Calcium is the most abundant mineral present in our body. Around 1% of calcium serves to stimulate bodily enzymes, lower blood pressure, and aid in muscular contraction & nerve signaling, while 99% is stored in the bones and teeth to strengthen them. So, calcium is majorly involved in strengthening bones and teeth. Nowadays, many people, especially adults, are suffering from calcium deficiency which is indicated by the calcium deficiency symptoms such as bone & joint pain and muscle cramps, etc. The most recent 2018 National Nutrition Survey of Pakistan also reveals that 26.5% of women of reproductive age are calcium deficient.

How To Know Calcium Deficiency in the Body?

Calcium deficiency in the body can be recognized by observing the calcium deficiency signs & symptoms such as extreme fatigue, bone, and joint pain, etc. However, you can also go for a bone mineral density test (BMD) as well as a bone density scan (DEXA scan) to check the calcium levels in the body.  

What are the Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency in the body?

1. Extreme Fatigue

Low calcium levels can cause extreme fatigue and lethargy. Fatigue caused by calcium deficiency can also cause dizziness, and mental confusion, which manifests as a lack of focus, forgetfulness, confusion, and can also lead to insomnia.

2. Brittle Nail and Dry Skin

Dry skin, cracked and brittle nails are potential signs and symptoms of a long-term calcium deficiency in the body.  

3. Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

Although the bones are good at storing the maximum amount of total calcium, they need to retain it to remain strong. When calcium levels are low overall, the body may take the calcium away from the bones, making them brittle and more vulnerable to damage, ultimately leading to conditions known as osteopenia & osteoporosis.

Osteopenia, a decline in the mineral density of the bones, can develop over time as a result of inadequate calcium intake. However, Osteoporosis is an extreme level of calcium deficiency in the body that causes softening of bones, which can easily be fractured even after bearing a small weight.

4. Severe Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome is linked with a variety of symptoms such as mood swings, cravings for different types of foods, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Low calcium levels in the body can increase the severity of these symptoms. Women feel more depressed and fatigued than usual due to calcium deficiency. 

5. Muscle Weakness

Calcium deficiency can result in muscle aches, cramps, and spasms. Numbness and tingling in the hands, arms, feet, and legs, when walking or moving are also among the common symptoms of calcium deficiency. These symptoms may appear and disappear, but they do not usually go away until calcium deficiency is overcome. Extreme sensations of these symptoms may indicate a severe deficiency of calcium in the body.

How To Overcome Calcium Deficiency?

To overcome calcium deficiency in the body, consume calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, dark green vegetables, calcium-fortified products as well as good quality calcium supplements just like Nutrifactor’s Bonex-D and Nucal-Z.

These supplements help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, improve bone and joint health, enhance calcium absorption in the body, and strengthen bones and teeth.  

References:

•    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321865

•    https://www.healthline.com/health/calcium-deficiency-disease

•    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10763903/

•    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780

•    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/calcium-deficiency-nails

•    https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/osteopenia-early-signs-of-bone-loss