calcium (redirected from diffusible calcium)

calcium /cal·ci·um/ (Ca) (kal´se-um) a chemical element, at. no. 20. Calcium phosphate salts form the dense hard material of teeth and bones. The calcium 2+ ion is involved in many physiologic processes. A normal blood calcium level is essential for normal function of the heart, nerves, and muscles. It is involved in blood coagulation (in which connection it is called coagulation factor IV ). Various calcium salts, including the acetate, carbonate, chloride, glubionate, gluceptate, gluconate, lactate, lactobionate, and phosphate salts, are used as calcium replenishers and supplements.

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calcium carbonate  an insoluble salt, CaCO3, occurring naturally in shells, limestone, and chalk and also used in more purified forms; used as an antacid and calcium replenisher and in the treatment of osteoporosis.

calcium chloride  a salt, CaCl22H2O, used in the treatment of hypocalcemia, electrolyte depletion, and hyperkalemia, and as a treatment adjunct in cardiac arrest and in magnesium poisoning.

calcium citrate  a calcium replenisher also used in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in renal osteodystrophy.

calcium glubionate  a calcium replenisher, used as a nutritional supplement and for the treatment of hypocalcemia.

calcium gluceptate  a calcium salt used in the treatment and prophylaxis of hypocalcemia and as an electrolyte replenisher.

calcium gluconate  a calcium salt used to treat or prevent hypercalcemia, nutritional deficiency, and hyperkalemia; also used as a treatment adjunct in cardiac arrest.

calcium hydroxide  a salt, Ca(OH)2, used in solution as a topical astringent.

calcium oxalate  a salt of oxalic acid, which in excess in the urine may lead to formation of oxalate calculi.

calcium oxide  lime (1).

calcium phosphate  a salt containing calcium and the phosphate radical: dibasic and tribasic c. phosphate are used as sources of calcium.

calcium polycarbophil  a calcium salt of a hydrophilic resin of the polycarboxylic type; a bulk laxative.

calcium pyrophosphate  the pyrophosphate salt of calcium, used as a polishing agent in dentifrices. Crystals of the dihydrate form occur in the joints in calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease.

calcium sulfate  the sulfate salt of calcium, CaSO4, occurring in the anhydrous form and in a hydrated form (gypsum, q.v.), which upon being calcined forms plaster of Paris.

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cal·ci·um (kls-m)

n. Symbol Ca

A soft metallic element that is a basic component of animals and plants and constitutes approximately 3 percent of Earth's crust. It occurs naturally in limestone, gypsum, and fluorite. Atomic number 20.

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Calcium

A silvery-yellow metal that is the basic element of lime and makes up about 3% of the earth's crust. It is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium and phosphorous combine as calcium phosphate, the hard material of bones and teeth.

Mentioned in: Bone Density Test, Hypercalcemia

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calcium (Ca)

[kal′sē·əm]

Etymology: L, calx, lime

an alkaline earth metal element. Its atomic number is 20; its atomic mass is 40.08. Its metallic form is a white flammable solid, brittle and somewhat harder than lead. Calcium is commonly produced by the electrolysis or thermal dissociation of calcium chloride. Calcium carbonate is the most common calcium compound. Calcium also occurs as a component of the natural compound gypsum, which forms plaster of paris when heated. It is also a component of calcium cyanamid, a fertilizer and progenitor of other nitrogen compounds. Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the human body and is mainly present in the bone. The body requires calcium ions for the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, blood coagulation, cardiac functions, and other processes. It is a component of extracellular fluid and of soft tissue cells. The average daily human intake of calcium varies from 200 to 2500 mg. In the United States, dairy products are the major dietary sources of this element. The daily dietary allowances recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board vary from 360 mg for infants to 1200 mg for women 15 to 18 years of age. More than 90% of the calcium in the body is stored in the skeleton, which constantly exchanges its supplies with the calcium of the interstitial fluids. The endocrine system controls the concentration of ionized calcium in the plasma. Only a fraction of this amount is ionized and diffusible; the rest is bound to proteins, especially albumin. It is the ionized, diffusible portion of calcium that participates in the physiologic changes associated with hypocalcemia. About one third of the calcium ingested by humans is absorbed, primarily in the small bowel. Vitamin D, calcitonin, and parathyroid hormone are essential in the metabolism of calcium. The degree of cell permeability varies inversely with calcium ion concentration. Abnormally high levels of ionized calcium in the extracellular fluid can produce muscle weakness, lethargy, and coma. A relatively small decrease from the normal level of this element can produce tetanic seizures. Normal adult blood levels of calcium are 9 to 10.5 mg/dL or 2.25 to 2.75 nmol/L.

