Symptoms of calcium deficiency – By definition, hypocalcemia is the condition used to describe a calcium deficiency. A calcium deficiency often occurs in babies who are barely a few days old as a result of the often high levels of phosphate present in formula products that can reduce calcium levels in the blood.
Some of the primary symptoms of hypocalcemia include irritability, muscle twitching, jitters, tremors, lethargy, and seizures. Aside from infants, a calcium deficiency can occur at any age. Chronic calcium deficiency can result in rickets, osteoporosis, and osteopenia, as well as disruptions in the metabolic rate and normal function of other bodily processes.
Taken together, some of the symptoms of chronic calcium deficiency can include chest pains, numbness in fingers and toes, muscle cramps, brittle nails, dry skin, and tooth decay.
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What disease is caused by lack of calcium?
Calcium deficiency is readily connected with osteoporosis, which is a decrease of bone calcium content.
What happens when you lack of calcium?
– Early stage calcium deficiency may not cause any symptoms. However, symptoms will develop as the condition progresses. Severe symptoms of hypocalcemia include:
confusion or memory loss muscle spasms numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and face depression hallucinations muscle cramps weak and brittle nails easy fracturing of the bones
Calcium deficiencies can affect all parts of the body, resulting in weak nails, slower hair growth, and fragile, thin skin. Calcium also plays an important role in both neurotransmitter release and muscle contractions. So, calcium deficiencies can bring on seizures in otherwise healthy people.
Who is most at risk for calcium deficiency?
Groups at Risk of Calcium Inadequacy – The following groups are among those most likely to need extra calcium. Postmenopausal women Menopause leads to bone loss because decreases in estrogen production reduce calcium absorption and increase urinary calcium loss and calcium resorption from bone,
On average, women lose approximately 1% of their bone mineral density (BMD) per year after menopause, Over time, these changes lead to decreased bone mass and fragile bones, About 30% of postmenopausal women in the United States and Europe have osteoporosis, and at least 40% of those with this condition develop at least one fragility fracture (a fracture that occurs after minor trauma, such as a fall from standing height or lower),
The calcium RDA is 1,200 mg for women older than 50 years (vs.1,000 mg for younger women) to lessen bone loss after menopause, Individuals who avoid dairy products People with lactose intolerance, those with an allergy to milk, and those who avoid eating dairy products (including vegans) have a higher risk of inadequate calcium intakes because dairy products are rich sources of calcium,
Options for increasing calcium intakes in individuals with lactose intolerance include consuming lactose-free or reduced-lactose dairy products, which contain the same amounts of calcium as regular dairy products, Those who avoid dairy products because of allergies or for other reasons can obtain calcium from non-dairy sources, such as some vegetables (e.g., kale, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage ), canned fish with bones, or fortified foods (e.g., fruit juices, breakfast cereals, and tofu),
However, these individuals typically need to eat foods fortified with calcium or take supplements to obtain recommended amounts,
What is the most common cause of low calcium?
Vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause of hypocalcemia in primary care.
What is the test for calcium deficiency?
What is it used for? – A blood calcium test is used to check your general health. It’s also used to help diagnose or monitor many types of medical conditions, including conditions that affect your bones, kidneys, digestive system, thyroid, and parathyroid glands. There are two types of calcium blood tests that measure different forms of blood calcium:
- Total calcium test measures all the calcium in your blood. You have two types of blood calcium that are normally present in about equal amounts:
- “Bound calcium” is attached to proteins in your blood.
- “Free calcium” is not attached to proteins. It’s also called ionized calcium. This form of blood calcium is active in many body functions.
Normally, your body tightly controls the balance of bound and ionized calcium, so a total calcium test gives a good estimate of how much ionized calcium you have. A total calcium test is the most common test for blood calcium. It’s often part of a basic metabolic panel (BMP) and a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), which are both routine screening tests.
- An ionized calcium test measures only the “free calcium” in your blood that isn’t attached to proteins. An ionized calcium test is more difficult to do, so it’s usually ordered if the results of a total calcium test aren’t normal. You may also have this test if you have a condition that affects your body’s ability to balance the amounts of ionized and bound calcium in your blood, or if you are seriously ill or having surgery.
What is normal calcium level?
Normal Results – Normal values range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL (2.13 to 2.55 millimol/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
How can I raise my calcium level?
