Calcium Deficiency

Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. More than 99% of total body calcium is stored in the bones and teeth; the remaining 1% is found throughout the body in blood, muscle, and the fluid between cells.

It is essential for building and fixing bones and teeth, helping nerves to function, muscle contraction, blood clotting and helping the heart to work. The vast majority of calcium in the body is stored in bone while the rest can be found in the blood.

A sufficient intake of calcium is important as it helps the body to

• maintain healthy bones

• mediate blood vessel function and nerve impulse transmission

• absorb and use other micronutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium, and phosphorus

• the maintenance of normal bones and teeth

• normal muscle function and neurotransmission

• normal blood clotting

• normal energy metabolism

• the normal function of digestive enzymes

Conditions / Diseases risk

A high level of calcium (hypercalcaemia) could mean a benign (not cancerous) tumour on the parathyroid gland, a cancer that has spread to the bones, tuberculosis, a kidney transplant or hyperthyroidism - an overactive thyroid.

Low levels of calcium (hypocalcaemia), are usually due to low protein levels, not enough vitamin D, high phosphate levels, kidney disease or hypoparathyroidism - an underactive parathyroid gland.

Colon cancer : Although not all studies agree, some show that people who consume higher amounts of calcium and vitamin D in their diets are less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who consume low amounts of the same nutrients.

Osteoporosis : Calcium is necessary to help build and maintain healthy bones and strong teeth. Studies have shown that calcium, particularly in combination with vitamin D, can help prevent bone loss associated with menopause, as well as the bone loss experienced by older men.

Kidney stones : The cause of kidney stones is usually unknown. However, abnormally elevated urinary calcium increases the risk of developing calcium stones. Although calcium stone formers have been advised to restrict calcium intake in the past, a study of patients with calcium oxalate stones found that dietary salt was the factor most strongly associated with urinary calcium excretion. Further controlled trials are necessary to determine whether supplemental calcium affects the development of kidney stones.

Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure : Some studies suggest that calcium supplementation may play a role in the prevention of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and preeclampsia. However, not all studies show the same benefit. A prenatal vitamin supplement, which provides magnesium, vitamin B9 (folic acid), and many other nutrients, together with adequate calcium intake through the diet, may lower the risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Stroke : In a population study, women who took in more calcium, both through their diet and with supplements, were less likely to have a stroke over a 14-year period.

High blood pressure : People who do not get enough calcium may be at higher risk of elevated blood pressure (hypertension), and there is some mixed evidence that suggests increasing calcium levels may lower blood pressure slightly. Not all studies have found this benefit; and researchers are not sure whether it is the effects of a diet that includes low-fat dairy products (which contain calcium) that is responsible. More studies are needed before calcium supplements can be recommended for the treatment of hypertension in addition to standard blood pressure medication.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) : A smaller study suggested that calcium may help reduce menstrual pain.

Weight loss : Some studies have found that consuming low-fat dairy products may help you lose or maintain a proper weight. However, researchers are not sure whether the calcium in the dairy products affects weight, some other nutrient, or even a combination of nutrients.

High cholesterol : Preliminary studies suggest that calcium supplements may help to lower cholesterol slightly. From these studies, it appears that calcium supplements, along with exercise and proper diet, may be better at keeping cholesterol at normal levels than at lowering them once cholesterol is already high.

Rickets : Rickets causes softening and weakening of the bone in children. Although virtually eliminated in developed countries, it still occurs in many parts of the world. Researchers have thought that rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D; however, one study showed that calcium supplementation may be an effective treatment.

Deficiency

Postmenopausal women, people who consume large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or soda, and those who take corticosteroid medications may be at risk of calcium deficiency.

In addition, calcium deficiency can be found in people with malabsorption problems, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and surgical intestinal resection.

A long-lasting low calcium intake in growing individuals may prevent the attainment of optimal peak bone mass. Once peak bone mass is achieved, inadequate calcium intake may contribute to accelerated bone loss and ultimately to the development of osteoporosis.

Book an appointment Simply Ask