Calcium Deficiency in Women: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Calcium is an essential nutrient and its deficiency can lead to several health issues. It is vital for the survival of all living beings and is mostly stored in our teeth and bones. Calcium is mostly known for its significance in maintaining bone health. However, in addition to this, calcium also plays a significant role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, maintaining nerve function, and regulating heart rhythm.

Overview of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency can occur in anyone. However certain groups may be more prone to it. Calcium deficiency is usually more common in post-menopausal women. Also, people who are vegetarians, vegans or have dairy intolerance may be at risk of calcium deficiency.

Women over the age of 45 are often more prone to calcium deficiency because in their post-menopausal period the levels of oestrogen decrease in their body. Oestrogen in women plays a significant role in calcium metabolism. Oestrogen also promotes enzymes that create activated vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the body.

Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency

Several body functions may be affected as the calcium levels are lower in one’s body. Here are a few common symptoms of calcium deficiency in women:

• The most common fear associated with calcium deficiency in women is Osteoporosis. A person starts to lose bone strength and bone density if they have osteoporosis. Although symptoms of osteoporosis may not be caught early or until a person gets a fracture, a few common symptoms may be weak and brittle nails, weakened grip strength, and receding gums.
• Another common condition associated with calcium deficiency is Osteopenia. This condition is also related to bone density. It occurs when the bone density is lower than usual. Osteopenia does not cause any visible symptoms and can lead to osteoporosis in the long run.
• Lower than normal levels of calcium and/or Vitamin D can eventually lead to Calcium deficiency disease or Hypocalcemia. Common symptoms include weak and brittle nails, easily fractured bones, depression, muscle spasms, confusion, memory loss, muscle cramps, hallucination, numbness, and tingling in the hands, feet, and face.

Causes of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency can have several causes including the following:

• Lower levels of Oestrogen due to Menopause
• Genetic Factors
• Poor Calcium Intake
• Dairy Intolerance or Intolerance to Foods Rich in Calcium
• Lower Levels of Vitamin D
• Vegetarian or Vegan Diets low in Calcium
• Amenorrhea or the Absence of Menstruation

Diagnosis of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency in women can be diagnosed through a simple blood test. The physician will check the sample for calcium and albumin levels in the blood. In adults, normal calcium levels range from 8.8 to 10.4 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), Calcium levels lower than 8.8 mg/dL will be considered calcium deficiency.

Treatment of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency can be treated by taking calcium supplements prescribed by the doctor and also by including calcium-rich foods in one’s diet. Lifestyle changes can also improve calcium levels in the body, including eating a balanced diet, maintaining healthy body weight, exercising regularly, and restricting alcohol and tobacco intake.

Prevention for Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency can be prevented by taking a diet rich in calcium. However, it is important to note that calcium intake must be in moderation and extremely high levels of calcium can also be damaging to the body. Furthermore, foods rich in calcium like dairy products may also be rich in saturated fats and hence their intake must be carefully monitored. Women who are going through menopause should especially consult with their doctor to start taking calcium supplements suitable for them.

Many women go through lowering levels of calcium as they age. It is therefore extremely essential to be aware of the symptoms related to calcium deficiency. Moreover, maintaining a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle is another important step women must take to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Conclusion

It is a wise step to consult a nutritionist to know the calcium-rich foods suitable for your diet in addition to the supplements prescribed by them. Multivitamin supplements may not have all the calcium required for you and hence a good calcium supplement enriched with Vitamin D may be a necessary addition to women’s diet.