Calcium is one of the most important minerals, which must be supplied to the body. If the body is insufficiently supplied with calcium, deficiency symptoms occur, the so-called calcium deficiency. A 60-kilogram person, for example, consists of just under 1.1 kilograms of calcium, with 99 percent of the calcium found in bones and teeth.
What is calcium deficiency?
An adult needs about 800 milligrams of calcium a day; even a full glass of milk meets this requirement. Some people, however, such as pregnant women or nursing mothers, have an increased need for calcium. It is therefore particularly important to consume sufficient calcium during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, not only pregnant women, but also children should be supplied with sufficient calcium, because a deficiency can quickly develop in them. Older women should also make sure they have a sufficient supply of calcium, because they have a particularly high risk of developing osteoporosis. But what role does calcium play in the human body? It is particularly important for the skeletal system and the teeth, but it also plays a crucial role in the function of numerous other organs. For example, it ensures low cholesterol levels, and calcium is also crucial for the body’s defense against inflammation and allergies. Furthermore, calcium is responsible for blood clotting and heart activity.
Causes
The causes of calcium deficiency are usually due to an inadequate or unbalanced diet. A lack of the vitamin D can likewise cause a lack of calcium. Even with the use of softened water, a calcium deficiency has already been observed in some people. A temporary calcium deficiency, however, can also be caused by so-called hyperventilation, i.e. a disorder of breathing. In most cases, this is caused psychologically. In addition, certain diseases of the kidney or thyroid gland can cause a calcium deficiency. Even some medications can lead to a calcium deficiency – many diuretics deserve special mention here.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
In the early stages, calcium deficiency is not usually accompanied by symptoms that are apparent to the patient. If the deficiency is not corrected, the affected person often first notices tingling (formication) in the limbs or at the corners of the mouth. In the next phase, muscle cramps usually develop, and the muscles also react hypersensitively when the doctor examines them with a reflex hammer. The typical symptoms also include disorders that manifest themselves in the skin, hair and nails. The nails often become brittle and splinter, the hair starts to fall out, eczema forms on the skin. Over time, the risk of bone fractures also increases. Existing osteoporosis is exacerbated and progresses rapidly. Many patients also develop cardiovascular problems such as cardiac arrhythmias or low blood pressure. In severe cases, the heart is weakened and the heartbeat slows down. A typical sign of advanced calcium deficiency is so-called tetany, which is accompanied by severe cramps in the hands and feet. The hands often curl into the so-called “paw position”, while the toes form a pointed foot and point to the ground even when sitting. Psychological symptoms that regularly occur with calcium deficiency are diffuse anxiety and depression. Calcium deficiency is first reflected in bones and teeth. A disease that is particularly common due to calcium deficiency is osteoporosis, bone loss. Teeth also become much less resistant and, in the worst case, may even fall out. Periodontosis, the gum atrophy namely, is primarily triggered by a lack of calcium. Severe cramps are another symptom that can appear in the course of the lack of calcium. On the other hand, one should not supply his body with too much calcium. An overdose can lead to nausea and vomiting as well as to kidney stones, muscle weakness and fatigue. Even depression can result from an overdose of calcium.
Complications
Osteoporosis can result from a calcium deficiency that is not treated. This is a disease of the skeleton. The bone structure is affected and bone density decreases.There is an increased risk of suffering a bone fracture. Particularly frequent fractures occur in the thigh bones, the upper arm bones or the spokes. Bone fractures also occur regularly in the wrists of affected individuals. Additionally, there is a loss of height due to vertebral body collapses. This manifests itself in a stooped posture of the affected person. Calcium supplementation can reduce osteoporosis. However, not all symptoms can be reversed with long-term calcium deficiency. Affected individuals should not lift heavy loads and should seek assistance for such activities. Rickets may be another disorder caused by calcium deficiency. It is an impairment of mineralization of the growing bone. Calcium additionally plays an essential role in muscle activity. If calcium deficiency occurs, it can lead to increased muscle cramps. A long-lasting calcium deficiency can also lead to heart problems. The heart becomes weaker, contraction is restricted and blood circulation in the body is disturbed. In this case, the affected person must be hospitalized.
When should you go to the doctor?
