Calcium Deficiency Symptoms and Consequences
A calcium deficiency can lead to various symptoms and consequences, especially in specific groups such as women over 50, men over 70 and children.
Calcium deficiency symptoms
In older people, calcium is less well absorbed into the blood, which can lead to decalcification of the bones and therefore a higher risk of bone fractures. In women, this process of bone decalcification accelerates after menopause. Elderly people may also suffer from muscle cramps with calcium deficiency.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency may include brittle, thin and weak nails, muscle aches and cramps, aching or weaker bones, a greater risk of bone fractures, tingling or numbness in the mouth, fingers or toes, extreme fatigue and dry, itchy skin.
Children
In children, a daily calcium intake of less than 125 milligrams can lead to rickets, or English disease, in which bone formation is incomplete and skeletal deformation occurs. They may also suffer from muscle cramps. These conditions often result from too little vitamin D, which interferes with calcium absorption from the diet, even when the diet contains sufficient calcium.
Other consequences of calcium deficiency
Other consequences of calcium deficiency, regardless of age, are delayed blood clotting and, in cases of severe deficiency, muscle cramps. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalaxis, a softening of the bones, and in the elderly to osteoporosis, or osteoporosis.
How much Calcium per day do we need?
| Category/age | Daily recommendation calcium in milligrams |
|---|---|
| Children 6-11 months | 450 |
| Children 1-3 years | 500 |
| Children 4-8 years | 700 |
| Men 9-13 years | 1200 |
| Men 14-17 years | 1200 |
| Men 18-24 years | 1000 |
| Men 25-69 years | 950 |
| Men 70 years and older | 1200 |
| Women 9-13 years | 1100 |
| Women 14-17 years | 1100 |
| Women 18-24 years | 1000 |
| Women 25-50 years | 950 |
| Women 51-69 years | 1100 |
| Women 70 years and older | 1200 |
| Pregnant women 18-24 years | 1000 |
| Pregnant women 25 years and older up to week 20 | 950 |
| Pregnant women 25 years and older from week 20 | 1000 |
| When breastfeeding | 1000 |
Sources
When deficient, the body removes calcium from the bones, reducing bone density. Therefore, adequate calcium intake is essential. Calcium is mainly found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, but also in legumes, vegetables and nuts.
Those at risk for calcium deficiency may need to take extra calcium via a tablet. This is something to consult with a doctor. Calcium supplements often also contain other minerals such as magnesium or magnesium and zinc, because calcium works closely with these two minerals. Calcium also works together with vitamin D, which stimulates the absorption of calcium in the body.
If you think you may not be getting enough calcium, it is advisable to contact your family doctor. The family doctor can determine the calcium level in your blood by taking blood and, if necessary, investigate the cause of the calcium deficiency and/or prescribe calcium supplements.