11 Calcium Deficiency Symptoms You Should Watch Out For
Published April 1, 2022
Hypercalcemia, the medical term for calcium deficiency, is a condition in which the blood calcium levels are extremely low. Symptoms can range from unnoticeable or mild to life-threatening, depending on the severity of the condition. Calcium deficiency can manifest itself in two ways: acutely or chronically.
Calcium levels in adults should be between 8.5 and 10.5 mg/dL. However, these values may vary slightly between laboratories. Hypocalcemia is defined as when calcium level in the blood is less than 8.5 mg/dL. Hypocalcemia is considered severe when calcium levels in the blood fall below 7 mg/dL.
Calcium Deficiency Symptoms
If left untreated, hypocalcemia can be fatal. If you have any of these calcium deficiency symptoms, seek urgent medical attention. Your doctor will conduct tests to identify the underlying causes.
1. Numbness and Tingling
Tingling in the extremities, particularly the hands and feet, is a common symptom of hypocalcemia. Numbness can also manifest as a symptom of severe deficiency. Calcium is required by nerve cells of the body. When calcium levels drop extremely low, nerve cells have difficulty registering sensations and transmitting signals.
2. Spasms and Muscle Cramps
Calcium aids in the muscles’ contraction and relaxation. Calcium-deficient muscles are unable to maintain their proper tone. These symptoms include aches and pains, cramps, spasms, and weakening of the muscles.
3. Heart Arrhythmia
Hypocalcemia can cause an irregular heartbeat, which can be life-threatening if it gets out of hand. In addition, it frequently results in various abnormalities that can be detected on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Without enough calcium, heart cells fail to function normally. This can disrupt the proper cardiac rhythm, trigger heart muscle spasms, and cause the arteries to narrow.
4. Fatigue
Fatigue may occur as a result of hypocalcemia. The depletion of calcium in cells indicates the beginning of fatigue, which results in exhaustion and weakness.
5. Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
Osteoporosis, often known as brittle bones, is a calcium deficiency disorder. Osteopenia is a type of osteoporosis that is less severe. When blood calcium levels fall, your body must compensate by releasing more calcium from the bones. As a result, calcium deficiency over time can result in considerable bone weakness and frailty, significantly increasing the risk of fractures.
6. Memory Loss and Confusion
Hypocalcemia can manifest itself through memory loss, confusion, and disorientation. Calcium is required for nerve and brain cells; it stimulates neurotransmitter release when it enters nerve cells. Calcium deficiency has been shown to decrease cognitive performance considerably.
7. Dry skin
Calcium promotes skin health by lowering the skin’s pH and protecting the skin barrier. This stops the skin from losing excessive amounts of water. When calcium levels in the blood fall below a certain level, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture and maintain a healthy pH.
8. Premenstrual Syndrome
Vitamin D and calcium deficiency can either cause or promote premenstrual syndrome, according to a review of 28 trials. On the other hand, vitamin D and calcium can help ease or even eliminate PMS symptoms in such cases.
9. Seizures
Calcium is required for optimum neurotransmitter release in brain cells and contraction of muscles. Hypocalcemia may cause the brain to be overexcited, thus resulting in seizures.
10. Rickets
A deficiency of calcium (or vitamin D) in children can result in rickets. In addition, calcium shortage prevents healthy bone mineralization, which is critical for a developing child. As a result, bones become brittle and fragile, and abnormalities may occur.
11. Oral Problems
Calcium helps maintain the health of your teeth. Food, beverages, and oral bacteria can all harm the minerals in the teeth. Calcium levels must be maintained at an adequate level to prevent mineral loss.
Takeaway
If your calcium levels are low, you may or may not feel calcium deficiency symptoms. Symptoms of hypocalcemia can range from mild to severe. Cramps, spasms, and fatigue are all common. Additionally, numbness or tingling in the extremities and an abnormal heart rhythm are common symptoms. Calcium deficiency can eventually weaken your bones and teeth. Your doctor will determine your calcium levels by performing a blood test and the underlying causes.
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn, is an SEO Specialist and author. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started her career as a content writer for various digital magazines and renowned publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage others to share their voices as well.