Evidence supporting the use of: Parathyroid
For the health condition: Calcium Deficiency
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5
Parathyroid hormone (PTH), produced by the parathyroid glands, plays a central and well-understood role in regulating calcium levels in the blood. In clinical medicine, recombinant human parathyroid hormone (such as teriparatide) or parathyroid extract has been used in specific cases to manage hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency), particularly when caused by hypoparathyroidism—a condition where the body produces insufficient PTH. PTH increases blood calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bones, increasing intestinal calcium absorption (via activation of vitamin D), and promoting reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys.
The use of parathyroid hormone for calcium deficiency is strongly supported by scientific evidence. Clinical guidelines recommend PTH analogs for patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism who do not respond adequately to standard therapy with calcium and active vitamin D. Multiple randomized controlled trials and long-term studies demonstrate that PTH therapy effectively maintains serum calcium within the normal range and reduces the need for high doses of oral calcium and vitamin D, thereby decreasing the risk of complications such as hypercalciuria and renal calcification. However, routine use of parathyroid for general calcium deficiency (not due to hypoparathyroidism) is not appropriate, as most cases are managed with dietary calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
In summary, the use of parathyroid hormone to treat calcium deficiency due to hypoparathyroidism is a textbook example of evidence-based medicine, with high-quality scientific validation.