6 Min Read
Calcium is an essential mineral crucial for the physical and physiological processes of the body. It is primarily known for its importance in the formation of strong bones and teeth, preventing blood clotting, and ensuring optimum nerve function. It is therefore crucial to maintain an optimum level of calcium in the body and to understand the calcium deficiency symptoms and causes for prevention and effective treatment. Continue reading till the end to know all about calcium deficiency.
Synopsis
7 Calcium Deficiency Symptoms
The normal level of calcium in the blood ranges from 8.6 to 10.3 mg/dL, when the level drops below this range it is considered hypocalcemia or calcium deficiency. This can cause several symptoms which may vary depending upon the severity and duration of deficiency.
Early stages of hypocalcemia might not cause any noticeable symptoms but as the deficiency progresses several physical and neurological symptoms can arise which may include:
-
Muscle cramps and spasms: Muscle cramps, particularly in legs and arms are one of the most common symptoms of calcium deficiency. They are often accompanied by twitching or spasms, especially in hands, feet and face. A person might experience stiffness which makes movement painful.
-
Fatigue and weakness: Feeling extremely tired even after proper rest and struggling with daily activity due to lack of energy may be symptoms of calcium deficiency.
-
Dental problems: Calcium deficiency can lead to several dental problems as calcium is a critical component of tooth enamel. Problems may include weakened teeth, increased susceptibility to cavities, and tooth loss in severe cases.
-
Heart issues: Calcium is crucial for maintaining optimum heart function and calcium deficiency has been associated with irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), prolonged QT interval and in extreme cases heart failure.
-
Osteoporosis and bone fracture: Long-term calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle. This increases the risk of fractures, especially in elderly people.
-
Numbness and Tingling: Low calcium levels can affect nerve function which may lead to numbness and tingling sensations in fingers, toes and around the mouth.
-
Neurological symptoms: Calcium deficiency can lead to several neurological problems including confusion, memory loss, hallucinations and in extreme situations seizures.
Consult our orthopaedician in Delhi if you are experiencing any of the above calcium deficiency symptoms
7 Calcium Deficiency Causes
Calcium deficiency can be caused by several factors and for effective prevention and treatment understanding the cause is crucial. The following are some common calcium deficiency causes:
-
Inadequate dietary intake: The most common cause of calcium deficiency is insufficient intake of calcium-rich foods. A diet lacking in calcium can lead to its deficiency over time.
-
Vitamin D deficiency: Sometimes calcium-rich diet can be ineffective due to a lack of vitamin D in the body because it is essential for calcium absorption in the intestines. This deficiency, whether due to lack of exposure to sunlight or diet may lead to low calcium absorption in the body.
-
Hormonal imbalance: Disorders such as hypoparathyroidism can result in low PTH levels leading to low calcium levels in the body as calcium levels in the body are regulated by parathyroid glands through the parathyroid hormone (PTH) they produce.
-
Malabsorption disorder: Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and other gastrointestinal disorders can impair the calcium absorption ability of the body from the food leading to deficiency.
-
Kidney disease: Kidneys play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels. Chronic kidney diseases can lead to impaired calcium metabolism which results in low calcium levels.
-
Medications: Several medications can cause deficiency by interfering with calcium absorption or increasing calcium excretion.
-
Age and gender: Gender and age also affect calcium levels in the body. Older adults particularly postmenopausal women are at higher risk of calcium deficiency due to changes in hormone levels and reduced calcium absorption with age.
Calcium Deficiency Treatment
Treatment of calcium deficiency involves addressing the underlying cause to restore normal calcium levels and may include:
-
Dietary changes: The first line of treatment for calcium deficiency is changing the diet. Increasing the intake of calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, green vegetables, nuts and fruit juice can help boost calcium levels.
-
Calcium supplements: Supplements may be recommended when dietary changes are not sufficient to restore calcium levels. The choice of supplement may depend on factors such as digestive health, age and the presence of any medical conditions. However, supplements should not be consumed without the advice of a doctor.
-
Vitamin D supplementation: Individuals with calcium deficiency may also be advised to supplement vitamin D by their doctor since it is essential for calcium absorption.
-
Lifestyle modifications: Regular weight training, walking and jogging can help with increasing bone density and reducing the risk of fractures in individuals with calcium deficiency. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can have a positive impact on bone health.
-
Medical treatment: When a medical condition like hypoparathyroidism or chronic kidney disease is responsible for calcium deficiency in an individual it becomes crucial to treat the condition for managing calcium levels. This may involve hormone replacement therapy, medications to manage kidney function, or other targeted treatments as recommended by the doctor.
Consult our orthopaedic hospital in Delhi if you need calcium deficiency treatment.
Conclusion
Calcium deficiency is a significant health concern that may lead to a range of symptoms affecting the muscles, bones, nervous system, and cardiovascular health. For effective prevention and treatment understanding the causes of calcium deficiency is essential. By adequate dietary changes, addressing vitamin D deficiency, and making necessary lifestyle changes, individuals can maintain healthy calcium levels and prevent the complications associated with this deficiency.
Remember, early detection and intervention are key to preventing the long-term effects of calcium deficiency and ensuring overall health and well-being. Book a consultation with our experienced orthopaedic doctor in Delhi to discuss your individual problem. We also invite you to explore our blog page to read the latest healthcare blogs shared by our doctors.
FAQ's
Common calcium deficiency symptoms include muscle cramps, numbness or tingling in the fingers, fatigue, and brittle nails. As the deficiency worsens, more severe symptoms such as bone pain, fractures, and dental issues can develop
Most people can meet their calcium needs through a well-balanced diet that includes calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and fortified foods. However, certain individuals, such as those with lactose intolerance, vegans, or those with conditions affecting calcium absorption, may have difficulty getting enough calcium from diet alone. In such cases, calcium supplements might be recommended. It's important to consult with our orthopaedic doctor in Delhi before starting supplements, as excessive calcium intake can lead to health issues such as kidney stones.
Consult our doctor if you are experiencing persistent calcium deficiency symptoms such as muscle cramps, numbness, tingling, unexplained fatigue, or bone pain. If you have frequent fractures, dental issues, or heart palpitations, or if you belong to a high-risk group (e.g., postmenopausal women, older adults, or individuals with malabsorption disorders), it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Our doctor can perform tests to diagnose calcium deficiency and recommend appropriate calcium deficiency treatment.
Share this article on:
