What is calcium?

Calcium in your reports

It appears as serum calcium (total calcium), often in a metabolic panel; some reports also show ionised calcium.

Labs print their own normal range, and the number can shift with:

• diet
• some medicines

So a slightly out-of-range result doesn't always need treatment.

Why calcium matters

After menopause, bone loss speeds up, so getting enough calcium from food matters more for women in their fifties and beyond.

About the blood test:

• A blood calcium test does not show how much calcium is in your bones, so a normal result doesn't mean your bones are strong; a bone density (DEXA) scan shows that.
• A blood level that is too high or too low usually points to a parathyroid, kidney or vitamin D problem rather than diet alone, and needs your doctor's attention.

Calcium in Indian food

Build calcium into everyday meals with foods like these:

• milk, dahi, chaas and paneer
• ragi roti or ragi porridge
• til chutney or til ladoo
• green leafy sabzis like methi, sarson and chaulai
• rajma or chana

Vitamin D from safe sunlight and enough magnesium help your body use calcium well. Weight-bearing exercise like brisk walking tells your bones to hold on to it.

If you're thinking about calcium tablets, ask your doctor first rather than starting them yourself.