Hidden Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency Every Adult Needs to Know

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Nidhi Goyal

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Anjali, a 25-year-old, was confused about why her nails weakened and became brittle, and her hair breakage was also bothering her. She decided to check with a healthcare professional and learned she had a calcium deficiency, which weakened her nails and hair. Her doctor prescribed calcium supplements and advised her to follow a calcium-rich diet. Anjali went home and researched calcium deficiency further. She delved into the calcium deficiency symptoms, their causes, related diseases, and effective management strategies to help her understand and address this common issue.

Initially, she found out that calcium is a mineral that plays a critical role in various bodily functions. From building and maintaining strong bones and teeth to supporting nerve function and muscle contraction, calcium is indispensable for overall health. Despite its importance, many people experience calcium deficiency, which can lead to a range of health problems, as Anjali was experiencing.

What is Calcium Deficiency?

Anjali further read that calcium deficiency disease occurs when the body lacks sufficient calcium to perform its essential functions. This deficiency can affect bones, muscles, nerves, and the cardiovascular system. Calcium deficiency syndrome, characterised by muscle cramps, brittle bones, and fatigue, underscores the importance of maintaining adequate calcium levels. 

The human body stores 99% of its calcium in the bones and teeth, with only 1% present in the bloodstream and other tissues. This small percentage is crucial for vital functions, so even slight deficiencies can have significant impacts.

Calcium Deficiency Causes

Anjali was curious about what causes calcium deficiency and found out that it can result from a variety of factors:

• Age: As people age, calcium absorption decreases, and bone density may decline, increasing the risk of deficiency.
• Inadequate Dietary Intake: A diet low in calcium-rich foods can lead to a deficiency. Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fortified foods are primary sources of calcium.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like menopause or thyroid disorders can affect calcium levels. For example, estrogen helps regulate calcium levels, and its decline during menopause can lead to calcium loss.
• Absorption Issues: Certain medical conditions, like Crohn's disease or celiac disease, can impair calcium absorption in the intestines.
• Medication Side Effects: Some medications, including corticosteroids and certain diuretics, can affect calcium metabolism or absorption.

She understood that these causes help address the root of the problem and implement effective treatment strategies.

Common Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency

Anjali read that symptoms of calcium deficiency can vary depending on the severity and duration of the deficiency. Common calcium deficiency symptoms in females and adults include:

Cardiovascular Symptoms

The following heart-related issues demonstrate that calcium’s essential function supports normal heart rhythm and helps maintain balanced blood pressure. 

• Irregular Heartbeats: Calcium is essential for heart muscle contraction. A Deficiency can lead to arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. 
• High Blood Pressure: Many people wonder whether a lack of calcium can cause high blood pressure. Chronic calcium deficiency can contribute to hypertension, as calcium helps regulate blood vessel contraction and relaxation, so that insufficient levels can affect blood pressure control.

Physical Symptoms

The following are clear indicators that your body may be severely deficient in calcium. Therefore, addressing these symptoms early helps preserve overall strength and vitality.  

• Muscle Cramps and Spasms: One of the most noticeable signs of calcium deficiency is frequent muscle cramps or spasms. These are often painful and can occur in various muscles, including those in the legs, back, and abdomen.

>> Read More: Top 8 Reasons: What’s Triggering Your Back Spasm

• Brittle Nails and Hair: Calcium insufficiency can lead to weakened nails and thinning hair. 
• Bone Pain and Osteoporosis: Prolonged calcium deficiency can lead to bone pain and increased fracture risk. Osteoporosis, a condition characterised by brittle bones, is a common long-term effect of prolonged calcium deficiency.

Neurological Symptoms

Calcium deficiency often disrupts nerve function, leading to tingling, numbness, and, in some cases, confusion. Prompt treatment helps prevent severe neurological complications. 

• Tingling and Numbness: Low calcium levels can cause tingling or numbness in the fingers, toes, and around the mouth. This sensation, known as paresthesia, often results from nerve dysfunction.
• Seizures and Convulsions: Severe calcium deficiency can lead to seizures or convulsions because it is crucial to nerve function and neurotransmitter release.

>> Read More: Do You Know the Hidden Warning Signs of a Seizure?

• Confusion and Memory Loss: Neurological symptoms such as confusion, memory lapses and mood swings may occur, as calcium is vital to proper brain function.

