Table of Contents
What causes calcium deficiency?
Dietary calcium deficiency is most commonly caused by failure to consume optimal levels of calcium in the diet over an extended period of time. A deficiency of vitamin D, phosphorus or magnesium, all of which promote calcium absorption and use, can also cause dietary calcium deficiency.
How do you get rid of calcium deficiency?
If you’re avoiding dairy, make a habit of incorporating some of these other calcium-rich foods in your diet:
- Canned sardines.
- Fortified soy, almond and rice milk.
- Fortified orange juice.
- Tofu made with calcium sulfate.
- Canned pink salmon with bones.
- Fortified cereals and English muffins.
- Greens.
- Beans.
What calcium deficiency means?
Calcium deficiency: A low blood level of calcium (hypocalcemia), which can make the nervous system highly irritable, causing spasms of the hands and feet (tetany), muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, overly active reflexes, and so on.
Who is most at risk for calcium deficiency?
There are three major population groups that are at highest risk for dietary calcium deficiency. These include women (amenorrheic, the female athlete triad, postmenopausal), individuals with milk allergy or lactose intolerance, and atrisk groups for dietary deficiency intake (adolescents and the elderly).
How do you know if you have a calcium deficiency?
A person with a calcium deficiency may experience:
- muscle aches, cramps, and spasms.
- pain in the thighs and arms when walking or moving.
- numbness and tingling in the hands, arms, feet, and legs, as well as around the mouth.
How do you check calcium levels?
If your doctor suspects calcium deficiency, they’ll take a blood sample to check your blood calcium level. Your doctor will measure your total calcium level, your albumin level, and your ionized or “free” calcium level. Albumin is a protein that binds to calcium and transports it through the blood.
What are the signs of calcium deficiency?
Calcium deficiency can be detected by observing small but evident symptoms. Early signs of calcium deficiency include brittle nails, dry skin, yellowing of teeth, muscle cramps, excessive eye twitching, and weakness. Sweating in cold weather is another sign of low calcium levels.
What does a calcium deficiency cause?
Hypocalcemia , commonly known as calcium deficiency disease, occurs when calcium levels in the blood are low. A long-term deficiency can lead to dental changes, cataracts, alterations in the brain, and osteoporosis, which causes the bones to become brittle.
Could you have a calcium deficiency?
Causes of Calcium Deficiency Lack of Calcium. This is a bit of an obvious one, but low calcium intake over a long period of time is a primary cause of calcium deficiency. Dietary Intolerance. Genetic Factors. Malabsorption. Hormonal changes. Vitamin D. Vitamin K2. Magnesium.
Are You Suffering from calcium deficiency?
Naturally, if your calcium levels drop, you’ll be susceptible to toothache and decay. Also, you’ll be at a greater risk of suffering from periodontal disease. In children, calcium deficiency has been linked to delayed and defective teething.