What to do about calcium deficiency
Sep 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, calcium deficiency may be caused by insufficient dietary calcium intake, inadequate sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, hypoparathyroidism, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, or other methods under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, one should avoid excessive consumption of carbonated beverages and coffee to reduce calcium loss.
Generally, calcium deficiency may be caused by insufficient dietary calcium intake, inadequate sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, or hypoparathyroidism. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the underlying cause and improve the condition through general treatments, medications, and other methods under a physician's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Insufficient dietary calcium intake: Eating fewer calcium-rich foods such as milk and soy products in daily meals may result in inadequate calcium intake that fails to meet bodily needs. Adjust the diet by drinking 300 ml of milk daily and consuming more calcium-rich foods such as tofu, shrimp skins, and dark green vegetables to ensure daily calcium intake meets recommended standards.
2. Inadequate sun exposure: Prolonged indoor activities and insufficient sunlight exposure can reduce the body's synthesis of vitamin D, affecting calcium absorption. Spend 20–30 minutes outdoors each day during mild sunlight hours to allow skin exposure to sunlight, promoting vitamin D synthesis and enhancing calcium absorption.
3. Vitamin D deficiency: Insufficient intake or impaired synthesis of vitamin D can hinder calcium absorption, leading to calcium deficiency, which may be accompanied by fatigue and bone pain. Patients should follow medical advice to supplement vitamin D and calcium using medications such as vitamin D2 soft capsules, vitamin D3 drops, and calcium carbonate D3 tablets to improve absorption impairment.
4. Osteoporosis: Excessive bone loss and reduced bone formation lead to decreased bone density, representing a more severe state of calcium deficiency, with an increased risk of fractures. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as alendronate sodium tablets, calcium carbonate chewable tablets, and calcitriol capsules to inhibit bone loss and supplement calcium and active vitamin D.
5. Hypoparathyroidism: Insufficient secretion of parathyroid hormone leads to calcium and phosphorus metabolic disorders, causing hypocalcemia, often accompanied by hand and foot cramps and numbness. Patients should follow medical advice to rapidly supplement calcium and vitamin D through medications such as calcium gluconate injection, calcium chloride injection, and vitamin D2 injection.
In daily life, avoid excessive consumption of carbonated beverages and coffee to reduce calcium loss. Engage in moderate, gentle exercises such as walking and tai chi to strengthen bones. Regularly monitor blood calcium levels and adjust calcium supplementation plans according to test results, ensuring calcium intake matches bodily requirements.
