Lack of calcium: symptoms, treatment and consequences

The body requires certain levels of calcium according to age, sex, state of health in which the body is and the absorption allowed by each body. Calcium requirements vary throughout life but its consumption is essential in each of its stages.

The normal blood calcium range between 8.5 to 10.2 mg / dl, although these values may change from one laboratory to another and must observe the normal parameters indicating the results of the analysis. In addition, according to age there are specific values, always depending on the stage of life in which you are:

• Infants 0 to 6 months: should take 210 mg per day of calcium.
• Between 7 to 12 months: the ideal is to maintain 270 mg.
• From 1 to 3 years: it is important to supply 500 to 700 mg.
• From 4 to 8 years: calcium intake should be maintained at 700 mg.
• From 9 to 18 years: the requirement increases due to the stage of development, for this reason you need 1,300 mg of calcium daily.

In addition, it must be taken into account that during adulthood a daily dose of 1,000 mg of calcium should be consumed. From the age of 50, the daily intake should be 1,200 mg, especially in women. Lastly, pregnant women should consume between 1,000 to 1,300 mg per day.

The lack of calcium is known in the body as hypocalcemia . Among the main signs and symptoms of a lack of calcium or a deficiency of this mineral we find:

• Bone weakness: This can be seen by increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis due to problems with calcium absorption, thus decreasing bone density.
• Muscle cramps: calcium deficiency allows the appearance of one of the most common symptoms of a lack of calcium. The muscles do not have the mineral, they have difficulty staying strong.
• Increases the appearance of diseases: people with a lack of calcium have deficiencies in the immune system, which increases the appearance of respiratory diseases and conditions, especially infections.
• Increased blood pressure: This is seen in people suffering from high blood pressure.
• Pain during menstruation: this has always been attributed to hormonal problems, however the lack of calcium can give rise to this alteration also known as premenstrual syndrome.
• Insomnia: people who have a deficiency in this mineral have problems resting, which is why sleep disorders may appear at regular times.
• Dry skin and weak nails: calcium intervenes in cell regeneration, therefore it participates in the restoration of the skin and nails. Its deficit causes stains, dryness, cracks in skin and nails.
• Hair problems: calcium deficiency causes hair loss, accentuated dryness of the scalp.
• Difficulty losing weight: calcium participates in metabolism, so its deficit can cause this disorder. Adequate levels of this mineral stimulate weight loss more easily, rapidly reducing the accumulation of body fat.

Once the diagnosis of hypocalcemia has been made , which is made through a blood test where the levels of calcium will be detected, the start of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms that the patient presents and the general conditions where you are.

The specialist doctor will be in charge of indicating the therapy to follow, but normally, broadly speaking, the treatment for a lack of calcium is based on these aspects:

• If it is an acute hypocalcemia and calcium levels are below 7mg / dl, calcium should be administered intravenously . During administration, the patient must be monitored with records of vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, amount of oxygen in the blood and respiratory rate. All these measures are taken because the administration of intravenous calcium can cause arrhythmia, leading to the death of the patient.
• It is important to know the levels of magnesium in the blood, in cases where its levels are low, it should be administered intravenously. In this way, the calcium levels in the blood will also be regulated.
• In cases of chronic hypocalcemia , oral calcium and vitamin D supplements must be administered in order to maintain normal levels of this mineral.
• In addition to the treatment based on calcium and vitamin D , it is necessary to increase the consumption of foods rich in calcium to achieve greater benefits.
• Calcium levels should be controlled through weekly blood tests, once stabilized, controls should be carried out for 1 to 3 months.

The calcium deficit in the body has serious consequences. Among them, it is necessary to mention the following consequences of the lack of calcium :

• The main problem that occurs as a consequence of the lack of calcium is the appearance of a disease known as osteoporosis, this causes weak bones with an increased risk of fractures. Learn more about Osteoporosis, its symptoms, treatment and prevention with this other article.
• Appearance of periodontal disease and dental cavities, in addition to neuromuscular problems known as cramps and seizures.
• Appearance of problems related to the cardiovascular part of the body, such as palpitations and cardiac arrhythmias.

However, a lack of calcium can be as problematic as high levels of this mineral in the blood. Here we tell you all about high calcium in the blood: symptoms, causes and treatment .

Food is the fundamental contribution to obtain the daily calcium requirements, there is a wide variety of foods rich in calcium that you can include in your diet, such as:

• Dairy: such as yogurt, butter or cheeses are a high source of calcium in addition to phosphorus and magnesium, which allow better absorption as well as use of the mineral by the body.
• Sunflower and sesame seeds: both seeds are a great source of calcium, which can be used in different combinations of recipes.
• Rice, soy and almond milk: they are an excellent option for those who are lactose intolerant.
• Legumes: also known for their great variety and benefits, some of the most indicated are beans, lentils, beans and chickpeas, among others. In addition to its contribution of calcium to the body, they contain vegetable protein and fiber, which allows you to feel full.
• Vegetables: pumpkin, onion and tomato provide calcium with their daily consumption to the body.
• Broccoli and kale: both have vitamin C and are rich in antioxidants; they contain a high content of calcium, magnesium and even iron.
• Green leafy vegetables: in this group are spinach, watercress, chard, parsley and basil, all of which have a high calcium content.
• Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts, their daily consumption provides an excellent amount of calcium as well as fiber to the body.
• Seafood: in this group, there are prawns, octopus and mussels.
• Fish: in addition to calcium, fish such as cod, salmon, tuna, sole, sardines are an excellent source of fatty acids and Omega 3.
• Fruits: fruits, in addition to minerals such as calcium, allow us to obtain vitamins, among them are strawberries, kiwi, plums, lemons, plums and papaya.

In this other FastlyHealarticle you can see more information about Foods with calcium .

The lack of calcium causes multiple symptoms and negative health consequences and, for this reason, a medical control and the indicated therapy should be initiated, as well as eating foods with a high calcium content. This is the best way to restore the body to adequate levels of this mineral.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Lack of calcium: symptoms, treatment and consequences , we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, joints and muscles .