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What Is Hypocalciuria?
Hypocalciuria is the term for an abnormally low level of calcium in the urine.
This laboratory finding indicates low urinary excretion of calcium by the kidneys, which is an early renal compensatory mechanism or attempt to conserve calcium in the presence of hypocalcemia (low blood calcium).
A low urine calcium level can be a feature of calcium deficiency, steatorrhea, vitamin D deficiency, hypothyroidism, parathyroid disorders, nephrosis, pre-elampsia, and some medications such as thiazide (diuretic).
What Is Hypocalciuria In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?
- Hypocalciuria (low urine calcium) is a classic symptom in celiac disease and can be a presenting feature at work-up.
- A 2012 study of pediatric patients at diagnosis of celiac disease by small bowel biopsy found levels of urinary calcium were decreased in all of these patients and were inversely associated with disease severity. That is, the greater the severity of villous strophy damage to their small intestine, the lower the calcium level in their urine.1
How Prevalent Is Hypocalciuria In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?
Hypocalciuria is a common lab result at diagnosis of celiac disease.2
- At a hospital endocrinology department, twenty-two percent (22%) of patients who were diagnosed with celiac disease were shown to have low urine calcium.3
- At a gastroenterology department, all children (100%) in a study population consisting of 115 children 1 to 16 years old (mean 5 years) with positive serological tests for celiac disease (anti-endomysium and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies) who were referred for jejunal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis had hypocalciuria.4
What Are The Symptoms of Hypocalciuria?
- Hypocalciuria is asymptomatic to the patient.
How Does Hypocalciuria Develop In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?
- Hypocalciuria results from calcium malabsorption in celiac disease that results in calcium deficiency.5
Does Hypocalciuria Respond To Gluten-Free Diet?
Yes. Hypocalciuria normalizes on a gluten free diet.2,6
6 Steps To Improve Hypocalciuria In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity:
- 1Remove the Trigger. Maintain a Strict, Nutritious Gluten Free Diet:
- Gut health is the foundation to restore ALL health. Restored health will enable you to maintain a strict gluten free diet, just as other life tasks will be easier.
- A strict gluten free diet means removing 100% of wheat, barley, rye and oats from the diet.
- Cutting out bread and other obvious sources of gluten is not good enough for recovery. Even 1/8th teaspoon of flour or bread crumb is enough to sustain the inflammation that is damaging your small intestine, causing increased permeability (leaky gut) and allowing undigested gluten to enter your body where it can damage structures and function, and instigate immune inflammatory responses.
Correct Your Individual Nutritional Needs.
- Eat foods that can replenish missing nutrients. Find them under NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES.
- Take nutritional supplements as needed. Find them under NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES.
Recovery. You should begin to feel better within a week and notice more energy as inflammation subsides and the absorbing cells that make up the surface lining of your small intestine are better able to function.
- Intestinal lining cells are replaced every 5 days. The healing process is like sunburn where the damaged surface layer of skin sloughs off and is replaced with new normal cells.
- Leaky gut normally resolves in two month after starting a gluten free diet and brings about a big improvement in health. Improvement in intestinal permeability precedes morphometric recovery (cell appearance and structure) of the small intestine in celiac disease.7
- The intestinal lining may take up to a year to heal.
- 2 Reduce Inflammation. Foods to Eat and Foods Not to Eat:
Because gluten is inflammatory, eliminate OTHER inflammatory foods from your diet to reduce an additive effect to gluten. At the same time, try to eat foods that reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory).
- Damaging Foods. In susceptible persons, includes corn, dairy (cow), and soy. Lactose, the sugar in any animal milk disrupts intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.8
- Allergenic Foods. Includes foods that trigger the immune sytem to produce IgE antibodies. Allergy testing is the usual way to discover these offending foods.
- Shelf Stable Processed Foods. Includes any that contain additives and preservatives. Look for them on the nutrition label of the box or package. Additives and preservatives also disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.8
- Fats. Limit deep fried foods, trans-fats, saturated fats (animal fat/butter), and EXCESSIVE omega-6 fatty acid oils like corn oil. Rancid fats, sodium caprate (a medium chain fat), and sucrose monester fatty acid (a food grade surfactant) induce significant disruption of the intestinal barrier that causes leaky gut.8.
- Excessive Refined White Flours (bran layer removed). Includes products made from them such as cookies, bread, cakes, pies. Bran contains the vitamins and minerals that metabolize grains and slows the otherwise rapid entry of sugar from their digestion into the bloodstream. Also disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.8
- Refined Sugars. Includes white sugar, corn fructose and high fructose corn syrup.
- Certain Spices. Includes paprika and cayenne pepper which disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.8
- Alcohol and Caffeine. Disrupt intestinal permeability causing leaky gut.8
- Fruits. Contain ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which are naturally occuring components in plants that detoxify toxins, carcinogens (reducing the risk by 50%) and mutagens.
