What is the Cause of My Hypocalcemia?

Dear Ask The Doctor: Ok so awhile ago I ended up at ED due to tingling in arms and pins and needles that wouldnt go away (long story unrelated symptoms), but it turned out my Calcium level was low 2.07, was diagnosed with hypocalcemia, given a script for 1.5G of calcium and sent to GP for further testing for cause. Took 3 days of taking calcium for symptoms to disappear. Only ended up going to GP 3 weeks later and he took blood, got a letter which stated all normal and they have put it down to Hyperventilation, I NEVER HYPERVENTERLATED! Im a nurse and in my current role deal with people who hyperventerlate all the time so know I didnt, he has made me stop calcium for a week-month and then get further bloods if symptoms reoccur, any idea what else could cause hypocalcemia, my b12 was on the low side of normal but rest were all ok. have copy of bloods if that helps Thanks

Dear Alana: There are many causes of hypocalcemia. The most common cause of hypocalcemia is hypoparathyroidism. Some other causes include, pancreatitis, renal failure / kidney disease, nutritional deficiency of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium and alcohol intake. Treatment of hypocalcemia depends on its cause and severity. Severe hypocalcemia is treated with calcium ion injections. With dietary deficiencies, your health care provider may advise supplementation of: calcium, vitamin D and magnesium. You can help prevent dietary calcium deficiency caused hypocalcemia by consuming an adequate amount in your diet.