Calcium Deficiency – Symptoms That Should Make Us Think and the Effect of This Nutritional Shortage

Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, is found in some foods or medications, as well as a dietary supplement. It forms a large part of bone and tooth structure, providing strong and flexible tissues for the body.

Keeping these aspects in mind, it’s easy to realize how important calcium is for the body. Thus, any symptoms of calcium deficiency should make us think and guide us towards the most effective treatments. We will discuss the importance of calcium for the body, the functions it performs, as well as effective means of controlling it.

What does calcium deficiency entail?

Calcium is an essential mineral, with very important functions for the skeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, and neurological systems. Approximately 99% of total calcium is in the bones, ensuring skeletal rigidity and structure. The remaining 1% participates in metabolic processes, including vascular and muscle contraction, nervous system synapses, transmembrane transport, and hormonal function.

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Fortunately, calcium deficiency is a very common problem, which can be solved relatively easily by making a few lifestyle changes and with the reliable help of natural supplements. Aronia Premium Oyster Calcium + D3 is a supplement that contains natural calcium, enriched with vitamin D3, an essential complex for bone and muscle health.

Most studies on the long-term consequences of inadequate calcium intake are related to bone health. In infants and children, abundant calcium deficiency can also manifest as rickets. In adults, signs that we may have calcium deficiency are fractures, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

In addition, calcium is involved in numerous other vital body functions, including:

• Nerve impulse transmission: it plays an important role in transmitting nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body, facilitating communication between neurons.
• Muscle contraction: it is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, including the heart (myocardium). Without enough calcium, muscles can become weak and unable to contract properly.
• Blood clotting: calcium is necessary for the blood clotting process, helping to form clots that stop bleeding.
• Enzymatic function: Calcium serves as a cofactor for numerous enzymes, contributing to the catalysis of vital chemical reactions in the body.

What are the causes leading to the appearance of calcium deficiency symptoms?

Now that we know how important this mineral is, we can also imagine how its deficiency often manifests. However, we must also discover the causes behind the phenomenon. In this situation, there are several categories of factors that determine what happens if you have a calcium deficiency.

1. Dietary factors:

A diet low in this mineral is certainly the primary cause. Calcium is present in many foods, including milk and dairy products, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds. People who do not consume enough calcium-rich foods or who follow restrictive diets are prone to calcium deficiencies. This is the case for those following vegetarian or vegan diets who, without nutritional guidance, may end up with calcium deficiency in their bodies. At the same time, excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol, or sodium can affect calcium absorption. Thus, it can lead to trembling hands, ringing in the ears, or severe headaches.

2. General health factors:

Certain pathologies can influence calcium levels in the body. For example, people with lactose intolerance or food allergies may find it difficult to consume products with a high calcium content. Celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome can also affect calcium absorption in the intestines. Added to these are hormonal conditions, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Last but not least, cardiac patients must pay attention to their diet when they have a calcium deficiency. In some situations, calcium deficiency is associated with heart palpitations and may require emergency medical care.

3. Lifestyle:

As with many other pathologies, the way we conduct our daily activities can influence the appearance of calcium deficiency symptoms. Limited physical activity leads to decreased bone density, and is associated with trembling hands. Also, vices such as smoking or alcohol can induce panic attacks or even excessive sweating due to calcium deficiency. Last but not least, lack of sun exposure is also a possible cause of calcium deficiency. In this way, the body cannot absorb vitamin D, a compound responsible for the metabolism of this mineral.

How does calcium deficiency manifest?

How do we know if we have a calcium deficiency? It’s a question that is difficult to answer precisely. The clues suggesting that the body is suffering from a calcium deficiency can be very nonspecific and also numerous. They can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency and the duration for which it persists. However, here are the symptoms we may experience when suffering from calcium and magnesium deficiency:

1. Osteoporosis and bone fragility: Calcium deficiency can lead to decreased bone density and bone fragility, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
2. Muscle spasms and cramps: Calcium deficiency can cause involuntary muscle spasms and cramps, especially in the muscles, legs, and hands.
3. Fatigue and exhaustion: Calcium deficiency can cause persistent fatigue and muscle weakness.
4. Dental problems: Calcium is essential for healthy teeth, and its deficiency causes dental problems, such as demineralization, cavities, and inflamed gums.
5. Heart problems: We know that calcium deficiency affects the heart. A body with calcium deficiency has an arrhythmic heart and poor blood circulation.
6. Digestive disorders: Some people may experience digestive disorders, such as constipation, as a result of calcium deficiency.

Calcium deficiency in children

Symptoms of calcium deficiency in children are as unpleasant as in adults. The most obvious aspect is skeletal fragility, which causes bone pain and fractures. Also, calcium deficiency can affect the nervous system, causing lumps in the throat, muscle spasms, tingling, and numbness. In severe cases, calcium deficiency can cause seizures and other neurological problems.

