What are the Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency?

• Written by Riya Lohia

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Anjali, a 25-year-old, was confused about why her nails weakened and bittered and her hair breakage was also bothering her. She decided to check with a healthcare professional and found out that she had calcium deficiency, which weakened her nails and hair. Her doctor prescribed her some calcium supplements and asked her to have calcium calcium-rich diet. Anjali went home and researched calcium deficiency more. She further delved into the symptoms of calcium deficiency, its causes, related diseases, and effective management strategies to help her understand and address this common issue.

Initially, she found out, calcium is a mineral that plays a critical role in various bodily functions. From building and maintaining strong bones and teeth to supporting nerve function and muscle contraction, calcium is indispensable for overall health. Despite its importance, many people experience calcium deficiency, which can lead to a range of health problems like Anjali was experiencing.

What is Calcium Deficiency?

Anjali further read that calcium deficiency occurs when your body lacks sufficient calcium to perform its essential functions. This deficiency can affect bones, muscles, nerves, and the cardiovascular system. Calcium deficiency syndrome, often characterized by symptoms like muscle cramps, brittle bones, and fatigue, highlights the importance of maintaining adequate calcium levels. The human body stores 99% of its calcium in the bones and teeth, with only 1% present in the bloodstream and other tissues. This small percentage is crucial for vital functions, so even slight deficiencies can have significant impacts.

Calcium Deficiency Causes

Anjali was curious about what causes calcium deficiency and found out that it can result from a variety of factors:

1. Age: As people age, calcium absorption decreases, and bone density may decline, leading to an increased risk of deficiency.
2. Inadequate Dietary Intake: A diet low in calcium-rich foods can lead to deficiency. Foods such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fortified foods are primary sources of calcium.
3. Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like menopause or thyroid disorders can affect calcium levels. For example, estrogen helps regulate calcium levels, and its decline during menopause can lead to calcium loss.
4. Absorption Issues: Certain medical conditions, like Crohn's disease or celiac disease, can impair calcium absorption in the intestines.
5. Medication Side Effects: Some medications, including corticosteroids and certain diuretics, can affect calcium metabolism or absorption.

She understood that these causes help in addressing the root of the problem and implementing effective treatment strategies.

Common Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency

Anjali read that calcium deficiency symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency and the duration of its existence. Common symptoms include:

Cardiovascular Symptoms

1. Irregular Heartbeats: Calcium is essential for heart muscle contraction and maintaining a regular heartbeat. Deficiency can lead to arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats, which may feel like palpitations or fluttering.
2. High Blood Pressure: Chronic calcium deficiency can contribute to hypertension. Calcium helps regulate blood vessel contraction and relaxation, so insufficient levels can impact blood pressure control.

Physical Symptoms

1. Muscle Cramps and Spasms: One of the most noticeable signs of calcium deficiency is frequent muscle cramps or spasms. These are often painful and can occur in various muscles, including those in the legs, back, and abdomen.
2. Brittle Nails and Hair: Calcium insufficiency can lead to weakened nails and thinning hair. Brittle nails may break or split easily, and hair may become more prone to damage.
3. Bone Pain and Osteoporosis: Chronic calcium deficiency can lead to bone pain and increased susceptibility to fractures. Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by brittle bones, is a common long-term effect of prolonged calcium deficiency.

Neurological Symptoms

1. Tingling and Numbness: Low calcium levels can cause a tingling or numb sensation in the fingers, toes, and around the mouth. This sensation, known as paresthesia, results from nerve dysfunction.
2. Seizures and Convulsions: Severe calcium deficiency can lead to seizures or convulsions due to its crucial role in nerve function and neurotransmitter release.
3. Confusion and Memory Loss: Neurological symptoms like confusion, memory lapses, and mood swings may occur, as calcium is vital for proper brain function.

