What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency in adults?
Disease description:
Recently, I've been feeling like something is not quite right with my body. Sometimes my legs suddenly cramp up, especially when I'm sleeping at night, and the pain from the cramp is really uncomfortable. Also, my teeth seem to have become somewhat sensitive, causing discomfort when eating hot or cold foods. Could it be that I'm actually lacking calcium? What are the signs of calcium deficiency in adults?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The symptoms of calcium deficiency in adults are mainly manifested in the following aspects:
1. Nervous and muscular system: Increased neuromuscular excitability may lead to symptoms such as numbness in hands and feet, muscle spasms, and tetany. These symptoms are particularly evident after exposure to cold or fatigue, such as leg cramps at night. In severe cases, it may also affect heart function, causing arrhythmias, such as conduction block or ventricular fibrillation.
2. Dental problems: Calcium is an essential component of teeth. Calcium deficiency may lead to tooth fragility, increased susceptibility to cavities, or loose teeth.
3. Skin: Adults with calcium deficiency may also experience dry, flaky, inelastic skin with a dull complexion, itching, and sparse hair.
4. Bones: Calcium deficiency leads to bone loss, which can result in osteoporosis, manifested as generalized bone pain, skeletal deformities, and kyphosis (hunchback). In severe cases of osteoporosis, the bones' resistance to compression weakens, making fractures more likely, especially in common fracture sites such as the spine, hip joint, and wrist.
In daily life, calcium deficiency can be prevented through a balanced diet, increased intake of calcium-rich foods, adequate sun exposure, and appropriate physical activity.
