Are You Calcium Deficient? Here Are the Signs You Need to Know

Nearly 59.9 percent of the Indian Population are Calcium Deficient. Calcium is very important for the health of your teeth and bones. 99% of the calcium in your body is reserved in your teeth and bones. Calcium also helps the heart, brain, nerves, and muscles and helps blood clot, among other things.

Most people are unaware of how they feel when they lack calcium. 

If the calcium deficiency is severe or acute, there can be muscle spasms or cramping, tingling or burning sensations around the mouth and fingers, facial spasms and tics, seizures, and tremors. 

Calcium deficiency, or Hypocalcemia, happens when the calcium level in your blood is too low. Several health conditions can cause Hypocalcemia, which may have mild to severe symptoms. Depending on the cause, it can be treatable briefly or be chronic. 

In this blog, we will explore the symptoms of calcium deficiency, what calcium deficiency is, treatment options, and more. Get ready to learn more. 

What is Hypocalcemia?

Hypocalcemia is a condition in which the levels of calcium in the blood become too low. Many health conditions can cause abnormal levels of parathyroid and vitamin D in the body. Hypocalcemia is a treatable condition, and the symptoms can be mild to severe and temporary or chronic. 

What are the symptoms of Calcium deficiency?

Early-stage calcium deficiency might not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, the symptoms develop with the progression of diseases. Here are some common symptoms of calcium deficiency includes-

Severe symptoms of Hypocalcemia include:

Dental problems

When the body has a deficiency of calcium, it pulls it from your teeth and causes dental problems, including-

• Tooth decay
• Brittle teeth
• Irritated gums
• Weak tooth roots
• Calcium deficiency in an infant 

Extreme fatigue

Low calcium levels may also cause extreme fatigue, causing a lack of energy and feeling sluggish. This can lead to insomnia. 

Fatigue due to calcium deficiency may also cause lightheadedness, dizziness, or brain fog, leading to a lack of concentration, forgetfulness, and confusion.

Nail and skin symptoms

Due to calcium deficiency, your nails and skin become-

• Dry skin
• Coarse hair
• Alopecia, which causes hair to fall
• Psoriasis
• Dry, broken, and brittle nails

Osteopenia and osteoporosis

Your bones store calcium, but they require high levels to stay strong. When calcium levels are low, your body can take some from bones, making them brittle and prone to injury. 

With time, having too low calcium can cause osteopenia, a reduction of mineral density in bones. This can cause osteoporosis, which can cause the bones to thin and become vulnerable to fractures, pain, and other problems with posture.

Muscle problems

• People with muscle problems may experience
• Muscle aches, cramps, and spasms.
• Pain in thighs and arms when walking or moving

More severe sensations may indicate more severe deficiency, which can also lead to 

• Convulsions
• Arrhythmias
• Death

Here are some common signs of calcium deficiency includes-

• Confusion or memory loss
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle spasms
• Weak and brittle nails
• Numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and face
• Easy fracturing of the bones

Calcium deficiency may affect all parts of the body and can cause weak nails, slower hair growth, and fragile, thin skin. 

Calcium also plays a vital role in both neurotransmitter release and muscle contractions. So, if you have calcium deficiencies, you are at high risk of seizures.

If you start noticing neurological symptoms like memory loss, hallucinations, numbness, tingling, or seizures, consult your doctor as soon as possible. 

Diet is not the only cause of calcium deficiency; several other causes include kidney failure, stomach removal, or the use of certain medications.

Also Read- Managing Calcium Levels for Heart Health: A Comprehensive Guide

What causes Calcium Deficiency?

There might be several reasons for calcium deficiency. Here are some common factors that may contribute to calcium deficiency-

• Poor calcium intake for a long time
• Dietary intolerance of food rich in calcium
• Genetic factors
• No parathyroid gland at birth
• Pancreatitis
• Disorders that decrease calcium absorption
• Inadequate consumption of calcium
• Kidney dysfunctioning
• Medications may decrease calcium absorption

Daily Recommended Dietary Allowance of Calcium in Children

The Daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of Calcium for children as per the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines:

Age Group	Calcium RDA (mg/day)
Infants 0-6 months	200 mg
Infants 7-12 months	260 mg
Children 1-3 years	700 mg
Children 4-8 years	1,000 mg
Children 9-13 years	1,300 mg
Adolescents 14-18 years	1,300 mg

What is the Daily Recommended Dietary Allowance of Calcium in Adults

The Daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of Calcium for adults, according to the NIH, is- 

Age Group	Male (mg/day)	Female (mg/day)
19-50 years	1,000 mg	1,000 mg
51-70 years	1,000 mg	1,200 mg
71+ years	1,200 mg	1,200 mg
Pregnant & Lactating (14-18)	—	1,300 mg
Pregnant & Lactating (19-50)	—	1,000 mg

How to Diagnose Calcium Deficiency?

Your doctor may recommend you take the calcium test to measure the total calcium level in your body. The calcium test is an important test to detect calcium deficiency in the blood and helps to detect the conditions that affect calcium absorption, like malnutrition or malabsorption syndromes, which can lead 

to abnormal calcium levels. 

Also, read- Calcium Levels Test: High vs. Low vs Normal Range.

Who is at high risk?

Some people need more calcium and are highly vulnerable to calcium deficiency-

• Breastfed infants
• People with dark skin
• People who are not exposed to fun
• People with kidney disease, liver disease, or malabsorption 
• Obese 
• People
• Vegans or people taking macrobiotic diets
• Elderly people

Can calcium deficiency be prevented?

Yes, you can prevent calcium deficiency or Hypocalcemia by eating enough calcium every day. Consume foods that are rich in calcium, low-fat, or fat-free options to control your cholesterol levels as well. 

High-calcium foods you should consume every day

• Canned salmon
• Bok choy
• Almonds
• Sardines with bones
• Kale
• Collards
• Broccoli
• Soy milk
• Oranges
• Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese
• Sesame seeds

You can also add supplements or multivitamins to your diet. Before adding anything new, consult your doctor to avoid health issues. 

• Vitamin D- Consume Vitamin D-rich foods as it increases calcium absorption. You can eat mushrooms, eggs, orange juice, salmon and tuna.
• Lifestyle Changes- Make certain changes in your lifestyle to maintain calcium levels-

1. Maintain a healthy weight

2. Exercise regularly

3. Avoid tobacco and alcohol

Also read- How Does Calcium Benefit Your Body and How Much Do You Need?

The Final Words

A calcium deficiency results from dietary factors, health issues, or medical treatments. The best approach to adding more calcium to the diet is to eat healthy, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and take supplements if needed. But before adding anything new to your diet, consult your doctor. 

FAQ’s

1. How much calcium do I need?

The recommended calcium amount for adults aged between 19-50 is 1000 mg daily. 

2. How do we know if calcium is low?

If you are experiencing symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, etc., you can consult your doctor and have a calcium test to determine your calcium levels. 

3. Which food is rich in calcium?

Dairy, leafy greens, fish, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods are rich in calcium.

4. What is the fastest way to treat calcium deficiency?

You can consult your doctor and take calcium supplements to cure calcium deficiency.