What Are The Signs Of A Calcium Deficiency?
What role does calcium play in your body?
|
Age Group |
RDA |
|
0-6 months |
200 mg |
|
7–12 months |
260 mg |
|
1–3 years |
700 mg |
|
4–8 years |
1,000 mg |
|
9–13 years |
1,300 mg |
|
14–18 years |
1,300 mg |
|
19–50 years |
1,000 mg |
|
51–70 years male |
1,000 mg |
|
51–70 years female |
1,200 mg |
|
71 years and older |
1,200 mg |
|
Pregnant and breastfeeding teens |
1,300 mg |
|
Pregnant and breastfeeding adults |
1,000 mg |
- Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Broccoli
- Fortified cereals such as corn flakes or raisin bran
- Bok choy
- Dried figs
- Tofu
- Fish with soft bones
- Oranges
- Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
- Oatmeal
- Soy milk and soybeans
Signs you are suffering from calcium deficiency
#1. You May Have Muscle Cramps and Pain - If your body lacks calcium over a period of time, you may develop muscular pain, cramps, or spasms. This happens mostly in the thighs, arms, back, abdomen, and underarms. Cramps can occur in any condition that decreases the amount of calcium in the body through excessive vomiting, excess breathing, taking medicines such as diuretics (water pills), or inadequate dietary intake
#2. You May Have Frequent Fractures - Your body tends to fulfill the deficiency of calcium in blood by absorbing it from your bones. If this continues, your bone density decreases leading to conditions such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. As a result, the bones become weak, brittle, and prone to fractures.
- Wear rubber shoes
- Keep floor surfaces dry
- Use runner rugs at home
- Use a flashlight in dimly lit areas
- Use handrails while climbing stairs
#3. You May Feel Numbness and Tingling - You may feel abnormal sensations, such as numbness and tingling in your hands, face, and feet if there is an ongoing deficiency of calcium. This occurs because your nerves and muscles get irritated and twitch. If you observe this symptom, seek an Endocrinologist 's assistance for appropriate treatment.
#4. You May Experience Confusion and Memory Loss - If the deficiency of calcium becomes severe, it may impact the brain, leading to neurological or psychological symptoms, such as confusion, memory loss, delirium, depression, seizures, and hallucinations. If you experience any of these symptoms, get an appointment with a neurologist as soon as possible.
Making a diagnosis and managing calcium deficiency
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