- Non-Starchy Vegetables. Support intestinal integrity and provide ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Includes green leafy vegetables such as lettuce and kale, also onion, broccoli, garlic, and others.
- High Quality Complex Carbohydrates. Provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber while boosting serotonin levels to help you relax and feel calm. Includes whole grains, legumes, and root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, red beets, and others.
- Antioxidants. Protect the body from inflammatory oxidant molecules that continually occur and help us handle stress and reduce irritability. Includes vitamin C-containing foods such as lemon, grapefruit, apricot, Brussels sprouts and strawberries, and others. Also, includes vitamin E-containing foods such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, and others. Cocoa is good, too.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Balance opposing omega-6 fatty acids and bad fats. Fish sources includes tuna, salmon, cod, and others. Plants sources include flax, chia seeds, canola oil, and others.
- Probiotics. Supply normal microbes needed for colon health and health of the body such as these fermented foods: yogurt, kefir, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
- Prebiotics/ High Fiber Foods. Food with fiber keeps our population of colonic microbes healthy.
- Protective Herbs and Spices. See below #6 below for examples.
- 3 Information Sheet You Can Take to Your Doctor or Other Health Professional:
- 4 Manage Your Medications Safely:
Certain medications deplete calcium which promotes low blood calcium that in turn causes hypocalciuria. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this possible adverse effect if you are taking any of the drugs listed below. Do not stop prescribed medications without supervision.
This is not a complete listing.
ANTACIDS / ULCER MEDICATIONS
- Pepcid®, Tagamet®, Zantac® deplete Calcium.
- Magnesium and Aluminum Antacid preparations (Gaviscon®, Maalox®, Mylanta®) deplete Calcium.
ANTIBIOTICS disrupt intestinal permeability which complicates celiac disease.
- Tetracyclines deplete Calcium.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES disrupt intestinal permeability which complicates celiac disease.
- Corticosteroids (Prednisone, Medrol®, Aristocort®, Decadron) deplete Calcium.
- Aspirin and Salicylates deplete Calcium.
ANTICONVULSANTS
- Phenobarbital and Barbituates; and Dilantin®, Tegretol®, Mysoline®, Depakane/Depacon® deplete Calcium.
ANTIVIRAL AGENTS
- Foscanet depletes Calcium.
DIURETICS
- Loop Diuretics (Lasix®, Bumex®, Edecrin®) deplete Calcium.
- Potassium Sparing Diuretics (Midamor®, Aldactone®, Dyrenium® and others) deplete Calcium.
- 5Nutritional Supplements To Help Correct Deficiencies:
The type and quantity of nutritional supplements that may be needed depend on which nutrients are deficient.
- Multivitamin/mineral combination once a day is useful to improve overall nutrient levels. This is a safe dose, but always check with your doctor to avoid interactions with medications.
- Calcium citrate is the best absorbed of calcium supplements. Calcium carbonate is a poor choice.
- Vitamin D3 to enhance cacium absorption as prescribed following blood test for status.
Storage Note: Store container tightly sealed, away from heat, moisture and direct light to avoid loss of potency. That is, in a safe kitchen cabinet – not in the bathroom or on the kitchen table.
- 6Manage Natural Remedies:
- Eight glasses of water are recommended per day unless there is a contraindication such as kidney or heart disease. The Institute of Medicine recommends approximately 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of total water, from all beverages and foods, each day for women and 3.7 liters (125 ounces) daily of total water for men.
- If you are thirsty, drink water. Add fresh, squeezed lemon to water. Lemon is anti-inflammatory, alkalizing and provides vitamin C.
- Hydration Test: Urine should be pale yellow. Fingertips should be plump, without pruning but this may not be reliable when fingers are swollen with edema. Lips should be plump, without puckering. The feeling of thirst can be unreliable.
- What is wrong with soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol? These drinks are dehydrating, increase acid, and deplete nutrients.
Carminative Food Remedies:
- Raspberry.
- Carrot is also a cleansing digestive tonic.
- Grape is also bile stimulating and a cleansing remedy for sluggish digestion and laxative.
- Redbeets also stimulate and improve digestion and are easily digested.
- Cabbage also stimulates and improves digestion and is also a liver decongestant.
- Lettuce also stimulates and improves digestion and is also an alterative, meaning it improves the function of organs involved with the digestion and excretion of waste products to bring about a gradual change.
- Potatoes are antispasmodic (due to atropine like properties) and a liver remedy.
Carminative Herb Remedies:
- Sage is also a digestive, astringent, bile stimulant and energy tonic that heals the mucosa. Drink as tea or use in cooking.