Calcium deficiency in breastfeeding and pregnancy

Total serum calcium normally decreases during pregnancy, so expectant and new mothers must be very careful with their diet. They must determine what to eat when they have a calcium deficiency to ensure their own nutritional intake, as well as that of the child. Last but not least, the mother must maintain her nutrient reserves for the future breastfeeding period.

Women are at risk when they already suffer from hypocalcemia, but with the help of supplements, such as natural calcium and vitamin D3 tablets, the body can receive the necessary calcium “reserves” to function optimally again. Of course, before, during, and after pregnancy, mothers must undergo regular check-ups. Thus, their supervising doctor can establish the recommended daily dose, as well as whether they need further investigations or treatments.

Regarding the breastfeeding period, the newborn’s requirements are slightly different. In the first 6 months of life, the little one needs more calcium, which they obtain from breast milk. Thus, the mother will have to opt for either calcium supplements or a diet rich in this mineral.

How can calcium deficiency symptoms be prevented and treated?

To prevent and treat calcium deficiency in the body, it is important to follow a balanced diet, rich in foods containing this essential mineral. This involves consuming milk and dairy products, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Calcium supplements are specifically designed for this purpose, but they must be administered under medical supervision and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Calcium overdose can have unpleasant adverse effects.

It is important to be aware that there are elements that can affect calcium absorption in the body. Therefore, we must properly treat any pre-existing conditions. Also, adopting a healthy lifestyle will ensure optimal calcium levels.

Preventing and treating calcium deficiency are important parts of ensuring the health of bones, muscles, the nervous system, and other vital functions. Here’s what we can consider:

Preventing calcium deficiency

We must ensure that our diet includes sufficient sources of calcium. Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), vegetables (spinach, cabbage, broccoli), tofu, salmon, and other calcium-rich foods are suitable options.

If our diet does not allow us to obtain the necessary calcium intake, we can opt for natural supplements. The same applies if we have a high risk of calcium deficiency (e.g., menopausal or breastfeeding women).

We must not forget that vitamin D is essential for proper calcium absorption in the body. We must get enough vitamin D through sun exposure and from foods such as fatty fish, eggs, and dietary supplements.

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Premium Oyster Calcium + D3 is a supplement that ensures the optimal daily dose of calcium recommended by specialists, enriched with vitamin D3, which facilitates optimal absorption in the body. The tablets are concentrated, containing 620mg of natural calcium, obtained from oyster shells.

The product does not contain artificial colors, preservatives, lactose, or gluten. A single container contains 60 tablets, enough for a full month’s supply. Trust Premium Oyster Calcium + D3, the premium tablets that help you maintain the health of your skeletal and muscular system, as well as your teeth, heart, and nervous system.

Physical exercises, especially those involving load and resistance, can help maintain bone health and increase bone density.

Treating calcium deficiency

If you have a doctor-diagnosed calcium deficiency, they may recommend calcium supplements to correct the problem. If you know you have heart problems or circulatory issues, you can opt for natural supplements, such as natural calcium tablets enriched with vitamin D3.

Depending on the cause of calcium deficiency, the doctor may adjust your diet to include foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. They may also intervene by eliminating factors that can interfere with calcium absorption.

If the calcium deficiency is caused by an underlying medical condition, that condition will be treated. This could be gluten intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome. It is important to treat such problems first to improve calcium absorption.

It is important to carefully monitor calcium levels in the body and undergo periodic tests to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Finally, these examinations are also useful for detecting any complications or problems associated with calcium deficiency.

Every patient should speak openly with their doctor before starting any treatment, even for calcium deficiency. At the same time, you must strictly follow their recommendations to ensure proper management of deficiencies.

Calcium deficiency is a common health problem worldwide, which, fortunately, can be controlled very easily. Routine check-ups and a healthy diet, supplemented with natural supplements, as well as collaboration with specialists, are essential for a happy and healthy life.

References:

1. Askari S, Shlisky J, Mandlik R, Abrams S, Bourassa MW, Belizan JM, Calcium deficiency worldwide: prevalence of inadequate intakes and associated health outcomes
2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
3. A., Almalki,, Almaghamsi, M. H., & Buhary, B. M. (2018). Hypocalcemia in Pregnancy: A Clinical Review Update
4. NORDIN, B. E. C. M.D., M.R.C.P., PH.D.†. Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis and Calcium Deficiency. Clinical Orthopaedics 17():p 235-258,
5. Pitkin RM. Calcium metabolism in pregnancy and the perinatal period
6. P Affinito, C di Carlo, G A Tommaselli, C Nappi, F Guida, Changes in bone mineral density and calcium metabolism in breastfeeding women: a one year follow-up study