Calcium is an essential mineral needed by the body for the building of strong teeth and bones.
The heart and various muscles also make use of this mineral to be able to function properly.
However, when our bodies do not get enough calcium, an increased risk of disorders like osteoporosis ,osteopenia and calcium deficiency disease (hypocalcemia) sets in.
Children lacking calcium tend to be less taller than their counterparts as they advance in age.
It is therefore important that we include adequate amounts of calcium in our daily family or individual diets.
Calcium Deficiency Disease; It’s Causes and Symptoms
Calcium deficiency disease aka Hypocalcemia, although caused mainly by an inadequate consumption of calcium, can result from a number of varying factors. It could be caused by;
- Hypoparathyroidism: this condition tampers with the production of sufficient amounts of the parathyroid hormone, which controls calcium levels in the blood.
- Malabsorption: This occurs when our body fails to absorb useful nutrients (vitamins and minerals) needed from the foods we eat.
- Pancreatitis
- Vitamin D deficiency: low levels of vitamin D in the body makes calcium absorption almost impossible.
- Renal failure
- Certain medications: Medications like phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin, corticosteroids and some chemotherapy drugs can affect Calcium levels in the body.
- Excess blood transfusion
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When an individual is calcium deficient, certain signs begin to surface. An early stage deficiency might not be evident however the symptoms become more obvious with a progression in the condition.
A few chronic symptoms of Calcium deficiency include:
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Easily fractured bones
- Weak and brittle nails
- Confusion or memory loss
- Feeling numb and tingly in the hands, feet, and face
- Hallucinations
Immediately you begin to experience symptoms like hallucinations or seizures, it is best you consult a doctor as soon as possible.
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