Hypocalcemia (Adult)
Hypocalcemia is when there is not enough calcium in the body. Calcium is a mineral. It helps the heart and other muscles work well. It’s also needed to grow and maintain strong bones and teeth.
Hypocalcemia may be caused by:
Hypocalcemia can cause the muscles of the face, hands, and feet to twitch without your control (spasm). It can also cause numbness or tingling around your mouth or in your hands and feet. Other problems may include depression and memory loss.
A blood sample will be taken to check your calcium level. The test also helps figure out if hypocalcemia may be caused by a problem with your kidneys or with the gland that controls your calcium level (parathyroid gland). Depending on the cause, you may be given an oral calcium supplement. In severe cases, you may need intravenous (I.V.) calcium gluconate. You may also have a vitamin D shot or supplement. If low magnesium is the cause, you will have treatment to raise your body’s level of this mineral.
Home care
Your doctor may have you take calcium and vitamin D supplements. They may prescribe other medicines or minerals. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking these.
General care
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Take any medicines or supplements as directed.
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Make diet changes as instructed. You may be asked to eat more dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Nondairy foods that contain calcium include fortified soy milk and orange juice, chia seeds, fortified cereals, canned salmon with bones, or dark leafy greens, such as collard greens, broccoli, kale, and spinach.
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Don't drink sodas. Many of these have phosphates. These can make it harder for your body to absorb calcium.
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Try to get out in the sun for at least 20 minutes each day. Sun on the skin helps your body make vitamin D. This helps you absorb calcium.
Follow-up care
Follow up as advised by your doctor.
When to get medical advice
Contact your doctor right away if you:
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Are extremely tired (fatigue).
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Have an irregular heartbeat.
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Feel depressed.
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See or hear things that aren’t there (hallucinations).
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Have muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching.
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Have numbness and tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
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Seizures.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CD CDE
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sravani Chintapalli Researcher
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2025
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