Español
Calcium is an essential mineral for the human body. We need it to build strong bones, keep teeth healthy and help muscles and nerves function properly. But have you ever wondered what it means when calcium shows up in urine? It may seem like a bit of a technical topic, but it has a lot to do with how our bodies handle this important mineral.
First, it’s good to understand that we all eliminate some calcium in our urine. This is normal. As our kidneys filter the blood, some of the calcium we don’t need is eliminated through the urine.
However, if urine calcium levels are too high, it could be a sign that something is not working quite right. When doctors talk about calcium in the urine, they often refer to a condition called hypercalciuria.
This term, which sounds more complicated than it really is, simply means that you are excreting more calcium in your urine than normal.
There are several reasons for this to happen: sometimes diet plays a role, if you are consuming too much calcium or vitamin D; other times, your body may be eliminating too much calcium because of kidney problems or because the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels, are overworking.
If you are told you have calcium in your urine, don’t be alarmed right away. High levels do not always indicate a serious problem. Often, it’s something that healthcare professionals discover in routine tests, and the solution may be as simple as adjusting your diet or changing some habits.
But in other cases, it may be a sign of something that needs more attention, such as the formation of kidney stones. These stones, also known as kidney “stones,” can form when calcium combines with other substances in the urine and crystallizes.
If you have ever had a kidney stone, you will know that it is a painful experience, and keeping calcium levels in the urine under control can help prevent them. In other cases, calcium in the urine may be related to bone problems.
In other cases, calcium in the urine may be related to bone problems. If the body is losing more calcium than it should, it could be a sign that the bones are releasing this mineral faster than would be advisable.
This can occur in conditions such as osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become more brittle.
If you have been tested and these values are not what they should be, don’t worry. Your doctor may recommend further testing to discover the underlying cause. Sometimes the solution may be simple; other times, it may require a more detailed approach.