Calcium Deficiency Diseases and Disorders

Anjali also learned about  calcium deficiency diseases:

• Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterised by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk. It affects millions worldwide, particularly postmenopausal women and older adults. Worldwide, osteoporosis is rapidly rising with ageing populations, leading to a significant surge in fracture risk—so much so that by age 50, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men are expected to suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture.

 Calcium deficiency plays a significant role in the development of osteoporosis. 

• Rickets (in Children)

Rickets is a condition that causes weakened, soft bones in children. It is often due to insufficient calcium and vitamin D, leading to deformities such as bowed legs and delayed growth. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a decline in rickets cases globally, but it remains a concern in areas with limited access to calcium-rich foods and sunlight.

>> Read More: 8 Untold Benefits of Vitamin D in Baby Development

• Osteomalacia (in Adults)

Osteomalacia, the adult equivalent of rickets, occurs when bones soften due to inadequate calcium intake or vitamin D deficiency. Osteomalacia is less common but can have profound implications for mobility and overall health.

How is Calcium Deficiency Diagnosed?

Diagnosing calcium deficiency involves several steps:

• Blood Tests: Blood tests measure serum calcium levels to determine if they are within the normal range. Normal serum calcium levels typically range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. However, low blood calcium levels by themselves do not necessarily indicate a calcium deficiency, since the body regulates calcium through storage in bones and tissues.
• Bone Density Scans: Bone density tests, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), assess bone strength and density. These scans help diagnose medical conditions such as osteoporosis, which can result from calcium deficiency.
• Urine Tests: Urine tests can also be used to measure calcium excretion and assess whether the body is properly absorbing and retaining calcium.

Calcium Deficiency Treatment and Management

Anjali also read about ways she can treat calcium deficiency:

Lifestyle Adjustments

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits plays a crucial role in combating calcium deficiency

• Exercise: Weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, and resistance training help preserve bone density and strength. Regular physical activity also boosts overall health and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.
• Sunlight Exposure: Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption. Spend time in sunlight or consider vitamin D supplements if exposure is limited. The suggested daily intake of vitamin D is about 600 IU for most adults, rising to 800 IU for individuals over 70.

>> Read More: 8 Unexpected Mental Health Benefits of Nature You Must Know 

Dietary Changes

• Calcium-Rich Foods: To combat calcium deficiency, incorporate foods high in calcium into your diet. Excellent sources include dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt), leafy greens (kale, spinach), almonds, and fortified foods such as orange juice and cereals.
• Calcium Supplements: Supplements can help if dietary intake is insufficient. Popular forms include calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. It's essential to follow recommended dosages and consult a healthcare provider to avoid excessive intake, which can lead to adverse effects.

Medical Interventions

For severe cases of calcium deficiency or related conditions, medical interventions may be necessary. 

Always consult a healthcare professional to customise treatment for your individual needs.

Anjali also learned about the Care OPD add-on, an optional cover from Care Health Insurance that reimburses consultation charges for 4 Physical Consultations from a General Physician and four from specified specialists on the list of 14 expert specialists, including orthopaedic surgeons, to ensure specialised health support. 

Essential Tips to Maintain Healthy Calcium Levels.

The following are a few  tips that can assist in preventing calcium deficiency:

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Consistent healthy habits help the body efficiently absorb and retain calcium. 

• Balanced Diet: Maintain a diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D intake. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: High consumption of caffeine and alcohol can interfere with calcium absorption and increase calcium loss.

Maintaining Adequate Calcium Levels

Consistent attention to calcium intake and tracking your health supports long-term bone health and overall wellness. 

• Daily Recommended Intake: Ensure you meet the daily calcium intake recommended for your age and gender. For instance, adults generally need around 1,000 mg each day; however, women over 50 and men over 70 should aim for 1,200 mg.
• Regular Health Check-Ups: Monitor calcium levels during routine check-ups. Early detection of deficiency allows for timely intervention and prevents severe complications.

Secure Calcium and Family Wellness Together!

Ultimately, Anjali realised that calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and overall bodily functions. Symptoms of Calcium deficiency can range from muscle cramps and brittle nails to severe conditions like osteoporosis and rickets, which you cannot afford to miss. 

By understanding the effects of calcium deficiency and identifying its signs in women and adults, families can take preventive measures to maintain optimal calcium levels. A comprehensive family health insurance plan allows for quick access to medical consultations, diagnostics, and treatments for calcium deficiency and associated conditions, safeguarding your loved ones' health. 

>> Read More: Tips to Deal with Vitamin C Deficiency

Disclaimer: Kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of your health concerns. Also, verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential.