5 Common Symptom Of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium is known to play an important role in the functioning of the nervous and muscular system. The National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements states that almost 99 per cent of the calcium present in the body is stored in the teeth and bones.Calcium is present in good amounts in foods such as milk, broccoli, spinach and cheese. Low levels of calcium in the bloodstream may have a negative impact on the health of the affected individual and may even result in death. Given below are some of the common symptoms associated with calcium deficiency.

Common Symptoms Of Calcium Deficiency

Hypocalcaemia

Hypocalcaemia is a condition that occurs as a result of low levels of calcium in the bloodstream. The Office of Dietary Supplements state that this condition may cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, loss of appetite, abnormal heart rate, convulsions, numbness and loss of energy.If you suspect that you suffer from this condition, it is extremely important to consult your doctor immediately. Individuals who are at high risk to developing this condition include anorexics, vegetarians and those suffering from lactose intolerance.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that is associated with decreased bone mass due to calcium deficiency. The National Osteoporosis Foundation notes that due to inability of the body to manufacture calcium, it begins to tap into the calcium that has been stored in the bones.This happens if you do not consume enough calcium in your diet. The loss in bone density due to osteoporosis may lead to the bones becoming porous, fragile and vulnerable to fractures. After 30 years of age, the bone mass tend to decrease slowly; therefore, it is important to consume enough calcium to keep the bones strong.

Emotional Symptoms

The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library notes that low levels of calcium in the blood may also have a negative impact on the functioning of the brain and may result in psychological as well as neurological symptoms.This may lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, dementia, seizures and mental retardation. Merck Manuals also indicates that if the calcium levels are too low, it may result in seizures. Due to low levels of calcium, adults and babies are at an equal risk of suffering from seizures.

Difficulty In Breathing

The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states that those suffering from calcium deficiency may experience hypocalcaemia, which may further result in muscle spasms in the throat. This may cause the affected individual to experience difficulty in breathing. This symptom is a very serious effect of calcium deficiency and must be reported to your physician at the earliest.

Brittle Nails, Dry Skin And Coarse Hair

Endotext.com reports that calcium deficiency may also affect the skin. It may also cause the nails to become brittle. It is capable of causing the person to develop dry skin and coarse hair.Children with a calcium deficiency may also suffer from abnormalities in their teeth. Research studies have shown that increasing the amount of calcium in one’s diet will help in reducing these negative symptoms.