Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body. It can be obtained from various foods and fortified products, as well as dietary supplements and certain medications like antacids. Approximately 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, while the remainder is found in muscles, blood, and other tissues.
What Is Calcium Deficiency?
Calcium deficiency, medically known as hypocalcemia, occurs when the level of calcium in the blood drops below normal. To prevent this, it is essential to consume the recommended daily amount of calcium through diet and supplements if needed.
Causes of Calcium Deficiency
Calcium deficiency often results from excessive calcium loss through urine or insufficient calcium release from bones into the bloodstream. Key causes include:
- Low levels of parathyroid hormone due to parathyroid gland damage or surgery.
- Reduced sensitivity to parathyroid hormone, known as pseudohypoparathyroidism.
- Congenital absence of parathyroid glands, such as in DiGeorge syndrome.
- Low magnesium levels, which impair parathyroid hormone function.
- Vitamin D deficiency from inadequate dietary intake or insufficient sunlight exposure.
- Kidney dysfunction, leading to increased calcium loss and reduced vitamin D activation.
- Insufficient calcium intake or absorption disorders.
- Pancreatitis.
- Use of certain medications including some antibiotics, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, and others.
Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency
While mild calcium deficiency may not show clear symptoms initially, long-term low calcium can negatively impact various body systems, including bone density loss and increased osteoporosis risk. Acute deficiency symptoms may include:
- Tingling and numbness in fingers
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dry skin and brittle hair
- Broken nails
- Abdominal pain and biliary colic
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
- Fatigue, anxiety, confusion, irritability
- Muscle weakness and cramps
- Dystonic spasms
Complications of Calcium Deficiency
Calcium deficiency may lead to complications such as seizures, dental problems, depression, various skin issues, chronic joint and muscle pain, fractures, and disability.
Diagnosis of Calcium Deficiency
Doctors typically diagnose calcium deficiency based on symptoms and confirm with blood tests measuring total calcium, albumin, and ionized calcium levels. Persistent low calcium levels indicate deficiency.
Treatment of Calcium Deficiency
Treatment generally involves increasing calcium intake through diet or supplements under medical supervision. Overuse of supplements without guidance can cause kidney stones and other issues. Common supplement forms include calcium carbonate, citrate, and phosphate, available as liquids, tablets, or chewables. In severe cases, intravenous calcium injections may be necessary, with noticeable improvement over weeks to months.
Calcium Deficiency in Women
Women are at higher risk of calcium deficiency due to smaller, lighter bones and hormonal changes, especially after menopause. Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels contribute to bone loss, increasing osteoporosis risk. Early menopause can cause significant bone density loss before age 65, with over 30% bone density lost in the first five years after menopause.
Calcium Deficiency During Pregnancy
Although uncommon, calcium deficiency can occur during pregnancy, particularly in women with hypothyroidism or severe malnutrition. Since calcium needs increase during pregnancy, deficiency can cause complications for both mother and fetus.
Normal Calcium Levels in the Body
Calcium test results vary by age, sex, and medical history. Generally, normal blood calcium ranges from 8.5 to 10.3 mg/dL in adults. Ionized calcium levels should be between 4 to 6 mg/dL. Two common tests measure total calcium (including bound and free calcium) and ionized calcium (free calcium only).
Recommended Daily Calcium Intake
| Age Group | Recommended Amount (mg) |
|---|---|
| Infants 0–6 months | 200 |
| Infants 7–12 months | 260 |
| Children 1–3 years | 700 |
| Children 4–8 years | 1,000 |
| Children 9–18 years | 1,300 |
| Men 19–70 years | 1,000 |
| Men over 71 years | 1,200 |
| Women 19–50 years | 1,000 |
| Women over 51 years | 1,200 |
| Pregnant and breastfeeding teens (14–18 years) | 1,300 |
| Pregnant and breastfeeding women (19–50 years) | 1,000 |
The Importance of Calcium for the Body
Calcium plays a vital role in many bodily functions including blood vessel contraction and relaxation, muscle function, nerve signal transmission, and hormone secretion. Despite its abundance in the body, less than 1% of calcium is actively involved in these essential processes.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
