Hypocalcemia

Lower-than-normal blood calcium. Low blood calcium makes the nervous system highly irritable with tetany (spasms of the hands and feet, muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, overly active reflexes, etc.) Chronic calcium deficiency contributes to poor mineralization of bones, soft bones (osteomalacia) and osteoporosis; and, in children, rickets and impaired growth. Food sources of calcium include dairy foods, some leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and collards, canned salmon, clams, oysters, calcium-fortified foods, and tofu. According to the National Academy of Sciences, adequate intake of calcium is 1 gram daily for both men and women. The upper limit for calcium intake is 2.5 grams daily.

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Abnormally low levels of calcium in the circulating blood; commonly denotes subnormal concentrations of calcium ions.

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hy·po·cal·ce·mia or chiefly Brit hy·po·cal·cae·mia .hī-pō-.kal-'sē-mē-ə n a deficiency of calcium in the blood

hy·po·cal·ce·mic or chiefly Brit hy·po·cal·cae·mic -mik adj

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hy·po·cal·ce·mia (hi″po-kal-seґme-ə) [hypo- + calci- + -emia] reduction of the blood calcium below normal; manifestations include hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, Chvostek sign, muscle and abdominal cramps, and carpopedal spasm. hypocalcemic adj