13 Signs and Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency

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In today's health-conscious world, calcium is a significant nutrient and an abundant mineral in human bodies. Humans need it for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also has a vital part in muscle movement and cardiovascular functions. Thus, it is advisable to consume the right amount of calcium. When individuals fail to do so, they suffer from calcium deficiency diseases.

Do you wonder about the diseases you might get from low calcium consumption? Stick till the end of this article to find out all about this!

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What is Calcium Deficiency?

Hypocalcemia refers to calcium deficiency, in which the body does not have enough calcium to carry out crucial functions. This condition has been known to cause bones to become fragile and, therefore, easily susceptible to fracture and osteoporosis. 

At the same time, oral health may suffer; thus, patients may have such issues as weak teeth that can be easily broken or gum diseases. They encounter muscle cramps, spasms and pins and needles in lower limbs and palms as a part of a broad ailment with severe conditions that culminate into irregular heartbeats or even fits. 

How Common is Calcium Deficiency?

Older people and those with dietary restrictions or conditions that affect nutrient absorption are especially prone to having low calcium levels in their bodies. Thus, they need to be able to gauge the amount of calcium they consume to not fall victim to diseases such as osteoporosis or bone fractures. 

Milk products, green leafy vegetables, and other foods will be considered good sources of essential daily calcium intake, leading to good health through skeletal system strength or other body parts.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency?

As established already, calcium is a vital nutrient for a healthy body. Thus, its deficiency can have far-reaching impacts. These mainly start appearing on bones, muscles, teeth, and mental health. In the case of low dietary calcium intake, no early symptoms are visible. However, individuals can suffer from calcium deficiency diseases such as low bone density or osteopenia with time. Moreover, calcium deficiency can also result from health problems or treatments, including kidney failure, stomach removal, etc. Some of the common symptoms are discussed in the following.

Sr.No. Symptom Description
1 Muscle Movement Issues People dealing with calcium deficiency diseases are prone to having significant difficulties in muscle movement. These include muscle aches and cramps, pain in arms and thighs while walking, feelings of tingling and numbness in arms, mouth, feet and legs. In severe deficiency, muscle problems can lead to convulsions and arrhythmias in individuals.
2 Dental Problems The maximum amount of calcium in human bodies is in bones and teeth, making dental problems unavoidable in its deficiency. Tooth decay, gum irritation, brittle teeth and weak roots are common problems for people lacking enough calcium. Moreover, in infants, impairment in tooth development is common.
3 Nail, Hair, and Skin Problems A persistent calcium deficiency in the human body might cause skin issues, including extremely dry skin. It can also cause eczema or psoriasis, leading to itchy or dry patches on the skin. In addition, individuals lacking calcium consumption might have broken or brittle nails. Apart from coarse hair, they can suffer from alopecia. It leads to hair fall in patch
4 Fatigue Calcium deficiency in the human body can cause severe fatigue. It involves dizzy and sluggish feelings and a lack of energy. Apart from that, lightheadedness and brain fog are also not rare in individuals lacking calcium consumption. It can lead to long-term confusion, forgetfulness and lack of focus.
5 Osteopenia It is another disease caused due to calcium deficiency. When diagnosed with this, individuals lose bone mass, making their bones weaker. The disease symptoms are mostly unnoticeable since the loss of bone mass is not painful. When younger, the human body keeps breaking bones and creating new ones, making the older population more prone to getting this disease. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can also trigger this. Treatment mainly requires a higher calcium intake.
6 Osteoporosis On the other hand, another similar disease caused by calcium is osteoporosis. It causes bones to become weak and brittle. Even coughing can cause a bone fracture in case of severe osteoporosis. It is mostly found in women over the age of 50 years. Furthermore, shortness of breath, pain in the lower back and frequent bone fractures are common symptoms of this disease. Treatments can include vitamins, supplements and exercise.
7 Confusion or Memory Loss Cognitive symptoms such as confusion, forgetfulness, and memory loss may occur due to calcium deficiency affecting brain function.
8 Muscle Spasms Uncontrolled muscle contractions or spasms can occur, particularly in the legs, hands, and feet, due to calcium imbalance in the body.
9 Numbness and Tingling Sensations of numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or face may occur as a result of nerve irritation due to low calcium levels.
10 Depression Low calcium levels can contribute to mood changes and symptoms of depression in some individuals.
11 Hallucinations In severe cases, hallucinations or sensory disturbances may occur due to the neurological effects of calcium deficiency.
12 Weak and Brittle Nails Calcium deficiency can lead to weak, brittle nails that are prone to breaking or splitting.
13 Easy Fracturing of the Bones Weakened bones from calcium deficiency are more susceptible to fractures, even from minor trauma such as coughing or bending.

Reasons that Cause Calcium Deficiency

Various reasons can cause calcium deficiency in individuals. The primary causes include poor calcium intake for a long time and medications responsible for decreasing calcium intake. Apart from that, some of the other causes of calcium deficiency include the following, which might result in causing calcium deficiency diseases in individuals.