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calcium,

n an element/mineral that is essential for bone development and maintenance, nerve impulse conduction, and general cellular function. Calcium supplementation is useful for preventing osteoporosis and perhaps colon cancer. It is also used for treating PMS, colon polyps, and may be useful in lowering high blood pressure. Calcium supplements may interfere with the absorption of chromium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and zinc.

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calcium (Ca) (kal´sēm),

n a basic element, with an atomic weight of 40.07, found in nearly all organized tissues. Essential for mineralization of bone and teeth. The normal level of it in the blood is 9 to 11.5 mg/100 ml. A deficiency of it in the diet or in use may lead to rickets or osteoporosis. Overexcretion in hyperparathyroidism leads to osteoporotic manifestations. See also factor IV.

calcium binding protein,

n See calmodulin.

calcium, blood,

n See blood calcium.

calcium carbonate,

n brand names: Maalox Antacid, Rolaids Calcium Rich, Tums E-X;
drug class: antacid;
action: neutralizes gastric acidity, supplies calcium;
uses: antacid, calcium supplement.

calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide,

n brand name: Rolaids;
drug class: antacid;
action: neutralizes gastric acidity;
use: antacid.

calcium channel blocker,

n a drug that inhibits the flow of calcium ions across the membranes of smooth muscle cells. The reduction of calcium flow relaxes smooth muscle tone and reduces the risk of muscle spasms. Calcium channel blockers are used in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery spasms.

calcium, dietary,

n the amount of absorbable calcium ingested daily.

calcium fluoride,

n a compound that is used as a flux in the manufacture of some silicate cements.

calcium hydroxide,

n a white powder that is mixed with water or another medium and used as a base material in cavity liners and for pulp capping.

calcium oxalate,

n an insoluble sediment in the urine and urinary calculi.

calcium phosphate,

n an odorless, tasteless white powder, the various forms of which are sometimes used as abrasives in dentifrices.

calcium salts,

n.pl the calcium present in salivary fluid as phosphates and carbonates. They are believed to form dental calculus on their precipitation from saliva.

calcium sulfate,

n See alpha-hemihydrate, beta-hemihydrate, gypsum.

calcium tungstate,

n a chemical substance used in crystal form to coat screens; the screens fluoresce when struck by roentgen rays.

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calcium

a chemical element, atomic number 20, atomic weight 40.08, symbol Ca. See Table 6. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. In combination with phosphorus it forms calcium phosphate, the dense, hard material of the bones and teeth. It is an important cation in intra- and extracellular fluid and is essential to the normal clotting of blood, the maintenance of a normal heartbeat, and the initiation of neuromuscular and metabolic activities.

Within the body fluids calcium exists in three forms. Protein-bound calcium accounts for about 47% of the calcium in plasma; most of it in this form is bound to albumin. Another 47% of plasma calcium is ionized. About 6% is complexed with phosphate, citrate and other anions.

Ionized calcium is physiologically active. One of its most important physiological functions is control of the permeability of cell membranes. Parathyroid hormone, which causes transfer of exchangeable calcium from bone into the bloodstream, and calcitriol maintain calcium homeostasis by preventing either calcium deficit or excess.

