What Are The Common Signs of Calcium Deficiency Disease?

Calcium deficiency, known as hypocalcemia, occurs more often than we think. When this mineral in the human body is too low, people start encountering different signs of calcium deficiency. This condition can indicate an issue with the parathyroid glands, kidneys, or side effects from some medications used. If you want to know if your body lack calcium, you can schedule an appointment with a dentist or doctor. They can indeed examine your health and provide a proper diagnosis and treatment if necessary. In any case, this article will explore everything about calcium deficiency disease, including how to treat and prevent the condition. You can also visit ADC Campbelltown’s clinic today to help you solve this issue.

 

Calcium Deficiency Disease

Calcium is a mineral that is essential to building strong bones. In fact, calcium is also necessary to take care of your oral health and overall health. This mineral helps your heart and other muscles to work correctly. When your body lacks in calcium, you expand your risk of having disorders like:signs of calcium deficiency

  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteopenia
  • Hypocalcemia, better known as a calcium deficiency disease

Kids who do not receive sufficient calcium may not grow to their maximum potential height as adults. That is why it is essential to consume the recommended amount of calcium each day through supplements, vitamins, or food.

 

Causes of Hypocalcemia

Many individuals are at an increased danger of calcium deficiency as they age. This condition might be because of various factors, including:

  • dietary intolerance to foods rich in calcium
  • certain genetic factors
  • poor calcium intake, especially in childhood
  • hormonal changes, particularly in women
  • medications that might decrease calcium absorption

The human body uses calcium quickly. That is why it is essential to get enough calcium every day. You can visit this link to ensure your body is getting enough calcium.

In any case, some people like vegans are bound to become calcium deficient quickly since they do not eat calcium-rich foods. People with vitamin D deficiency are also at high risk of developing bone health issues. This is because vitamin D helps improve calcium absorption in the body. Hormonal disorders like hypoparathyroidism may likewise cause calcium deficiency disease. Individuals with this condition do not produce sufficient parathyroid hormone, which controls calcium levels in the blood.

Furthermore, other reason for hypocalcemia includes:

  • pancreatitis
  • septic shock
  • some medications like phenytoin, corticosteroids, rifampin, and drugs used to treat elevated calcium levels
  • renal failure
  • massive blood transfusions
  • removal of parathyroid gland tissue as part of surgery to eliminate the thyroid gland

The body keeps up calcium levels by taking it straightforwardly from the bones. Hence, calcium deficiency will not cause short-term manifestation. However, being calcium deficient in the long term can have serious effects on the body.

 

Signs and Symptoms Of Calcium Deficiency

If you miss your daily portion of calcium, you will not become calcium deficient overnight. However, low calcium symptoms will develop as the condition advances.

 

Muscle Problems

Muscle aches, muscle cramps, and muscle spasms are the earliest indications of calcium deficiency. Usually, most individuals encounter pain in their arms and thighs when moving or walking. Calcium deficiency can likewise limit muscle contraction, causing numbness and tingling in hands, arms, legs, feet, and around the mouth.

 

Fatigue

Extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, sleepiness, and insomnia are some of the most common symptoms of low calcium intake. Most individuals encounter a feeling of sluggishness, lethargy, and lack of energy. They may also experience symptoms of brain fog, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

 

Skin Issues

Individuals with chronic low calcium levels frequently experience skin and nail issues. Typically, the skin becomes dry and itchy. Also, a calcium deficiency may cause dry, broken, and brittle nails. In fact, low calcium levels in the blood may contribute to alopecia. This condition makes hair fall out in round patches.

 

Osteoporosis & Osteopenia

As mentioned above, these two health issues are the most common side effects associated with low calcium levels. Both conditions lessen bone density and increase the danger of bone fractures. In fact, these two also affect the condition of your teeth and gums. Dentists at Synergy Dental Group’s website can help you address the adverse effect of osteoporosis and osteopenia on your general wellbeing.

 

Dental Problems

Calcium plays a vital role in keeping the bones and teeth strong and healthy. A dental visit at your local dentist can help check some indications of calcium deficiency. Once your body lacks calcium, it begins pulling from internal sources like the teeth. Low calcium levels can prompt brittle teeth, weak roots, irritated gums, and tooth decay. As a matter of fact, calcium deficiency in a newborn can likewise delay tooth development, leading to more issues in the future.

 

Other Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency

Other than the issues above, people can likewise encounter unexpected symptoms initially unrelated to calcium deficiency. These include:Taking calcium supplement

  • Voice changes
  • Chest pains
  • Depression
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Cataracts

Though these symptoms are not usual, they are still warning indications of low calcium levels that should be addressed.

 

Treatment and Prevention

The easiest and safest way to prevent and treat a calcium deficiency is to add more calcium to your diet. You can include calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, tofu, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals.

You can also add vitamin d supplements or calcium supplements to your diet. However, it would be best to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements. Too much calcium levels in the body can increase the danger of cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and other severe health conditions.

When supplements and dietary changes are not accomplishing satisfactory outcomes, a doctor may prescribe calcium injections. This treatment is usually recommended in severe deficiency cases.

 

When To See A Doctor

You should contact your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a calcium deficiency. They can arrange tests and check the levels of calcium in your blood.

Generally, the suggested dietary calcium intake for adults aged 19–50 is 1,000 mg. However, older individuals require more calcium. Men aged at least 71 and women aged 51 should consume 1,200 mg of calcium each day.

 

References:

Calcium Deficiency.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/calcium-deficiency

Why am I not getting enough vitamin D?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318060

Histology, Parathyroid Gland.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546596/

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