Calcium and diet – Your body doesn’t produce calcium, so you must get it through other sources. Calcium can be found in a variety of foods, including:
- Dairy products, such as cheese, milk and yogurt
- Dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale
- Fish with edible soft bones, such as sardines and canned salmon
- Calcium-fortified foods and beverages, such as soy products, cereal and fruit juices, and milk substitutes
To absorb calcium, your body also needs vitamin D. A few foods naturally contain small amounts of vitamin D, such as canned salmon with bones and egg yolks. You can also get vitamin D from fortified foods and sun exposure. The RDA for vitamin D is 600 international units (15 micrograms) a day for most adults.
What are 5 calcium-rich foods?
For instance, spinach, bok choy, as well as turnip, mustard, and collard greens provide 84–142 mg per cooked 1/2 cup (70–95 grams, depending on the variety) — or 8–14% of the RDI ( 4 ). Other calcium-rich vegetables include okra, kale, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
What drinks have calcium?
Calcium is essential for strong, healthy teeth and bones! And though we all know that milk and cheese are excellent sources of calcium, what if you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply don’t like the taste of dairy? Fortunately, there are plenty of calcium-rich foods that don’t contain a drop of milk, many of which are plant-based.
- The basic recommended daily intake (RDI) of calcium per day for adults is 1,000mg (1,200mg for women aged 51 years and older).
- The following foods and beverages can easily get you to your calcium RDI! For comparison, an 8oz.
- Glass of milk contains about 300mg of calcium.
- Calcium-Fortified Drinks such as: almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, orange juice.
Though the amount of added calcium varies, most calcium-fortified drinks contain comparable calcium as milk, typically varying between 200-400mg per 8oz. glass, However, juices and sweetened non-dairy milk can contain high amounts of sugar, so be sure to drink in moderation. 
Beans are nutritional powerhouses rich in protein, fiber, many vitamins and minerals, and many types are a great source of calcium! They are also quite versatile, great in soups and salads, roasted or steamed, made into meat substitutes, or pureed and whipped into dips.
Edamame (young soybeans), 1 cup cooked contains ~98mg calcium White Beans, 1 cup cooked contains ~160mg calcium Baked Beans, 1 cup contains ~150mg calcium
Tofu (made from soybeans and soy milk) is a great source of calcium, though amount varies from 200-850mg per half cup according to its firmness and how it is made. Check the label carefully and purchase tofu made with calcium (calcium salt). Firm tofu contains more calcium than softer tofu. Sardines and Canned Salmon are packed with calcium, thanks to their edible bones.
Sardines have about 325mg of calcium per 3oz,, and are also a great source of vitamin B-12, which is key for brain and nervous system health. Sardines add a ton of delicious umami flavor to pastas and salads! Canned Salmon has about 180mg calcium per 3oz,, and is a great alternative to pricier fresh and wild-caught salmon. Use canned salmon to make quick and tasty salmon cakes and patties, in pastas, salads and more.
Dark, Leafy Greens are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, and are low in calories. They can also form a protective film on your teeth when eaten before the rest of your food! Certain leafy greens are also fantastic sources of calcium, such as:
Collard Greens, 1 cup cooked contains ~360mg Broccoli Rabe, 1 cup cooked contains ~200mg Turnip Greens, 1 cup cooked contains ~198mg Bok Choy, 1 cup cooked contains ~160mg Kale, 1 cup raw chopped contains ~100mg
Chia Seeds contain boron, which promotes healthy teeth, bones and muscles by helping the body metabolize calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. They also contain a whopping 179mg of calcium in a single ounce, or about 2 tablespoons! Chia seed drinks and puddings are quite popular, or try sprinkling them over oatmeal or yogurt for a nice added crunch.
- Dried Figs are a tasty sweet treat that are rich in antioxidants, fiber and calcium.
- Dried figs contain about 121mg of calcium per half cup (about 4 figs).However, dried fruits in general are not a recommended tooth-healthy snack, since they stick to the crevices of our teeth and encourage the growth of bacteria and tooth decay if not properly cleaned away.
Be sure to rinse and brush your mouth thoroughly after snacking on dried fruit or any other sticky treat! Sources: National Osteoporosis Foundation, NIH, Medical News Today, Time Air Dental 401 S Glenoaks Blvd. #100, Burbank, CA 91502 #healthy #calciumsource #calciumintake #nondairy #strongteeth #oralhealth #dentalhealth #dentalcare #bestdentist #familydentistry #cosmeticdentistry #emergencydentist #dentalimplant #affordabledental #generaldentistry #burbankcalifornia #burbankca
Which dry fruit is high in calcium?