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calcium arsenate

used extensively as a spray in orchards, constituting a poison hazard for livestock.

avian calcium poisoning

excess calcium in the avian diet, especially in diets low in phosphorus causes nephrosis, visceral gout and urolithiasis.

calcium balance

the balance between calcium intake and losses in feces and urine.

calcium borogluconate

see borogluconate.

calcium carbonate

an insoluble salt occurring naturally in bone, shells and chalk. A common form of supplementary calcium in dogs and cats on meat-based diets, used because of its high concentration of calcium (40%) and absence of phosphorus.

calcium challenge test

an intravenous infusion of calcium will cause increased levels of gastrin in dogs with a gastrinoma. Often used in combination with a secretin test.

calcium channels

see channel.

calcium chloride

a salt used in solution to restore electrolyte balance, to treat hypocalcemia and as an antidote to magnesium poisoning. Is highly irritant and has been discarded generally in favor of less irritating substances, e.g. calcium borogluconate.

calcium cyanamide

agricultural fertilizer capable of being toxic.

calcium cytosolic

see cytosol.

diffusible calcium

see calcium (above).

calcium edetate (Ca-EDTA)

calcium ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid; the disodium and dipotassium salts are commonly used as anticoagulants in the preservation of blood samples for hematology. A chelating agent, used parenterally in the treatment of lead poisoning. See also edetate.

excess calcium

in all species may cause hypercalcitonism with decreased osteoclastic activity and skeletal remodeling. In dogs, disorders of enchondral ossification with curved radius and osteochondrosis have been demonstrated; secondary iron deficiency anemia occurs in piglets.

calcium fluoride

naturally occurring mineral. Called also fluorspar, fluorite.

calcium gel

contains high levels of calcium; given to cows as a drench or in the feed as a prophylaxis against milk fever.

calcium gluconate

a calcium replenisher and antidote to fluoride or oxalate poisoning.

calcium gout

see calcinosis circumscripta.

calcium homeostasis

maintenance of normal calcium metabolism by the combined effects of adequate alimentary intake, renal excretion, parathyroid hormone involvement, 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol (or calcitriol) and calcitonin, plasma protein binding and deposition in tissues.

calcium hydroxide

an astringent compound used topically in solution or lotions; in dentistry used to encourage deposition of secondary dentine. Called also slaked lime. In solution, called lime water.

idiopathic calcium phosphate deposition

thought to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait in Great Danes commencing in puppies about 5 weeks old, characterized by incoordination with deformity and displacement of the 7th cervical vertebra and mineral deposits in the intervertebral joints, in serous and synovial membranes and mineralization in most other tissues.

calcium lactate

used for supplementing the diet with calcium; contains 18% calcium. As calcium sodium lactate, containing 8% calcium, it is more soluble and can be used in drinking water.

calcium levulinate

a calcium compound used parenterally in the treatment of hypocalcemia; contains 14.8% calcium.

calcium mandelate

administered orally and used as a urinary antiseptic.

calcium nitrate

used as an additive during cheese making to control fermentation. Whey from this cheese may cause nitrate poisoning in pigs.

nondiffusible calcium

protein-bound fractions of plasma calcium.

calcium nutritional deficiency

nutritional deficiency of calcium is rarely primary except in carnivores on an all-meat diet. Secondary deficiency is usually the result of diets having too high a content of phosphorus. The outcome of either deficiency may be nutritional hyperparathyroidism, rickets, osteomalacia, osteodystrophy in horse and pigs, and degenerative arthropathy of cattle, depending on the species, age of the animal and availability of vitamin D. Hypocalcemia may not occur because of the activity of parathyroid hormone, but classical tetany and recumbency can occur if the deficiency is prolonged or if they are precipitated by some other factor.

calcium oxalate

a compound occurring in the urine in crystals and in certain calculi. See also oxalate urolith.

calcium oxide

alkaline and capable of causing gastroenteritis. There is a high concentration in basic slag and this may contribute to that poisoning.

calcium pantothenate

a calcium salt of the dextrorotatory isomer of pantothenic acid; used as a growth-promoting vitamin.

calcium phosphate

one of three salts containing calcium and the phosphate radical: dibasic and tribasic calcium phosphate are used as sources of calcium; monobasic calcium phosphate is used in fertilizer and as a calcium and phosphorus supplement. An important constituent of uroliths.

calcium : phosphorus ratio

the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the diet, 1 : 1 to 1 : 2 is usually considered to be adequate for proper calcium nutritional status in most animal species. Diets outside this range are likely to cause osteodystrophies. Animals grazing phosphorus-deficient pasture, and those being intensively fed on grain rations which have an abnormally high phosphorus content, are the principal subjects. Horses on heavy grain diets and dogs and cats on meat diets without calcium supplementation are also targets for the disease.

