Calcium is an essential mineral present in the human body, with 99% of calcium stored in body, teeth and bones as well it’s present in blood, cells, muscles. It plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones, helps in muscle function, and supports nerve health.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency
Calcium deficiency is also reffered as hypocalcemia. A calcium deficiency mostly happens in babies who are barely a few days old. Some of the primary symptoms of calcium deficiency include irritability, muscle twitching, jitters, tremors, lethargy, and seizures. Calcium deficiency can happen to any age group people.
Chronic calcium deficiency can result in rickets, osteoporosis, and osteopenia, as well as disruptions in the metabolic rate and normal function of other bodily processes. In few cases, chronic calcium deficiency can also include chest pains, numbness in fingers and toes, muscle cramps, brittle nails, dry skin, and tooth decay etc.
Calcium levels in the body can decrease for various reasons, including:
- Diet: Not getting enough calcium in your diet over time, or having a dietary intolerance to calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milk
- Medications: Certain medical conditions, such as hypoparathyroidism, kidney disease, and pancreatitis, can disrupt calcium levels in body.Taking medications that reduce calcium absorption
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes that occur during menopause or after a hysterectomy or oophorectomy
- Vitamin D deficiency: Not getting enough vitamin D. Sunlight is essential source of vitamin D. But you can naturally increase your vitamin D deficiency through diet, exercise etc.
- Genetic factors: Genetic factors can also play an important role in calcium deficiency
- Underlying conditions: Conditions like Crohn’s disease can affect the body’s ability to absorb or metabolize calcium
- Critical illness: Cancer-related drugs, chemotherapy, or other critical illnesses can lead to calcium deficiency
- Lifestyle: Aging, sedentary lifestyle like sitting and watching tv, playing video games for longer period and excessive caffeine consumption can contribute to decreased calcium levels. Lack of exercise, Smoking and high phosphorus intake can also interfere with calcium absorption.
Maintaining balanced calcium levels is crucial for overall health wellbeing. By understanding the factors that contribute to decreased calcium levels, individuals can take proactive steps to support bone health and prevent related disorders. Before taking any medication, yourself consult your doctor once, related to your health.