Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Hypercalcemia, Elevated Blood Protein

OliveBranch

By OliveBranch
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

OliveBranch Apprentice
OliveBranch
Posted

Hi all,

I just received CBC results showing slightly elevated blood calcium (10.8, with ref range 8.6 - 10.2) and protein (8.4 with range of 6.2 - 8.3). This is the first time these numbers have been out of range in the 2 years that I have been inexplicably ill. My parathyroid hormone was checked about 9 months ago and was normal then. Does anyone know if this can come as a result of (untreated) celiac disease or gluten intolerance? It has only been about 3 months since I went gluten free.

Just curious if anyone has any thoughts. My doctor must not have thought this was important as he didn't call me about it (just found out when I requested a copy of the results on my own). But since I am still symptomatic, everything seems important to me.

Thanks!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted
Hi all,

I just received CBC results showing slightly elevated blood calcium (10.8, with ref range 8.6 - 10.2) and protein (8.4 with range of 6.2 - 8.3). This is the first time these numbers have been out of range in the 2 years that I have been inexplicably ill. My parathyroid hormone was checked about 9 months ago and was normal then. Does anyone know if this can come as a result of (untreated) celiac disease or gluten intolerance? It has only been about 3 months since I went gluten free.

Just curious if anyone has any thoughts. My doctor must not have thought this was important as he didn't call me about it (just found out when I requested a copy of the results on my own). But since I am still symptomatic, everything seems important to me.

Thanks!

Elevated protein levels are common in autoimmune disease. Mine was elevated for years before my diagnosis and it took about 3 years for it to come back down into the normal range after starting the gluten free diet. I am sure yours will come back down also, if you follow a strict gluten-free diet. It can also mean a chance of some blood cancers BUT please do not fret that it is something along those lines. I saw a very good hematologist and she assured me that this is very common is autoimmune disorders. (the elevated levels, not cancer!) Most will have elevated protein levels as long as there is inflammation present. I am doing fine now.

Your elevated calcium levels are indicative of a para-thyroid problem. I would check that again because the only job the para-thyroids do is to maintain normal calcium levels. When they become elevated, it most always is caused by one of the glands going funky. There are 4 small glands that make up the para-thyroid. That is not a problem to ignore as it can cause other serious problems. I am not sure if this is related to celiac but there is always the possibility that it is. Find a doctor who will persue your calcium issue.

You will find that most Celiacs pop weird blood issues and most are not serious but require attention. Once you are on the diet for awhile, things will settle down but you may need some tweaking along the way. ;) I know it's easy to say do not worry but I have been there and had a couple of scary moments, which turned out to be nothing more than Celiac related deficiencies which altered other testing. Just deal with each problem one at a time and work with a good doctor. Just make sure to persue the calcium levels!

trents Grand Master
trents
Posted

Funny, my serum protein levels are chronically a little low. I've been trying to figure that one out. I had prealbumin checked once a couple of years ago and it was perfectly normal so that says my dient is not deficient in protein and I would think, at least, that I am absorbing enough.

OliveBranch Apprentice
OliveBranch
Posted
  • Author

Thanks so much for the response, Gemini. I'm very glad to know that the protein issue is not uncommon, and you've prompted me to talk to my doc about the calcium level. I don't want to leave any stone unturned until I am well... it's just such a long and grueling process! But it is very helpful to know that others have gone through similar trials and have made it to the other side.

I'll post an update here if there are any developments.

Elevated protein levels are common in autoimmune disease. Mine was elevated for years before my diagnosis and it took about 3 years for it to come back down into the normal range after starting the gluten free diet. I am sure yours will come back down also, if you follow a strict gluten-free diet. It can also mean a chance of some blood cancers BUT please do not fret that it is something along those lines. I saw a very good hematologist and she assured me that this is very common is autoimmune disorders. (the elevated levels, not cancer!) Most will have elevated protein levels as long as there is inflammation present. I am doing fine now.

Your elevated calcium levels are indicative of a para-thyroid problem. I would check that again because the only job the para-thyroids do is to maintain normal calcium levels. When they become elevated, it most always is caused by one of the glands going funky. There are 4 small glands that make up the para-thyroid. That is not a problem to ignore as it can cause other serious problems. I am not sure if this is related to celiac but there is always the possibility that it is. Find a doctor who will persue your calcium issue.

You will find that most Celiacs pop weird blood issues and most are not serious but require attention. Once you are on the diet for awhile, things will settle down but you may need some tweaking along the way. ;) I know it's easy to say do not worry but I have been there and had a couple of scary moments, which turned out to be nothing more than Celiac related deficiencies which altered other testing. Just deal with each problem one at a time and work with a good doctor. Just make sure to persue the calcium levels!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens. I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium. I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells. When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly. This is safe...
    2. Jane02
      - Jane02 replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency. I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently...
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Hello, @Jane02, I take Naturewise D 3. It contains olive oil. Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets. Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking. Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the...
    4. Scott Adams
      0

      Penobscot Bay, Maine: Nurturing Gluten-Free Wellness Retreat with expert celiac dietitian, Melinda Dennis

      until
      Hello! Join me and treat yourself to a four-day, three-night restorative gluten-free retreat in a peaceful, private coastal retreat setting near Penobscot Bay in Maine. Dates: April 10-13, 2026 Enjoy engaging classes...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,333
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Donna Chem
    Newest Member
    Donna Chem
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens.  I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium.  I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells.  When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly.  This is safe and nontoxic.  Vitamin D level should be above 70 nmol/L.  Lifeguards and indigenous Pacific Islanders typically have levels between 80-100 nmol/L.   Levels lower than this are based on amount needed to prevent disease like rickets and osteomalacia. We need more thiamine when we're physically ill, emotionally and mentally stressed, and if we exercise like an athlete or laborer.  We need more thiamine if we eat a diet high in simple carbohydrates.  For every 500 kcal of carbohydrates, we need 500-1000 mg more of thiamine to process the carbs into energy.  If there's insufficient thiamine the carbs get stored as fat.  Again, recommended levels set for thiamine are based on minimum amounts needed to prevent disease.  This is often not adequate for optimum health, nor sufficient for people with absorption problems such as Celiac disease.  Gluten free processed foods are not enriched with vitamins like their gluten containing counterparts.  Adding a B Complex and additional thiamine improves health for Celiacs.  Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.  Thiamine helps the mitochondria in cells to function.  Thiamine interacts with each of the other B vitamins.  They are all water soluble and easily excreted if not needed. Interesting Reading: Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19154566/ Safety and effectiveness of vitamin D mega-dose: A systematic review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34857184/ High dose dietary vitamin D allocates surplus calories to muscle and growth instead of fat via modulation of myostatin and leptin signaling https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38766160/ Safety of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31746327/ Vitamins and Celiac Disease: Beyond Vitamin D https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11857425/ Investigating the therapeutic potential of tryptophan and vitamin A in modulating immune responses in celiac disease: an experimental study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40178602/ Investigating the Impact of Vitamin A and Amino Acids on Immune Responses in Celiac Disease Patients https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814138/
    • Jane02
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Jane02 · Posted

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency.  I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently meet from my diet is vitamin D. Calcium is a hit and miss as I rely on vegetables, dark leafy greens as a major source, for my calcium intake. I'm able to meet it when I either eat or juice a bundle of kale or collard greens daily haha. My thiamine intake is roughly 120% of my needs, although I do recognize that I may not be absorbing all of these nutrients consistently with intermittent unintentional exposures to gluten.  My vitamin A intake is roughly 900% (~6400 mcg/d) of my needs as I eat a lot of sweet potato, although since it's plant-derived vitamin A (beta-carotene) apparently it's not likely to cause toxicity.  Thanks again! 
    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @Jane02,  I take Naturewise D 3.  It contains olive oil.   Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets.  Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking.  Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the jar, and thus may be irritating to the digestive system. I avoid supplements made with soy because many people with Celiac Disease also react to soy.  Mixed tocopherols, an ingredient in Thornes Vitamin D, may be sourced from soy oil.  Kirkland's has soy on its ingredient list. I avoid things that might contain or be exposed to crustaceans, like Metagenics says on its label.  I have a crustacean/shellfish/fish allergy.  I like Life Extension Bioactive Complete B Complex.  I take additional Thiamine B 1 in the form Benfotiamine which helps the intestines heal, Life Extension MegaBenfotiamine. Thiamine is needed to activate Vitamin D.   Low thiamine can make one feel like they are getting glutened after a meal containing lots of simple carbohydrates like white rice, or processed gluten free foods like cookies and pasta.   It's rare to have a single vitamin deficiency.  The water soluble B Complex vitamins should be supplemented together with additional Thiamine in the form Benfotiamine and Thiamine TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) to correct subclinical deficiencies that don't show up on blood tests.  These are subclinical deficiencies within organs and tissues.  Blood is a transportation system.  The body will deplete tissues and organs in order to keep a supply of thiamine in the bloodstream going to the brain and heart.   If you're low in Vitamin D, you may well be low in other fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin K. Have you seen a dietician?
    • Scott Adams
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product. 
    • trents
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By trents · Posted

      Contact them.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.