calcium polycarbophil

a hydrophilic agent used as a bulk laxative in the treatment of constipation and diarrhea.

calcium polysulfide

see lime-sulfur.

calcium propionate

see propionic acid.

protein bound calcium

biologically inert fraction of plasma calcium; most is bound to albumin and globulins with a small fraction complexed to organic and inorganic acids.

calcium silicophosphate

crystals of this mineral are thought to contribute physically to the gastroenteritis caused by basic slag poisoning.

calcium sulfate

the main component of plaster of Paris; also used as a dietary source of calcium and inorganic sulfate sulfur.

calcium sulfide, calcium polysulfide

lime-sulfur.

calcium supplements

include calcium carbonate, gluconate, lactate and phosphate; bone flour, bone meal, ground limestone, chalk.

calcium tungstate screens

cards coated with calcium tungstate crystals are used to sandwich film in a light-tight cassette. They fluoresce when exposed to x-rays and, together with the beam, affect the film emulsion. They reduce the exposure factor required.

urinary calcium

calciuria.

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calcium

A metal, atomic number 20, atomic weight 40.08, which is a divalent cation abundant in the body, especially in bone and teeth Calcium metabolism Ca2+ is the most critical mineral in bone–added by osteoblasts; removed by osteoclasts, Ca2+ maintains metabolic processes–eg, muscle contraction, neural transmission, cardiac activity, coagulation and inhibition of cell destruction; serum Ca2+ levels are controlled by a balance between PTH and calcitonin–produced by the thyroid's C or parafollicular cells; proper absorption of Ca2+ hinges on appropriate gastric acidity, presence of vitamin D, and a balance of other minerals–eg, phosphorus and mangesium; PTH ↑ serum Ca2+ levels by ↑ bone resorption via osteoclasts and mobilizing Ca2+, and indirectly ↑ GI absorption of Ca2+ by ↑ vitamin D production; PTH also ↑ phosphate excretion in the urine; calcitonin ↓ serum Ca2+ and phosphate levels by inhibiting bone resorption Daily requirement ± 400–1000 mg/day Ref range Infant to 1 month: 7.0-11.5 mg/dL; 1 month to 1 yr: 8.6-11.2 mg/dL >1 yr: 8.2-10.2 mg/dL; chronic abuse of laxatives, excess transfusions and various drugs can ↓ Ca2+ levels; Ca2+ is ↑ in hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid tumors, Paget's disease, myeloma, metastatic CA, multiple Fx, prolonged immobilization, renal disease, adrenal insufficiency, ↑ Ca2+ ingestion, antacid abuse; Ca2+ is ↓ in Cushing syndrome, hypoparathyroidism, malabsorption, acute pancreatitis, renal failure, peritonitis. See Hypercalcemia, Hypocalcemia, Ionized calcium.

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Patient discussion about diffusible calcium.

Q. My sister has been having major allergy problems.How could she get her desired calcium? My sister has been having major allergy problems. Now she has developed an allergy and cannot tolerate milk in any form. None of our family members had allergic reactions to milk and my sister very recently developed this symptom. Is there any possibility of this symptom linked with any other illness? How could she get her desired calcium intake required by the body? Can you make any suggestions please?

A. calcium is a very important part of our diet. lack of it will have a damaging effect. so it's good that you are aware!
many good sources of calcium exist. These include seaweeds such as kelp, wakame . nuts and seeds (like almonds and sesame). blackstrap molasses, beans, oranges, figs, quinoa , broccoli...
and another thing that you may do is crush an egg shell into powder and just mix a bit with her food. it's an excellent source.

Q. I'm concerned that my calcium supplements are contaminated w seashells or cow bones. Which brands are best

A. there should be labeled as "from animal source".
here is something that helped me choose:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/calcium-supplements/AN00964

Q. It will be fine for my dad to take calcium as extra supplement; It will be fine for my dad to take calcium as extra supplement; as his bones are getting weak…. How much calcium intake is necessary for him?

A. Older men need more calcium, because, as they age, the body becomes less efficient at absorbing calcium and other nutrients. Intake amount can’t be judged without age and weight and other body conditions are known. Please don’t give supplements without doctor’s prescription as the chances of overdose are more problematic.