information required for the patients. Oral calcium supplements help to take care of this condition. Some people may require vitamin D supplements, depending on the requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, calcitonin is involved in calcium regulation, and its role in developing hypocalcemia is minimal. Hypocalcemia is caused due to several other factors, namely vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, and renal failure. Calcitonin works to lower calcium levels by inhibiting bone breakdown. However, it is most commonly associated with imbalances in calcium-regulating hormones. The treatment for this condition mainly focuses on diagnosing the underlying cause. It is vital for healthcare professionals to evaluate the individual’s overall balance and also consider multiple factors in managing hypocalcemia. This includes assessing hormone levels and renal functions. The primary significance of the hormone lies in regulating bone resorption and its therapeutic use in certain conditions. Additionally, it maintains bone density to prevent excessive calcium release into the bloodstream.
Although the hormone's role is minimal in treating hypocalcemia, it focuses on addressing other underlying causes rather than calcitonin deficiency and functions. Understanding the constant interplay between these hormones and factors is essential for calcium homeostasis.