  • Various kinds of drugs, particularly chemotherapy drugs, reduce calcium intake
  • Those diagnosed with pancreatitis, infections, and cancer and kidney diseases 
  • Low Calcium D levels result in an inability to absorb nutrients 
  • Intestinal disorders such as diarrhoea or constipation can prevent human bodies from absorbing calcium 
  • Individuals facing renal failure and liver problems 
  • Hypoparathyroidism diagnosis coming from autoimmune disease or genetic conditions

What are the Diagnosis of Calcium Deficiency?

Calcium deficiency must be diagnosed using a comprehensive strategy that includes clinical examinations and specialist testing to check the body's calcium levels. Healthcare practitioners use a variety of ways to diagnose and explore this illness, including:

Physical Examination

A thorough physical examination looks for symptoms like muscle cramps, numbness, decrease in bone density (osteopenia), and dental issues like weak enamel or gum disease.

Dietary Assessment

The patient's diet is evaluated to know how much calcium they get through food and to find possible deficiencies or gaps in their nutrition, emphasising calcium-rich foods.

Blood Tests

Measurement of blood calcium levels to diagnose deficiencies or abnormalities in its metabolism that can signify the severity of the deficiency.

Bone Density Scan (DEXA)

A bone mineral density scan looks at bone health issues like osteoporosis or osteopenia caused by a long-term lack of enough calcium.

Medical History Review

Reviewing the patient's medical report is important because one might have some underlying condition or medications that may interfere with their body's ability to absorb/metabolize calcium.

Best Food Sources to Overcome Calcium Deficiency

Check out a selection of foods rich in calcium, highlighted below, essential for addressing and preventing calcium deficiency to support your health and vitality.

Fruits to Overcome Calcium Deficiency

fruits-rich-in-calcium

Fruits are excellent sources of calcium. Here are a few of them that can aid in restoring a shortage of it

Sr.No. Fruit Calcium Content (mg per 100g/cup)
1 Oranges 45-50 mg
2 Apricots 15 mg
3 Dried Figs 160 mg
4 Kiwis 30 mg
5 Rhubarb 300 mg
6 Mulberries 55 mg
7 Prickly Pears 83 mg (per cup), 58 mg (whole fruit)
8 Prunes 55 mg (per glass of juice)
9 Grapefruits 50 mg (per cup of juice)
10 Blackcurrants 55 mg
11 Limes 33 mg
12 Papayas 20 mg
13 Strawberries 16 mg
14 Bananas 8 mg (per cup)
15 Guavas 18 mg

Vegetables to Overcome Calcium Deficiency

green-vegetables-broccoli-for-calcium

Vegetables are another excellent source of calcium. From leafy greens to root veggies, here are some that is well known to aid in the restoration of calcium to the body:

Sr.No. Vegetables Nutritional Value (Calcium per 100g)
1 Turnip Greens 137 mg
2 Kale 132 mg
3 Mustard Greens 118 mg
4 Beet Greens 114 mg
5 Bok Choy (Pak-Choi) 93 mg
6 Okra 77 mg
7 Swiss Chard 58 mg
8 Broccoli Raab (Rapini) 118 mg
9 Podded Peas 59 mg
10 Acorn Squash 44 mg
11 Butternut Squash 41 mg
12 Parsley 138 mg
13 Sweet Potatoes 30 mg
14 Cabbage 48 mg
15 Celeriac 43 mg
16 Broccoli 40 mg
17 Brussels Sprouts 36 mg
18 Soybean Sprouts 59 mg
19 Green (Snap) Beans 44 mg
20 Carrots (Cooked) 30 mg

Other Eatables to Overcome Calcium Deficiency

milk-for-calcium-deficiency-diseases

Apart from fruits and vegetables, other foods such as animal and dairy products are well known to be a great source of calcium. Make sure to include some of these to create a balanced diet to maintain adequate levels

Sr. No. Food Items Nutritional Value (Calcium per 100g)
1 Firm Tofu 683 mg
2 Skim Milk 122 mg
3 Low-Fat Yogurt 199 mg
4 Grated Parmesan 1184 mg
5 Black-Eyed Peas 128 mg
6 Trout 86 mg
7 Clams 92 mg

How Much Calcium Do You Need Daily?

The process of treating calcium deficiency can be a long and complicated one. The easiest way of treatment can be including calcium-rich food in your diet. Some popular foods with high calcium content include soybeans and kale, which comes with 175 mg and 179 mg calcium, respectively (one cup). Fishes such as sardines and salmon have 325 mg and 180 mg of calcium every 3 ounces, respectively.  Individuals can also include low-fat milk, yoghourt, cottage cheese and oatmeal in the list.

One needs to know the standard calcium consumption based on age group, as discussed in the following table.

