Assessment of serum calcium in relation to dietary calcium intake in a rural population in Cameroon

The serum calcium levels of patients were assessed as they attended a district hospital in a rural population for a period of one month. A majority of the patients were between the age group of 38-77 years. 55 cases were studied. The ratio of males to females was 3:8. The results show an increase in abnormal serum calcium level with age. The abnormality in serum calcium was higher in females than in males. The demonstration of poor nutritional intake and lack of other calcium supplements was a predisposing factor to the abnormal calcium levels. It was concluded that the abnormal levels of calcium were as a result of lack of calcium diet.