Signs to spot calcium deficiency in the body

Calcium deficiency or hypocalcemia is a condition in which a person's body has excessively low levels of calcium in the blood.

Calcium is an important mineral that helps the body to build healthy bones and teeth, which is why low levels of calcium can lead to several health issues. Additionally, calcium deficiency can increase your risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia.

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There are many factors that can cause a calcium deficiency, which primarily includes not taking enough calcium for long periods of time. Other risk factors involve age and genes. Furthermore, certain medications, unbalanced diet or dietary intolerance to calcium-rich foods, hormonal imbalance in women can all lead to calcium deficiency.

It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of calcium deficiency, so you can get it diagnosed early and be treated for it. That said, here are some signs of calcium deficiency in your body.

Fatigue can be a tell-tale sign of many illnesses. However, low levels of calcium in the body can also cause extreme fatigue, sluggishness and weakness. Additionally, one may feel lightheaded and dizzy, and may find it difficult to focus.

If you lack sufficient levels of calcium in the body, you may experience sudden muscle cramps and pain in the hamstring or calf. Muscle spasms are common with calcium deficiency and can strike anytime, even during sleep.

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Low levels of calcium can also lead to disorders such as osteoporosis, which is also called brittle bones. Osteopenia is also a bone condition which is a milder form of osteoporosis. Both these conditions are associated with loss of bone mineral density (BMD) that causes the bones to weaken.

When it comes to assessing our health, our skin and nails can help a lot.

Dry, flaky skin and brittle nails can be symptoms of calcium deficiency. When your body has low levels of calciums is can make your skin look dry and dull, while your nails thinner, weaker, and brittle. Skin problems may often occur with itchiness.

Additionally, hypocalcemia is also a risk factor for psoriasis and eczema.

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Calcium is not only an important mineral for our bones but also for our teeth. It helps improve our dental health, which is why calcium deficiency can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

While a normal blood calcium level maintains a normal heart beat, low levels of calcium have been associated with polarization and depolarization of cardiac cells, which could cause heart arrhythmias that could be life-threatening for some.