Anyone who believes they are suffering from a calcium deficiency should have a medical examination before taking calcium supplements. The doctor can then confirm whether increased calcium intake is even necessary. With the help of blood or urine tests, it is possible for the physician to confirm a calcium deficiency; in addition, an ECG (electrocardiogram) shows typical changes in the case of a deficiency. In addition, the doctor can determine the causes behind the deficiency. When self-treatment with calcium-containing dietary supplements or medications, it should be noted that too much calcium can also harm the body. An excess of calcium leads to cardiac arrhythmia, listlessness, depression, gastrointestinal problems and muscle weakness. In addition, it should be clarified with a doctor which calcium preparations are recommended. There are many over-the-counter products, but not all of them are of high quality. In addition, some preparations are often combinations of different vitamins and minerals, whose components often neutralize or hinder each other. In case of doubt, a doctor can therefore make a recommendation for a specific calcium product.
Treatment and therapy
In the case of a calcium deficiency, it is usually enough to consistently change one’s diet. In addition to dairy products, nuts are also particularly recommended for calcium deficiency. Likewise, however, sufficient calcium is present in many vegetables and also in whole-grain bread. Special calcium preparations, which are available in all pharmacies and health food stores, also help well. For the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis, about 1,000 milligrams of calcium should be taken daily in the form of tablets or powder. A very special secret tip is calcium-rich healing water – this should contain at least 250 milligrams of calcium per liter. This healing water can not only help to remedy a calcium deficiency, but also to alleviate already existing diseases such as osteoporosis.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of calcium deficiency is very good. In most patients, it is already enough to consistently change the food intake. In doing so, it is increasingly adapted to the needs of the body. Initially, there is a high intake of calcium through foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts. The increased consumption of these foods is advised over several days until the organism is back in balance. Once the deficiency has been corrected, further optimization of food consumption takes place so that the level of calcium remains stable in the long term. For this purpose, the initially increased consumption of calcium-containing products can be reduced again to a normal proportion. In addition, calcium preparations can be administered in a targeted manner to shorten the healing process. These are available in pharmacies, drugstores or health food stores. Of course, a doctor can also issue a suitable prescription. In the case of calcium deficiency, the patient has a good chance of recovery within a few weeks. The prerequisite for this is that no consequential damage has occurred to date as a result of the deficiency.If the bones or tooth structure have already been damaged by a prolonged calcium deficiency, complete healing is unlikely. Both are considered irreparable and can only be improved by replacement or changes in general lifestyle.
Prevention
Calcium deficiency can best be prevented with the appropriate diet. But which foods contain particularly high levels of calcium? Here are particularly all dairy products to mention; but also nuts and vegetables, as well as quite a few whole grain products contain sufficient calcium. In addition, sufficient exercise is essential to stay healthy and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis. You should get at least about 45 minutes of exercise a day – a walk in the fresh air is enough here.
Aftercare
Acute calcium deficiency usually does not require follow-up care, but chronic deficiency does. A chronic deficiency situation can result, for example, from years of taking magnesium supplements without adding calcium. Since calcium and magnesium should always be taken in a certain ratio to each other, the lack of one of the two minerals leads to decalcified bones and teeth in the long term. These are the consequences of chronic calcium deficiency and a calcium-deficient diet. To compensate for the deficiency, the body uses internal calcium sources such as bones and teeth. Calcium intake should also be increased if the stomach has been surgically reduced. Since the reduced stomach subsequently allows much less food to be absorbed, chronic calcium deficiency should be prevented. Other nutrients and vitamins should also be substituted if necessary in the presence of a tubular stomach or after the insertion of a gastric band. The same applies after parathyroid surgery or parathyroid gland transplantation. These procedures can severely disrupt calcium-phosphate metabolism. Removal of the thyroid gland can also result in calcium deficiency. In these cases, substitution with the mineral is essential. Nutritional calcium deficiency is rather rare. However, it is quite possible in the case of a blatant malnutrition without an adequate supply of vital substances or in the case of a long-standing anorexia nervosa.
This is what you can do yourself
A varied diet rich in calcium usually prevents calcium deficiency. Foods that contain particularly high amounts of calcium include dairy and soy products, as well as green vegetables, nuts, herbs and some types of berries. Eggs, fish and mineral water also have a high calcium content. Calcium levels can be well balanced with a healthy diet. If the doctor detects a low calcium level, medication is used to raise the calcium level again. However, there are also calcium preparations that are available over-the-counter and can be purchased at pharmacies. These over-the-counter medications are suitable for preventing calcium deficiency or correcting a minor calcium deficiency. The preparations are offered in the form of effervescent tablets, ampoules or in powder form and often contain additional magnesium, vitamin D3 and zinc. When taking larger amounts of calcium, it is advisable to spread the dose over the day and to take it with plenty of fluids to ensure optimal absorption of the calcium. Caution should be exercised when taking calcium independently. Calcium excess can have serious consequences such as cardiac arrhythmias or digestive difficulties. Monitoring of calcium levels by a physician is therefore advisable.