What symptoms can be caused by calcium deficiency?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been feeling that something is not quite right with my body. My legs cramp up from time to time, and I don't sleep well at night. I suspect I might be lacking calcium. What symptoms can a calcium deficiency cause?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Calcium deficiency is a nutritional condition caused by insufficient intake or poor absorption of calcium in the body. Calcium is a primary component of bones and teeth and also plays important roles in physiological processes such as nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and blood coagulation.
Below are some symptoms that may occur with calcium deficiency:
1. Bone and dental problems: Long-term calcium deficiency in children can lead to growth and development delays and rickets. Adults may develop osteoporosis, characterized by bone pain and increased risk of fractures. Teeth may also become fragile and prone to cavities due to calcium deficiency.
2. Neurological symptoms: Calcium is involved in nerve signal transmission. Deficiency may increase nerve excitability, causing symptoms such as muscle twitching and tetany (involuntary muscle contractions of the hands and feet). Additionally, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression may also occur.
3. Cardiovascular effects: Calcium is crucial for maintaining normal myocardial function. Calcium deficiency may affect heart rhythm, leading to arrhythmias. Research suggests that low-calcium diets are associated with an increased risk of hypertension.
4. Calcium deficiency in children: Symptoms may include frequent night waking, loss of appetite, picky eating, excessive sweating, irritability, delayed intellectual development, pigeon chest (protrusion of the chest bone), and chest pain.
5. Calcium deficiency in adolescents: Symptoms may include muscle cramps, leg pain, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
6. Calcium deficiency in pregnant women: Symptoms may include weakness in the limbs, leg cramps, and lower back pain.
