Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 31st May 2021

Calcium is a vital nutrient in the human body, it is responsible for numerous bodily functions. A significant amount of calcium is found in humans’ bones and teeth. Calcium is responsible for impulse transmission between the brain and the body’s nervous system, muscle deflation, maintaining steady heartbeats, as well as helping in the discharge of hormones and enzymes throughout the human body. Low blood levels of calcium lead to calcium deficiency or what is known as hypocalcemia. Calcium deficiency could be life-threatening if its symptoms are neglected for a long time, as it can cause osteopenia and osteoporosis. This is usually the result of mal consumption of the proper amount of calcium in childhood due to insufficient diet.

Osteopenia and Osteoporosis 

Osteopenia is the loss of bone mass or low bone density; this occurs when your body transfers the calcium stored in the bones and teeth to help other areas function efficiently. When your overall level of calcium is lower than it should be, the left amount is then inadequate to maintain your bones’ strength and health. This process usually leads to osteoporosis, which puts you at risk of fractures, posture problems, and continuous pain. Osteoporosis and many other complications related to calcium deficiency take years to develop, which makes it one of the most dramatic illnesses.

Common Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency 

Complications that arise due to calcium deficiency or hypocalcemia can drastically affect your life and overall performance, especially if your condition transforms into a chronic or untreatable one. The problem with calcium deficiency is that it comes with silent symptoms, which can lead to worse scenarios, as most people do not notice it at an early stage. Muscle problems like cramps, aches, spasms, and numbness of limbs are considered alarming symptoms of hypocalcemia. Calcium deficiency also results in many other symptoms, such as general body fatigue, skin dryness, nail breakage, and hair fall. One of the major causes of calcium deficiency is the lack of vitamin D, which helps the absorption of calcium. 

Dental Problems 

When the body lacks the proper amount of calcium, it starts receiving it where it is originally stored. Calcium is responsible for keeping your teeth and bones strong and healthy; a well-known consequence of calcium deficiency is dental problems. Root weakness, tooth decay, irritated gums, and fragile teeth, are very common symptoms of hypocalcemia. Calcium deficiency in infants delays the formation of teeth, exposing them to more future problems.

Other Symptoms 

Painful premenstrual syndrome is often associated with calcium deficiency. In order to improve PMS symptoms, it is required to increase calcium intake. Many people will be surprised to find out that insomnia, sleepiness, and lack of energy are symptoms of hypocalcemia. Calcium deficiency is also held responsible for mood swings and depression. Low levels of calcium contribute to mood disorders and are also linked to developing depressive symptoms. A number of unexpected symptoms that are not usually linked to calcium deficiency are chest pains, seizures, cataracts, change of voice, chronic itching, and swallowing difficulty. 

How to Avoid Calcium Deficiency 

In order to elevate calcium levels and avoid hypocalcemia disease, you should pay more attention to the nutritious value of your daily meals. A reason why calcium is important in any diet is that it can help you avoid calcium deficiency. Having a balanced diet with rich nutrients is adequate, beneficial, and essential. Top foods that contain a high level of calcium are dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. However, there are a non-dairy variety of foods like green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and seafood that are considered a high and rich source of calcium. Seeds and nuts, especially almond and sesame, are also considered natural sources of calcium intake.

When to See a Doctor 

If you experience any of the symptoms that are mentioned above, you should immediately seek your healthcare provider. The doctor is probably going to request several blood tests to determine your calcium deficiency level. The recommended calcium intake depends on certain aspects. Age and gender are major factors in the amount of calcium required. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the body does not produce calcium, so among the most efficient ways of getting your necessary daily intake is through calcium supplements. 

Maintaining your health should be the ultimate intention and great purpose of living. Preventing diseases like calcium deficiency or hypocalcemia is not a difficult path to take. Having a balanced diet, rich in calcium and other sufficient nutrients, is effortless and safe. Some people cannot sustain healthy calcium levels through their diets alone. Calcium supplements are a very efficient solution to their health deficiency problems. While using calcium supplements, bear in mind that it is best absorbed when taken between meals. It is sometimes required to take a vitamin D supplement to boost calcium absorption level.

We discuss Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, dental problems, and when to see a doctor in this blog post on How to Tell if You Have Calcium Deficiency and How to Deal with it.