Calcium Deficiency Symptoms

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Calcium Deficiency Causes
• Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium is the most abundantly found mineral in our body compared to other minerals. It is a crucial nutrient, which is necessary for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It also helps the functioning of the heart, nerves, muscles, and other parts of the body.

Calcium is also involved in bone formation and this process is called “bone mineralization”. The formation of bones is by the combination of the mineral complex – calcium phosphate, which provides more strength, structure, and density to the bones. Calcium also provides rigidity to the skeleton and its ions play a vital role in many of the metabolic processes. The dietary sources of calcium are cheese, milk, yoghurt, all green leafy vegetables, soy milk, baked beans, broccoli, onions, cabbage, sprouts, gooseberries, oranges, egg yolk, dried fish, etc.

Hypocalcemia or the deficiency of calcium is not immediate as the bone stores the required amount of calcium in our body. The deficiency of calcium is mainly related to problems with blood circulation and other diseases like osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, kidney stones, weight management, etc.

Following are the major causes of calcium deficiency:

• Hormonal disorders
• Calcium deficient diet
• Vitamin deficiency
• Kidney diseases
• Thyroid diseases
• Digestive disorders
• Pancreatitis
• Digestive disorders
• Increased phosphate level

The symptoms of Calcium deficiency usually vary from mild to severe. Listed below are a few common symptoms.

• Fainting.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Tooth Erosion.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle spasms.
• Muscle cramps.
• Difficulties in swallowing.
• Confusion or Memory loss.
• Weak and brittle fingernails.
• Easy fracturing of the bones.
• Numbness and tingling effect in fingers, hands, feet, and face.

Calcium is the major mineral essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It is also involved in the regulation of muscle contraction and heartbeat, combating cancer and heart diseases. It also helps in maintaining a good immune system along with metabolizing the iron in the body.

 Approximately 99% of the calcium in our body is stored in our teeth and bones. The deficiency of calcium can be treated by increasing the amount of calcium in our diet, which includes milk and other dairy products. This intake can reduce the risk of developing bone disease along with many other health benefits.

Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more in detail about calcium, its importance, and its deficiency symptoms.