Although only 1 – 2 per cent of your body weighs to contain calcium, 99 per cent of it is found in the bones and teeth. So, whenever there’s a calcium deficiency in your body, chances are, your bones and teeth are likely to hurt or have issues. However, calcium is a vital mineral. It’s essential in functioning your heart and body muscles properly.
So, when your body has a low level of calcium in the bloodstream, you’re more likely to suffer from hypocalcemia. In the long-run, this deficiency might lead to osteoporosis, dental changes, alterations in the brain and most importantly, dental changes. Therefore, your bones might become brittle.
There are no early symptoms of calcium deficiency, but surely, there are complications. This article entails the prevalence of calcium deficiency, how it can possibly be treated and most likely be prevented.
Symptoms:
Note that the symptoms mentioned above might worsen with time as the disease progresses.
Muscle Pain:
Muscle cramps, aches and spasms are common and are early signs of calcium deficiency. If you experience pain in your arms, thighs and underarms while walking or moving, it is recommended that you go for a check-up. It might also make you feel numb in your hands, feet, arms, legs and around the mouth. These are some of the symptoms that indicate a severe deficiency. It might come and go, but it will not disappear completely.
Extreme Fatigue:
Interestingly, calcium deficiency is linked to insomnia or sleepiness. Some people tend to experience extreme fatigue, and overall sluggishness feeling, lethargy or a lack of energy in their body at all times. Fatigue also includes lightheadedness, brain fog and dizziness that is usually connected to forgetfulness, confusion and lack of focus.
Nail and Skin Symptoms:
It not only affects your bones and teeth but does harm to your skin and nails too. Your skin might become too dry and itchy. In fact, researchers have linked calcium deficiency to psoriasis and eczema. As you may have known that eczema is generally known as skin inflammation. Your skin may turn red, itch and get blisters. While eczema is treatable, psoriasis can also be managed, but there is no complete cure. Furthermore, calcium deficiency leads to broken, dry and brittle nails, leading to alopecia, a condition whereby hair falls out in round patches.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis:
It might sound like two new words, but if you become familiar with its symptoms and definition, it might make more sense to you. Osteopenia is the condition that reduces the mineral density of your bones and in addition, lead to osteoporosis. Moreover, osteoporosis makes your bones thinner, which in turn makes it prone to fractures. Therefore, it will cause pain, issues with posture and thus eventual disability.
Painful Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):
Yes, severe PMS have been linked to low levels of calcium in the body. Participants of the 2017 study were reported to have a better mood and reduced rates of fluid retention when they took 500mg (milligrams) of calcium on a daily basis for 2 months. Therefore, in the year 2019, the authors concluded that low levels of calcium and vitamin D during the second half of the menstrual cycle can contribute to the symptoms of PMS. Followed by, the team also proposed to use supplements to help relieve the symptoms.
Dental Problems:
You will understand that your body lacks calcium when it pulls from sources like teeth. Generally, this leads to dental issues like irritated gums, tooth decay, tooth brittle and weak roots. And in infants, calcium deficiency leads to delay in tooth formation.
Depression:
Yes, depression and mood disorders are closely linked with calcium deficiency, though there is no clear evidence to prove this. If you suspect that a lack of calcium in your body is contributing to your depression, then it’s time for you to consult a specialist. At times, calcium supplements help in managing depressive symptoms.
When To See A Doctor?
If you are experiencing calcium deficiency, it’s highly important for you to consult a doctor. The doctor will then order tests and check the levels of calcium present in your blood. Normally, the range for adults is 8.8 – 10.4 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). However, children need more calcium than adults, and any level less than 8.8 mg/dL is considered to be a deficiency.
Treatment And Prevention:
The best way to prevent having diagnosed with calcium deficiency is simply adding more calcium to your diet. There are plenty of calcium-rich foods, some of which are:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yoghurt
- Beans
- Tofu
- Figs
- Broccoli
- Soy milk
- Fortified seeds
- Spinach
- Nuts and seeds (including sesame seeds)
It is not recommended for anyone to start taking calcium supplements before consulting a specialist. Too much calcium may increase the risk of having diagnosed with kidney stones, cardiovascular diseases and other health problems.
When calcium deficiency problems reach out of hands simple calcium supplements wouldn’t produce sufficient results, the doctor might even prescribe calcium injections.
Bottom Line
There are a number of reasons as to why someone might be suffering from calcium deficiency. Most of these deficiencies can easily be prevented through mere dietary changes.
Most people who take supplements or receive injections notice an improvement within weeks.
However, other with severe deficiency might be monitored to prevent further complications.