Calcium Deficiency: Causes and Treatment
Calcium is an important mineral that the body needs. It helps build strong bones and teeth and also plays a big role in how the body functions. It helps regular blood pressure, hormones, enzymes, and muscle signals. When the body does not have enough of the mineral to function properly, a person is considered to have a calcium deficiency.
Calcium Deficiency Risk Factors
While calcium deficiency can affect anyone, there are certain people who are more susceptible to it or more likely to suffer from it. There are certain risk factors that can lead to calcium deficiency or make it more severe. Those indicators include:
- Postmenopausal women
- Women who suffer from amenorrhea
- People who are lactose intolerant
- Vegetarians and vegans
- Elderly men and women
- People who have eating disorders or suffer from malnutrition
Calcium Deficiency Causes
A calcium deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough calcium to function correctly. When the body needs to use calcium, it will take it away from parts of the body where it is stored, such as the bones, teeth, and organs. The body tends to need more calcium as it ages and bone density decreases. There are a couple of things that can cause the body to lose calcium, including:
- High sodium intake
- High phosphorus intake
- Magnesium deficiency
- Vitamin D deficiency
Calcium Deficiency Symptoms
The symptoms of calcium deficiency can vary by individual. Some people have very mild symptoms that are not noticeable. The symptoms can also mimic those of other illnesses and diseases. Most people don’t realize they have a calcium deficiency until the symptoms become severe. Some of the most common symptoms associated with this health problem include:
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Tooth decay
- Blood disorders
- Broken bones or fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Developmental delays
- Heart problems
- Blood pressure problems
- Dry skin
- Infertility
- Seizures
Calcium Deficiency Diagnosis
Calcium deficiency can be diagnosed by a doctor. Since the symptoms are often the same as those experienced with other types of vitamin deficiencies, doctors may have to take a blood sample to determine the exact problem. Doctors may also want to do X-rays or CT scans to determine the cause of the vitamin deficiency and to rule out other health problems.
Calcium Deficiency Treatment
Calcium deficiency is treated by adding more calcium to a person’s diet or prescribing calcium supplements. It is not enough for a patient to simply take more calcium; the doctor must find the reason for the deficiency and correct that problem as well. Some people are unable to absorb calcium and may need extra-strength calcium supplements or different types of calcium so they have a better chance of absorbing it. Patients may also be advised to eat a lot of calcium-rich food, including:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Beans
- Figs
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Tofu
- Dandelion leaves
- Seaweeds such as kelp
- Sardines
- Fortified cereals
- Soy milk
Calcium Deficiency Prognosis
The prognosis for a person with calcium deficiency is usually good. Most people can restore the levels of calcium to normal after just a few days of taking calcium supplements or changing their eating habits.
Calcium Deficiency Complications
The complications associated with calcium deficiency are much like the symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to brittle bones that break easily, blood pressure problems that require medication for correction, and severe symptoms that interfere with a person’s daily life. In severe cases, it can leave to organ damage and failure. Some studies have linked long-term calcium deficiency to an increase in cancer susceptibility.
