Calcium deficiency disease occurs when the level of calcium in your body falls below normal levels, due to dietary and/or lifestyle factors that make it difficult to absorb enough calcium from food. Whil, this condition isn’t life-threatening, the effects on your body can be serious, depending on how severe the deficiency is and how long it has been left untreated. It’s important to be able to recognize calcium deficiency disease so you can begin treatment as soon as possible. Learn more about the effects of this condition here.
Symptoms
Recognizing Calcium Deficiency Disease can be a challenge because of its varied symptoms, ranging from muscle cramps to weight loss. Because bone is constantly changing, if calcium intake falls below that which is necessary for maintenance, calcium stores will begin to dwindle. Once stored calcium levels reach a certain point, symptoms of deficiency may appear.
Sources of Calcium
These include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, which provide about 30 percent of Americans’ calcium intake. Other sources include salmon with bones (for example, canned salmon), tofu made with calcium sulfate, almonds, and soybeans. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need more calcium than other adults because their bodies use it to make strong bones for their babies. Women between 19 and 50 years old should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day; women older than 50 need 1,200 milligrams a day. Men between 19 and 70 years old should get 1,000 milligrams a day; men older than 70 need 1,200 milligrams a day.
Nutritional Side Effects
Calcium deficiency can lead to a whole host of health problems and side effects. Osteoporosis is one disease that results from calcium deficiency. Bones become brittle, making them more susceptible to fracture and breakage. Calcium also plays an important role in maintaining teeth, muscles, nerve impulses, heart function, and blood clotting. Without it, each of these body systems may break down or experience difficulties. If left untreated for long periods, calcium deficiency disease can be fatal.
Dietary Side Effects
Calcium deficiency, due to a poor diet or heredity, can cause painful muscle cramps. This condition may also develop into osteoporosis, which results in loss of bone density and strength. In addition, calcium deficiency can lead to an increased risk for hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney stones, and osteoarthritis. For example, women with osteoporosis are at an increased risk for fractures because their bones are weaker than normal. Because calcium helps your body absorb other nutrients such as vitamin D, you must consume enough calcium-rich foods every day to prevent deficiencies from occurring.
Health Conditions Caused by Deficiency
If you’re suffering from any of these conditions and suspect that your calcium deficiency may be to blame, it is important to get treatment right away. Seek professional medical advice if you are unsure. Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications or supplements you take, as well as about any relevant health history. Some health problems caused by a lack of calcium can be life-threatening if left untreated; others will only cause discomfort until they are properly treated.
With proper treatment, most people with symptoms of a calcium deficiency disease can recover fully within two weeks.
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