The Consequences Of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency is a nutritional deficiency that has a negative impact on a person’s health. Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body, and it is important to ensure the supply through food regularly and continuously to avoid suffering from the consequences of calcium deficiency.

Fortunately, many of the products you eat in your diet contain calcium. Maintaining a varied diet ensures that you get enough of it, although vitamin D is also important to ensure that it is absorbed.

Although there is plenty in nature, some people suffer from calcium deficiency, so we will tell you what the consequences are and why it is important to monitor your intake. This is especially important during menopause.

Osteoporosis is one of the consequences of calcium deficiency

Osteoporosis is a common disease among menopausal women. It causes a progressive demineralization of the bones which increases the risk of fractures, which affects the lifestyle of those who suffer from it.

Once the disease has begun to develop, it is difficult to reverse it, so prevention is important. The medicines and treatments available try to stop the damage that has already been caused, but it is almost impossible to replace the bone mass.

Lack of calcium in adulthood is potentially risky to increase the likelihood of osteoporosis. This is confirmed by research published in the journal Maturitas, where proper mineral intake is linked to a reduction in the impact of the condition.

In any case, it is important to control the consumption of the nutrient so as not to exceed it. An excessive increase in intake leads to kidney stones. Therefore, the daily dose should not exceed 2000 milligrams.

In addition to calcium intake, frequent sun exposure or monitored use of vitamin D supplements is recommended. This micronutrient participates in mineral absorption and bone metabolism. Administration of both drugs together helps reduce the risk of fractures in adulthood, as certified by a study published in Osteoporosis International.

Calcium deficiency in athletes

Calcium is not just an important nutrient for inactive individuals. It is also especially important for an athlete’s body.

In addition to ensuring an electrolyte balance, maintaining adequate levels of calcium in the body can reduce the risk of muscle cramps. It has even been speculated that supplementation of this mineral may also help reduce leg cramps.

However, research published in the Journal of Research in Medicinal Sciences has not found a clear connection. The suspicion comes from the intervention of calcium in cellular metabolism, both from neurons and myocytes (muscle cells).

Calcium interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses. Excessive loss of this mineral in an athlete, through sweating, can lead to impaired muscle contractility and performance in sports. Therefore, it is important to maintain the electrolyte balance by consuming mineral-rich drinks when exercising, especially in situations with high temperatures.

Consequences of calcium deficiency: Spasms

Another symptom of calcium deficiency in the diet is muscle spasms or fasciculations. This consists of a set of muscle contractions that are visible under the skin.

They are spontaneous and involuntary. It is not harmful to the body and you do not have to worry if you experience this feeling.

If the symptom returns, and in special circumstances, a consultation is not unnecessary. In pregnant women or hypertensive people  , however, spasms hide a major underlying problem that refers to blood circulation. It is not an emergency, but blood tests can be ordered to study it.

Prevention of hypercalcaemia

To prevent these deficiency situations, it is important to adjust the calcium in your diet. It is often an effective strategy to include nuts, green leafy vegetables and dairy products.

It is important to remember the importance of maintaining adequate amounts of vitamin D to improve mineral uptake. Optimizing the production of this substance involves frequent safe exposure to the sun. It is also important to enrich your diet with cold water fish, eggs and fortified dairy products.

If vitamin D deficiency is suspected, you should consult a specialist to assess the need for supplements. This situation can lead to an increased risk of diseases in the medium and long term.

Calcium deficiency and long-term complications

One of the major complications of calcium deficiency is osteoporosis. Although women are more likely to develop this disease, men can also be diagnosed. To reduce the risk, it is important to include calcium-rich foods in your diet, as well as monitor your vitamin D levels.

It is a good option to include vegetables and dairy products in your diet to prevent this disease.