Normal Blood Calcium Levels by Age: Readings That May Signal Heart, Kidney or Memory Issues

When you think of calcium in relation to your health, you likely think of increasing your dairy intake for your bones and muscles and perhaps not much beyond that. But how do you actually know the amount of calcium in your body and whether your levels are where they should be? The answer lies in a simple blood test. We spoke to doctors to learn more about how testing works and what normal blood calcium levels are for each age group. 

Irregular blood calcium levels can affect your health

Compared to other blood work, like tests that measure heart health, checking your calcium levels might seem less important. But our experts agree it plays a key role in your overall wellbeing.

“Prolonged high blood calcium levels can cause kidney and pancreas issues, along with cardiac arrhythmia and cognitive dysfunction,” says Cory Rice, DO, Chief Clinical Advisor for Biote.

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On the other hand, “Prolonged low calcium levels can cause neuromuscular problems, seizures, psychiatric problems, cardiac arrhythmia, an increased risk of infections and kidney failure.”

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Types of calcium tests

It might sound counterintuitive to look at blood to measure calcium levels, but our blood can tell us a lot.

“In your blood serum—the clear, yellowish fluid left after blood cells and clotting factors are removed—calcium is found in three main forms,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis. “About half of it exists as free or ionized calcium, which is the active form your body uses for things like muscle movement and nerve function. Around 35 to 45 percent is bound to proteins and isn’t immediately available for use. The remaining five to 10 percent is attached to negatively-charged particles.”

When it comes to measuring calcium through a blood test, two options are most often used: total calcium and ionized calcium. While they might sound similar, they serve different purposes.

“When you get a routine calcium blood test, it usually measures total calcium, which includes all three forms,” explains Dr. Dasgupta. “This gives a good overall snapshot of your calcium levels. But if your protein levels are abnormal or you’re having certain symptoms, your doctor might order an ionized calcium test to get a clearer picture of how much active calcium is actually available in your body.”

The results are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and can help clue your doctor into any potential underlying health issues.

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Normal blood calcium levels by age

If you’ve already had your blood calcium levels measured or have been inspired to make an appointment, you’re probably wondering what’s considered normal—especially as we age.

“Normal blood calcium levels vary by age group,” says Dr. Rice. “Higher values are seen in early childhood, and then calcium levels gradually decline and stabilize out into the adulthood years.” He says the normal range for blood calcium levels for each age group is:

• Children 0 to 11 years old: 8.7 to 11 mg/dL
• Teens 11 to 19 years old: 8.5 to 10.4 mg/dL
• Adults 20 years and older: 8.6 to 10 mg/dL 

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While guidelines for normal levels are helpful, Dr. Dasgupta notes that individual differences in blood calcium levels can still occur. “If you have any concerns about your calcium levels, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional,” Dr. Dasgupta says.

How often should you get your calcium levels checked? 

Dr. Dasgupta says most doctors include a calcium test in routine blood work. But if you haven’t been tested, it could be worth requesting.

“If you’re a woman with risk factors like postmenopause, a history of thyroid or parathyroid issues or symptoms like fatigue or muscle cramps, it’s worth keeping an eye on,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “For most women, once a year as part of routine labs is fine. But your doctor might recommend more frequent testing depending on your health history.”