Age Group Recommended Calcium Intake
Birth-6 months 200 mg
7-12 months 260 mg
1-3 years 700 mg
4-8 years 1,000 mg
9-13 years 1,300 mg
14-18 years 1,300 mg
Adults 19-50 Years 1,000 mg
Adult Men 51-70 Years 1,000 mg
Adult Women 51-70 Years 1,200 mg
Adults Over 70 Years Old 1,200 mg
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Teens 1,300 mg
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Adults 1,000 mg

The ideal way of avoiding calcium deficiency is by consuming the right amount of calcium. individuals should consider the table discussed above and include the right quantity of calcium in their diets.

Side Effects of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency can lead to a range of health problems due to its vital role in various bodily functions. Common side effects and symptoms associated with calcium deficiency include:

  1. Muscle Problems: Muscle cramps, spasms, and general muscle weakness are prevalent due to impaired muscle function without sufficient calcium.
  2. Dental Issues: Weak teeth prone to decay, brittle enamel, and gum disease are common, especially affecting dental health over time.
  3. Nail and Hair Problems: Brittle nails and dry, coarse hair are indicators of calcium deficiency, affecting overall appearance and health.
  4. Bone Health: Reduced bone density and osteoporosis can result from prolonged calcium deficiency, leading to an increased risk of fractures and bone pain.
  5. Neurological Symptoms: Numbness and tingling sensations in the extremities, along with confusion and memory problems, may occur due to nerve dysfunction.
  6. Cardiovascular Issues: Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias) and potentially severe complications like heart failure can develop in severe cases.
  7. Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and mood swings can be linked to calcium deficiency, affecting overall mental well-being.

Therefore, to keep these side effects from happening and maintain good health, it is important to focus on diet changes, supplements and medical help that deal with calcium deficiency. Consequently, prompt treatment and regular monitoring help reduce the risks of calcium deficiencies.

Diseases Caused Due to Calcium Deficiency

Now, you may wonder, "which disease is caused by calcium deficiency?” Calcium deficiency diseases are common, considering the difficulty in maintaining the standard calcium intake. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose the disease at the right time and treat it.

1. Hypocalcaemia

It is a common disease caused by the deficiency of calcium. The risks intensify in poor calcium intake since childhood, medications reducing calcium absorption, dietary intolerance to calcium-rich food, hormonal changes etc.

2. Neonatal hypocalcaemia

It is a disease caused by a lack of calcium in infants soon after birth. It can come with risk factors such as being small for age and maternal diabetes. Poor feeding, seizure and apnea (slow breathing) can be common symptoms of neonatal hypocalcaemia.

Treatments for Calcium Deficiency

In case a disease caused due to calcium deficiency is severe, individuals will require other treatment procedures. Doctors use physical examinations of hair, skin and muscles to identify hypocalcaemia and other calcium deficiency diseases. Doctors can inject calcium intravenously if the condition is serious. Other treatments include the following.

Treatment Method Description
Medications Doctors prescribe medications rich in calcium, vitamin D, or magnesium supplements to complement dietary changes aimed at treating calcium deficiency.
Exercise Essential for conditions like osteoporosis, exercises such as walking, elliptical training, aerobics, dancing, stair climbing, and gardening help reduce bone mineral loss.
Home Care Natural healing methods include spending time in the sun to boost vitamin D levels and consuming a diet rich in calcium to manage and prevent calcium deficiency diseases.

Doctors might prescribe natural healing methods to people dealing with calcium deficiency diseases. These include spending time in the sun to increase vitamin D levels and a diet with calcium-rich food items.

How Long Does it Take to Fix Calcium Deficiency?

Patients with calcium deficiency can observe significant improvement in their health condition after starting treatment to replenish the nutrients. However, the time it takes to resolve symptoms may vary.

Symptom Resolution Timeline Symptoms
24 hours Minor symptoms such as muscle cramps and fatigue.
1-2 weeks Improved muscle movement, reduction in muscle spasms.
3 months Improved bone density and reduced risk of fractures.

Note that this timeline may vary across individuals, depending on the extent of deficiency and other health conditions.

However, permanent damage such as severe tooth deformation or tooth loss is irreversible. This underscores the importance of prioritising your health and ensuring adequate calcium intake to prevent deficiency before it becomes severe.

Who is at Risk of Suffering from Calcium Deficiency?

Usually, calcium deficiency can happen to anyone at any age. However, based on most cases, women are more prone to a calcium disease. It is mainly seen among amenorrheic and postmenopausal women and the female athlete triad. Moreover, individuals with milk allergy and lactose intolerance can also face this issue. It is also common among the elderly and adolescents of at-risk groups for dietary deficiency intake. People with vitamin D or magnesium deficiency are also at significant risk.

Thus, calcium deficiency diseases can be dangerous with far-reaching impacts on human bodies. Apart from causing severe harm to bones and teeth, calcium deficiency can end up causing adverse effects on overall health conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to include calcium-rich food in everyday diet to avoid such diseases in the future.

FAQs about Calcium Deficiency