Calcium Deficiency Diseases

Multiple reasons can cause calcium deficiency.

The most common calcium deficiency cause is poor calcium intake for extended periods and the use of medications that reduce calcium absorption.

Apart from these, some other causes include the following:

Different types of medications, especially chemotherapy drugs, can decrease calcium absorption

People experiencing liver issues and renal failure

Insufficient calcium D levels cause an inability to absorb nutrients

People diagnosed with infections, cancer, pancreatitis, and kidney diseases

Intestinal issues like constipation or diarrhoea prevent humans from absorbing calcium

Calcium deficiency symptoms typically appear in bones, teeth, muscles, and mental health. No early signs and symptoms are visible in the case of insufficient dietary calcium intake.

However, eventually, one might diagnose calcium deficiency diseases like osteopenia or low bone density. Furthermore, health issues or treatments such as kidney failure or stomach removal can contribute to calcium deficiency.

Here are some common symptoms of calcium deficiency:

Muscle movement:

Individuals suffering from calcium deficiency will likely have muscle movement problems. These include muscle cramps and aches, numbness, tingling in the mouth, arms, legs, and feet, and pain in the thighs and arms while walking.

Furthermore, in severe cases, muscle problems can cause arrhythmias and convulsions.

Issues in skin, hair, and nails:

Constant calcium deficiency can result in various nail, skin, and hair problems. This may include extremely dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis, visible as itchy or dry patches on the skin.

Individuals with inadequate calcium intake may also experience coarse hair and brittle nails, leading to alopecia and patchy hair fall problems.

Dental problems:

Dental issues are the most prevalent in people with calcium deficiency. Insufficient calcium intake can lead to issues such as gum irritation, tooth decay, brittle teeth, and feeble roots.

Additionally, inadequate calcium in infants may result in impaired tooth development.

Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis, a disease due to lack of calcium, can lead to weakened bones and increased susceptibility to fractures.

It makes your bones brittle and weak. In such a case, even coughing can fracture a bone.

**Osteopenia:**Osteopenia is yet another disease caused by deficiency of calcium. People with osteopenia lose bone mass, resulting in weaker bones. The symptoms are typically unnoticeable, as losing bone mass is painless.

Treatment generally involves regular consumption of high-calcium foods or supplements.

**Fatigue:**Fatigue is a common symptom of calcium deficiency. It involves a lack of energy and a sluggish and dizzy feeling.

In addition, individuals with insufficient calcium intake may experience brain fog and light-headedness, contributing to issues like a lack of focus, confusion, and forgetfulness.

While calcium deficiency can affect individuals of any age, it is observed more in certain groups.

Women, especially those with amenorrhea and postmenopausal women, are at a higher risk.

Also, individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergy, older people, and adolescents in at-risk groups for dietary deficits may face calcium issues.

Those with magnesium or vitamin deficiency also have an increased risk.

Treating calcium deficiency can be prolonged and complicated. The simplest way of treating calcium deficiency is to include calcium-rich foods in your daily diet.

• Some calcium-rich foods include:

• Soybeans have 175 mg of calcium in one cup

• Skimmed low-fat milk has 300 mg of calcium every 8 oz

• Kale has 179 mg of calcium in one cup

• Salmons have 180 mg of calcium every 3 ounces

• Broccoli has 100 mg of calcium per cup

• Low-fat yoghurt has 310 mg of calcium every 6 oz

• Dry Figs have 65 mg of calcium in every 2 figs

• Cottage cheese has 105 mg of calcium every 4 oz

• Oranges have 55 mg of calcium per unit

• Fortified oatmeal has 140 mg of calcium per packet

• Sardines have 325 mg of calcium every 3 ounces

Furthermore, you should know the recommended calcium intake for different age groups, as outlined in the table below.

People must consider the table above and accordingly include an adequate amount of calcium in their daily diets.

However, if the calcium deficiency disease is severe, you may also need to indulge in other treatments. Physicians examine skin, hair, and muscles to detect hypocalcaemia and other calcium deficiency diseases. In severe cases, doctors may administer calcium intravenously.

Additional treatments include the following.

Medications: General physicians prescribe medication to treat dietary changes and advise consumption of calcium-rich food. Such medicines are typically rich in vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium supplements.

Exercise: For conditions like osteoporosis, exercising is crucial for recovery. Physicians recommend elliptical training, walking, aerobics, stair climbing, dancing, and gardening to mitigate mineral loss from bones.

House Care: Doctors also often prescribe natural healing processes to people with calcium deficiency diseases. These include consuming a calcium-rich diet and sun exposure to enhance vitamin D absorption.

Maintaining a disease-free life is uncertain in our unpredictable world, even with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Whether it is a deficiency in calcium or any other essential nutrient, it can impact your physical health and mental well-being.

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What is a low calcium blood level?

Low calcium blood level, or hypocalcaemia, is a disorder marked by abnormally low calcium levels in the blood, often leading to conditions in calcium metabolism. This condition can significantly impact a person's health.

What is the cure for calcium deficiency?

Consuming more calcium in your diet is the easiest and safest cure for calcium deficiency. Dairy products like milk, yoghurt, cheese, etc., are rich in calcium.

What happens if calcium is low?

Calcium deficiency can affect all body parts, resulting in slow hair growth, weak and brittle nails, and thin, fragile skin.