Which dietary recommendation is appropriate for a client with hypoparathyroidism?

• A. High in calcium and low in phosphorus
• B. Low in calcium
• C. High in phosphorus
• D. High in sodium with no fluid restriction

Answer: (A)

In hypoparathyroidism, there isn’t enough parathyroid hormone to raise calcium or to promote phosphate excretion. This leads to low calcium and high phosphate. The dietary plan that best helps correct this balance is one that increases calcium intake while limiting phosphorus. More calcium provides more available calcium in the blood, and lowering phosphorus reduces the phosphate load that can bind calcium and worsen hypocalcemia. That’s why a diet high in calcium and low in phosphorus is the appropriate choice. Avoiding high sodium is also reasonable, since high sodium can increase urinary calcium loss, which would counteract the goal.