Common Nutrient Deficiencies and How Dried Fruit Can Help – As a whole, today’s society may be more focused on diet and nutrition than ever before. However, despite the fact that the global wellness industry is booming at $4.2 trillion, many people are not getting the nutrition they need to keep their bodies healthy.
The Traina family delves into the topic of common nutrient deficiencies that cause health problems — and how dried fruit can play a role in reversing those effects. B12 — Those that are lacking in this vitamin can experience dizziness or feeling short of breath, blurred vision, fatigue, mood and depression.
A severe lack of vitamin B12 can even damage the nervous system, resulting in poor mobility. The best dried fruits packed with B12 include mangoes, apricots and peaches. Calcium — Those that lack enough calcium in their diets may experience fainting or lethargy, numb or tingling fingertips, and weak or brittle fingertips.
- More serious side effects of this deficiency can result in tooth erosion, mental confusion, depression and anxiety, osteoporosis, and even growth and developmental delays in youth.
- Dried apricots, figs, dates and prunes are all excellent (and natural!) sources of calcium.
- Magnesium — Enough magnesium in the body is crucial because it helps calcium and vitamin D do their jobs.
Without sufficient magnesium, the body can’t absorb calcium. Magnesium also converts vitamin D into its active form. Signs of a magnesium deficiency in the body can include low energy, weak bones, sleeplessness and fatigue, nervousness, headaches, anxiety and more.
In addition to leafy greens, black beans, almonds and avocados, figs and bananas are rich in magnesium. Fiber — If the body isn’t getting enough fiber, it can result in constipation or bloat, sugar highs (followed by the dreaded sugar crash), constant hunger (even right after eating), weight gain, high cholesterol or blood pressure.
Apples, mangoes, bananas, and pears are all great fiber sources. Research has recently proved that supplements do little to solve the problems of these health issues. Instead, as part of a nutrient-dense diet dried fruits can be a delicious and healthy alternative to ensuring people are getting a wide variety of nutrients and vitamins in every meal.
How can I check my calcium levels at home?
What is the Better2Know home testing process? – Your Calcium Test home collection kit uses a small blood sample, which is collected using a finger prick lancet. Your plainly packaged home testing kit will contain three lancets, a gold-topped blood collection tube, wipes and a pathology form.
What causes calcium deficiency in adults?
In hypocalcemia, the calcium level in blood is too low.
A low calcium level may result from a problem with the parathyroid glands, as well as from diet, kidney disorders, or certain drugs. As hypocalcemia progresses, muscle cramps are common, and people may become confused, depressed, and forgetful and have tingling in their lips, fingers, and feet as well as stiff, achy muscles. Usually, the disorder is detected by routine blood tests. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be used to treat hypocalcemia.
Hypocalcemia most commonly results when too much calcium is lost in urine or when not enough calcium is moved from bones into the blood. Causes of hypocalcemia include the following:
Lack of response to a normal level of parathyroid hormone (pseudohypoparathyroidism) Kidney dysfunction, which results in more calcium excreted in urine and makes the kidneys less able to activate vitamin D Inadequate consumption of calcium Disorders that decrease calcium absorption Certain drugs, including rifampin (an antibiotic), antiseizure drugs (such as phenytoin and phenobarbital ), bisphosphonates (such as alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, and zoledronic acid ), calcitonin, chloroquine, corticosteroids, and plicamycin
The calcium level in blood can be moderately low without causing any symptoms. If levels of calcium are low for long periods, people may develop dry scaly skin, brittle nails, and coarse hair. Muscle cramps involving the back and legs are common. Over time, hypocalcemia can affect the brain and cause neurologic or psychologic symptoms, such as confusion, memory loss, delirium, depression, and hallucinations.
- These symptoms disappear if the calcium level is restored.
- An extremely low calcium level may cause tingling (often in the lips, tongue, fingers, and feet), muscle aches, spasms of the muscles in the throat (leading to difficulty breathing), stiffening and spasms of muscles (tetany), seizures Seizure Disorders In seizure disorders, the brain’s electrical activity is periodically disturbed, resulting in some degree of temporary brain dysfunction.
Many people have unusual sensations just before a seizure. read more, and abnormal heart rhythms Overview of Abnormal Heart Rhythms Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are sequences of heartbeats that are irregular, too fast, too slow, or conducted via an abnormal electrical pathway through the heart.,
Measurement of calcium level in the blood
Hypocalcemia is often detected by routine blood tests before symptoms become obvious. Doctors measure the total calcium level (which includes calcium bound to albumin ) and the albumin level in blood to determine whether the level of unbound calcium is low.