- Chamomile, lemon balm, and fennel, (as a tea) also help relieve nervous tension.
- Parsley also relieves indigestion.
- Rosemary as a tea and in cooking also is a nervous system tonic for stress and fatigue, bile stimulant, and can relieve headaches and indigestion.
- Thyme is also soothing remedy useful for stimulating digestion of rich, fatty foods.
Carminative Spice Remedies:
- Cloves are also antispasmodic.
- Nutmeg is also useful for indigestion.
- Ginger.
Exercise improves circulation and rids the body of toxins.
- Walking is aerobic exercise that reconditions the whole body to improve stamina. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.
- Weight training builds muscle. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.
- Stretching improves flexibilty. Read more about Exercise and Fitness.
Note: Exercise is important, but the amount and type of exercise undertaken depends on your health. Your first priority is to heal.
What Do Medical Research Studies Tell About Hypocalciuria In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?
RESEARCH STUDY SUMMARIES
“Analysis of urinary parameters as risk factors for nephrolithiasis in children with celiac disease.” This study investigating risk of oxalate kidney stone formation in children with celiac disease found no abnormal level of oxalates in their urine but did find that levels of urinary calcium were decreased and were inversely associated with disease severity.
The study population consisted of 115 children 1 to 16 years old (mean 5 years) with positive serological tests fo celiac disease (anti-endomysium and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies) referred to us for jejunal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Assessment was requested because patients presented with poor growth, anemia, gastrointestinal disorders or a family history of celiac disease. After obtaining informed consent we performed urine tests to measure urinary variables and blood tests to exclude metabolic disorders and evaluate renal function. All patients had a biopsy confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease.9
“Intestinal calcium absorption as shown by stable strontium test in celiac disease before and after gluten-free diet.” This study investigating the effect of a gluten free diet on mineral and bone metabolism in women with celiac disease and, using the strontium test, assessing intestinal calcium absorption demonstrated significantly abnormal urinary calcium and plasma calcium at diagnosis of celiac disease.2
CASE REPORT SUMMARIES
“Celiac disease manifesting as isolated hypocalcemia.” This case report describes a 36 year old woman presenting with hypocalcemia and hypocalciuria with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D that were normal and elevated, respectively, as the initial manifestations of celiac disease. Hypocalciuria and secondary hyperparathyroidism were refractory (did not respond) to pharmacologic calcium and cholecalciferol supplementation. Correction was demonstrated after a gluten free diet.10
- Saccomani MD, Pizzini C, Piacentini GL, Boner AL, Peroni DG. Analysis of urinary parameters as risk factors for nephrolithiasis in children with celiac disease. J Urol. 2012 Aug;188(2):566-70. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2012.04.019. Epub 2012 Jun 15. [↩]
- Molteni N, Bardella MT, Vezzoli G, Pozzoli E, Bianchi P. Intestinal calcium absorption as shown by stable strontium test in celiac disease before and after gluten-free diet. American Journal of Gastroenterology. Nov 1995;90(11):2025-8. [↩] [↩] [↩]
- Philip R, Patidar P, Saran S, Agarwal P, Gupta K. Endocrine manifestations of celiac disease. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012 December; 16(Suppl 2): S506–S508. [↩]
- Saccomani MD, Pizzini C, Piacentini GL, Boner AL, Peroni DG. Analysis of urinary parameters as risk factors for nephrolithiasis in children with celiac disease. J Urol. 2012 Aug;188(2):566-70. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2012.04.019. Epub 2012 Jun 15. [↩]
- Molteni N, Bardella MT, Vezzoli G, Pozzoli E, Bianchi P. Intestinal calcium absorption as shown by stable strontium test in celiac disease before and after gluten-free diet. American Journal of Gastroenterology. Nov 1995;90(11):2025-8. [↩]
- Rickels MR, Mandel SJ. Celiac disease manifesting as isolated hypocalcemia. Endocrine Practice: Official Journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. May-Jun 2004;10(3):203-7. [↩]
- Cummins AG, Thompson FM, Butler RN, et al. Improvement in intestinal permeability precedes morphometric recovery of the small intestine in coeliac disease. Clinical Science. Apr 2001;100(4):379-86. [↩]
- Farhadi A, Banan A, Fields J, Keshavarzian A. Intestinal barrier: an interface between health and disease. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2003;18:479-91. [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
- Saccomani MD, Pizzini C, Piacentini GL, Boner AL, Peroni DG. Analysis of urinary parameters as risk factors for nephrolithiasis in children with celiac disease. J Urol. 2012 Aug;188(2):566-70. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2012.04.019. [↩]
- Rickels MR, Mandel SJ. Celiac disease manifesting as isolated hypocalcemia. Endocrine Practice: Official Journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. May-Jun 2004;10(3):203-7. [↩]