What is the utility of an oral calcium loading test to differentiate FHH from secondary hyperparathyroidism due to low calcium intake?   

Both vitamin D deficiency and calcium deficiency can result in secondary hyperparathyroidism. Before entertaining the diagnosis of FHH, I would treat the patient with an adequate calcium intake of 1000 mg a day of elemental calcium preferably from dietary sources like dairy. Supplemental sources are...

Although dairy products are a preferable source of calcium, all calcium supplements work better if given with food. There is evidence that protein facilitates calcium absorption. Also, calcium supplements generally should also be given with some magnesium because they compete with magnesium for inte...