Calcium supplements Sometimes vitamin D
Calcium supplements, given by mouth, are often all that is needed to treat hypocalcemia. If a cause is identified, treating the disorder causing hypocalcemia or changing drugs may restore the calcium level. Once symptoms appear, calcium is usually given intravenously.
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
| vitamin d | Calcidol, Calciferol, D3 Vitamin, DECARA, Deltalin, Dialyvite Vitamin D, Dialyvite Vitamin D3, Drisdol, D-Vita, Ergo D, Fiber with Vitamin D3 Gummies Gluten-Free, Happy Sunshine Vitamin D3, MAXIMUM D3, PureMark Naturals Vitamin D, Replesta, Replesta Children’s, Super Happy SUNSHINE Vitamin D3, Thera-D 2000, Thera-D 4000, Thera-D Rapid Repletion, THERA-D SPORT, UpSpring Baby Vitamin D, UpSpring Baby Vitamin D3 |
| albumin | Albuked, Albumarc, Albuminar, Albuminex, AlbuRx, Albutein, Buminate, Flexbumin, Kedbumin, Macrotec, Plasbumin, Plasbumin-20 |
| parathyroid hormone | NATPARA |
| rifampin | Rifadin, Rifadin IV, Rimactane |
| phenytoin | Dilantin, Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin-125, Phenytek |
| phenobarbital | Luminal |
| alendronate | Binosto, Fosamax |
| risedronate | Actonel, Atelvia |
| zoledronic acid | Reclast, Zometa, Zometa Powder |
| chloroquine | Aralen |
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION Copyright © 2022 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Is calcium deficiency common in elderly?
Identifying at-risk populations for calcium deficiency – There are three major population groups that are at highest risk for dietary calcium deficiency. These include women (amenorrheic, the female athlete triad, postmenopausal), individuals with milk allergy or lactose intolerance, and atrisk groups for dietary deficiency intake (adolescents and the elderly).
At particular risk are female adolescents when bone formation and growth is most crucial. Later in the life cycle, women continue to be at highest risk and this risk is elevated if early baseline bone is not strong during adolescence. Women who have diagnosed eating disorders or exhibit physical hyperactivity with female athlete triad syndrome have been shown to be at high risk for calcium deficiency.
Postmenopausal women, due to hormonal changes that may affect bone mineralization processes, have also been widely studied for calcium deficiency risk, Individuals with milk allergy or lactose intolerance often exhibit calcium deficiency due to the dietary restriction of calcium-containing foods.
- These individuals can be effectively treated with dietary modifications which will be discussed later in the manuscript,
- Both adolescents and elderly populations often have high risk of calcium deficiency due to dietary habits.
- Adolescents throughout the world are growing in risk due to dietary pattern changes.
Many adolescents decrease calcium intake by substituting dairy products particularly beverages or by decreasing total intake of calcium. Eating disorders in both male and female teens may result in nutrient deficiencies that include calcium. The elderly are at risk for multiple reasons including low calcium intake over time, medication interactions that may decrease dietary calcium absorption, and the underlying chronic disease osteoporosis which changes bone formation and strength,
What group of people need calcium the most?
Am I getting enough calcium? – Many people in the United States get less than recommended amounts of calcium from food and supplements, especially:
Children and teens aged 4 to 18 years People who are Black or Asian Adults aged 50 years and older living in poverty
Certain groups of people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough calcium, including:
Postmenopausal women. The body absorbs and retains less calcium after menopause, Over time, this can lead to fragile bones. People who don’t drink milk or eat other dairy products. Dairy products are rich sources of calcium, but people with lactose intolerance, people with milk allergies, and vegans (people who don’t consume any animal products) must find other sources of calcium. Options include lactose-free or reduced-lactose dairy products; canned fish with bones; certain vegetables, such as kale, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage; calcium-fortified fruit juices and milk substitutes such as soy and almond beverages, tofu, and ready-to-eat cereals; and dietary supplements that contain calcium.
Which age group needs the most calcium?
As children grow, they need calcium and other nutrients to build strong bones and a healthy body. But did you know that most young people in the United States don’t get enough calcium in their diets? The body’s need for calcium is at its highest point between the ages of 9 years and 18 years old.
