Calcium Deficiency Symptoms

Calcium is a mineral most abundantly found in the human body. It is the main constituent of the skeleton and helps in the formation and maintenance of our bones and teeth. Calcium plays a significant role in the contraction of muscles and secretion of certain hormones and enzymes. Expansion and contraction of blood vessels is dependent on calcium. It plays an important role in the clotting of blood. In short calcium is necessary for good health of our body. Therefore it should be consumed in sufficient amounts regularly.

Calcium is present in most dairy products and also in eggs, leafy vegetable, nuts, legumes and whole grains.The digestive system breaks down the calcium consumed, and facilitates its absorption in the body. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the absorption of calcium. Major part of the absorbed calcium is stored in the bones, and the remaining is present in blood. Hence the short term calcium deficiency can be balanced by using up the calcium stored in the bones. But if this deficiency lasts longer, the calcium in the bones start depleting and it can lead to various health problems.

Early Signs and Symptoms
Calcium deficiency in a person can be easily detected by observing his nails and skin. Inadequate calcium levels in the body make the nails brittle and the skin dry. Yellowing of the teeth also signals deficiency. The early signs are muscle cramps, eye twitching, leg tensions, weakness, muscle aches and sleep disorders. Sweating in cold weather is also a symptom of low calcium levels. If these symptoms are not identified at the right time, prolonged deficiency may lead to other health problems.

General Calcium Deficiency Symptoms
Hypocalcemia is mainly associated with skeletal abnormalities. The bones become brittle and are prone to fracture. It causes reduced bone density making them thinner and weaker. If ignored in the early stages, it can lead to several bone disorders like osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteomalacia. There are some less common symptoms like hypertension, kidney stones, unusual menstrual cramps and miscarriages.

Calcium Deficiency in Women

The absorption of calcium in the body decreases with age. Hence there should be regular supply of calcium through the diet to fulfill the calcium needs of the body. Deficiency of calcium in young girls causes problems like irregular period, menstrual cramps, late puberty and anemia. It tends to lower the resistance of the body making them prone to various infections. The requirement of calcium is highest during pregnancy. It is required for the formation of the bones of the baby. Hence women should consume the required amount of calcium during pregnancy. Severe bleeding, lack of breast milk, extended lying-in period can be some of the symptoms, of this deficiency, in women after childbirth.

Lack calcium in the diet can pose a risk to osteopenia and eventually osteoporosis in menopausal women. Hence they should include adequate calcium intake to prevent bone loss during this period.

Calcium Deficiency in Children

Infants and adolescents have a higher need of calcium as compared to rest of the age groups. They need this extra calcium for the growth and formation of their bones. Sometimes children are born calcium deficient as a result of deficiency in their mothers. Such children tend to develop weak bones which do not grow properly. They also fall prey to indigestion and diarrhea. Consumption of adequate amounts of calcium at a younger age keeps serious conditions like osteoporosis and osteomalacia at bay during later years. Osteomalacia in children is commonly known as rickets which causes softening of bones leading to fractures. Hence it is very important for children to have a calcium rich diet.

Eating a well-balanced diet can provide all the necessary nutrients and help prevent calcium deficiency. So consult your nutritionist or dietician to assist you in planning your diet rich in essential nutrients and keep all health issues away.