Calcium Deficiency Diseases and Disorders

Anjali learned about a few calcium deficiency diseases and disorders:

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk. It affects millions worldwide, particularly postmenopausal women and older adults. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, around 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures. Calcium deficiency plays a significant role in the development of osteoporosis. Ensuring adequate calcium intake through diet or supplements is crucial in preventing and managing this condition.

Rickets (in Children)

Rickets is a condition that results in weakened and softened bones in children. It is often due to insufficient calcium and vitamin D, leading to deformities such as bowed legs and delayed growth. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a decline in rickets cases globally, but it remains a concern in areas with limited access to calcium-rich foods and sunlight.

Osteomalacia (in Adults)

Osteomalacia, the adult equivalent of rickets, results from a softening of the bones due to calcium or vitamin D deficiency. Symptoms include bone pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. Osteomalacia is less common but can have serious implications for mobility and overall health.

How Calcium Deficiency is Diagnosed?

Diagnosing calcium deficiency involves several steps:

1. Blood Tests: Blood tests measure serum calcium levels to determine if they are within the normal range. Normal serum calcium levels typically range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. However, low blood calcium levels alone are not always indicative of deficiency, as the body maintains calcium levels through bone and tissue storage.
2. Bone Density Scans: Bone density tests, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), assess bone strength and density. These scans help diagnose conditions like osteoporosis, which can result from calcium deficiency.
3. Urine Tests: Urine tests can also be used to measure calcium excretion and assess whether the body is absorbing and retaining calcium properly.

Calcium Deficiency Treatment and Management

Anjali also read about ways she can treat calcium deficiency:

Lifestyle Adjustments

1. Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running, and resistance training help maintain bone density and strength. Regular physical activity also supports overall health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
2. Sunlight Exposure: Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption. Spend time in sunlight or consider vitamin D supplements if exposure is limited. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is around 600 IU for most adults, increasing to 800 IU for those over 70.

Dietary Changes

1. Calcium-Rich Foods: To combat calcium deficiency, incorporate foods high in calcium into your diet. Excellent sources include dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), leafy greens (kale, spinach), almonds, and fortified foods such as orange juice and cereals. A balanced diet ensures you receive adequate calcium along with other essential nutrients.
2. Calcium Supplements: Supplements can help if dietary intake is insufficient. Popular forms include calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. It's essential to follow recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare provider to avoid excessive intake, which can cause adverse effects.

Medical Interventions

For severe cases of calcium deficiency or related conditions, medical interventions may be necessary. This can include prescription medications such as bisphosphonates for osteoporosis or hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women. Always seek medical advice to tailor treatment to your specific needs.

Anjali also learned about the health insurance policy of Care Health Insurance which provides the benefit of four gynaecologist consultations per year. (For further details, kindly check our Care Supreme plan.) 

Prevention Tips

Here are a few  tips that can help prevent calcium deficiency:

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Balanced Diet: Maintain a diet rich in calcium and other essential nutrients, including magnesium and vitamin D, which aid calcium absorption.
• Avoid Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol: High consumption of caffeine and alcohol can interfere with calcium absorption and increase calcium loss.

Maintaining Adequate Calcium Levels

• Daily Recommended Intake: Ensure you meet the daily calcium intake recommended for your age and gender. For example, adults typically require about 1,000 mg of calcium daily, while women over 50 and men over 70 need 1,200 mg.
• Regular Health Check-Ups: Monitor calcium levels through regular health check-ups. Early detection of deficiency allows for timely intervention and prevents severe complications.

Wrapping Up!

Ultimately, Anjali realised that calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and overall bodily functions. Calcium deficiency can lead to a variety of symptoms, from muscle cramps and brittle nails to serious conditions like osteoporosis and rickets. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for calcium deficiency, you can take proactive steps to maintain optimal calcium levels and overall health. If you suspect you have a calcium deficiency or are experiencing related symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and personalized treatment.

>> Also Read: Tips to Deal with Vitamin C Deficiency

Disclaimer: Kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of your health concerns. Also, verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential.