A client has been diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Which dietary pattern should be included in the diet?

A client has been diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Which dietary pattern should be included in the diet?

• A. High in phosphorus and low in calcium
• B. Low in phosphorus and low in calcium
• C. Low in phosphorus and high in calcium
• D. High in phosphorus and high in calcium

Answer: (C)

Hypoparathyroidism disrupts calcium and phosphate balance because there is not enough PTH to boost calcium levels, promote phosphate excretion by the kidneys, and support active vitamin D production for calcium absorption in the gut. This leads to low calcium and high phosphate in the blood. The dietary approach to counteract this focuses on increasing calcium intake while reducing phosphate intake, so that calcium levels can rise without being overwhelmed by phosphate. Limiting phosphorus helps prevent further lowering of free calcium, and providing more calcium helps raise serum calcium to reduce symptoms. In practice, this means a diet low in phosphorus and high in calcium.

Hypoparathyroidism disrupts calcium and phosphate balance because there is not enough PTH to boost calcium levels, promote phosphate excretion by the kidneys, and support active vitamin D production for calcium absorption in the gut. This leads to low calcium and high phosphate in the blood. The dietary approach to counteract this focuses on increasing calcium intake while reducing phosphate intake, so that calcium levels can rise without being overwhelmed by phosphate. Limiting phosphorus helps prevent further lowering of free calcium, and providing more calcium helps raise serum calcium to reduce symptoms. In practice, this means a diet low in phosphorus and high in calcium.