Calcium deficiency, also known as hypocalcemia, may not cause any symptoms at first, but as the condition develops, signs may begin to show.
Severe symptoms of hypocalcemia include confusion or memory loss and easy fracturing of the bones.
Calcium has several important functions, including helping build strong bones and teeth, regulating muscle contractions, including heartbeat, and making sure blood clots normally.
It is also important to get enough vitamin D as it helps regulate the amount of calcium in the body.
So how serious is a calcium deficiency?
Calcium deficiency can be serious because if your body does not get enough calcium and vitamin D to support important functions, it takes calcium from our bones. This is called losing bone mass,” explains Dr Andrew Thornber, chief medical officer at Now Patient.
He added: “Losing bone mass makes the inside of your bones become weak and porous. This puts you at risk for the bone disease osteoporosis.”
In severe cases it can lead to muscle spasm, confusion or memory loss, brittle nails, and is dangerous if left untreated as it can lead to easy fracturing of the bones or in worse cases osteoporosis.
Adults (19-64 years) esquire 700mg of calcium a day. You should be able to get all the calcium you need for your daily diet, but if not Dr Thornber recommends eating four calcium-rich foods.
Kale contains 150mg of calcium per 100g and broccoli contains 47mg of calcium per 100g.
Cheese and yoghurt are also great sources of calcium. A 100g block of cheddar cheese contains 721mg of calcium and 100g of yoghurt contains roughly 125mg of calcium.
If kale, broccoli, cheese or yoghurt do not get your tastebuds tingling, Dr Thornber also recommends taking a calcium supplement. Though the NHS warns: “If you take calcium supplements, don’t take too much as this could be harmful.
“Taking 1,500mg or less a day is unlikely to cause any harm.”
So what are all the symptoms of calcium deficiency?
Anxiety and irritability
If you’re feeling anxious, lethargic, depressed or irritable, a lack of calcium could be the cause.
An overall change in your sense of wellbeing, even a subtle change, could signal nutritional deficiencies and it could be a sign that you need to up your calcium intake.
Tingling or numbness
If you notice tingling or numbness in your fingers, toes, or lips, it could be a sign that you need to up your calcium.
A burning sensation around the mouth or facial spasms could be signs of an acute deficiency, according to the NHS.
Heart palpitations
Calcium is needed to regulate muscle contractions, including the most important muscle, the heart. The nutrient is needed in order for the body to send signals to the heart muscles to pump blood around the body. If you are deficient, it can upset these signals and lead to abnormal heart rhythms.
Symptoms include a fluttering heart, feeling as if you have missed a beat, or a heart beating too fast. Extreme calcium deficiency can even lead to heart failure, as the heart muscles become less efficient at contracting and pumping blood.
Teeth loss or broken bones
Calcium is a major component of teeth and bones, so a lack often results in cavities or tooth loss.
Thinning bones can lead to osteoporosis or even a higher incidence of fractures.
Muscle cramps
Muscle contractions are affected by insufficient calcium, so a lack in the nutrient can result in cramping or even seizures in extreme cases.
Calcium also keeps the nervous system functioning at its best capacity.
Supplements can provide additional nutrients when your diet is lacking or when certain health conditions cause you to develop an insufficient or deficiency.
But what actually happens to your body when you suddenly stop taking your supplements?
