Key Points at a Glance
- No other mineral is found in the body in such large quantities as calcium.
- The body needs one gram of calcium every day, which we must obtain through our diet.
- In total, we have about 1,200 grams of calcium in our bodies, and almost all of it is found in our bones.
- However, this mineral is essential for a wide range of bodily functions.
The human body is a true marvel, but even it has its limits—especially when it comes to regulating its own mineral levels. In other words: The body is unable to produce most minerals—including calcium —on its own; we must obtain them through food or dietary supplements.
Calcium is abundant in many plant-based foods, such as broccoli and spinach, but animal products—especially milk and dairy products—also contain this mineral. And let’s not forget: mineral water is also quite rich in calcium.
What causes calcium deficiency?
It’s impossible to imagine healthy bones and teeth without a balanced calcium level, but more on that later. First, let’s look at what can actually lead to a calcium deficiency. There are several factors to consider, including specific physical circumstances such as childhood and puberty (bone growth), menopause, breastfeeding, or pregnancy; thyroid and kidney disorders; pancreatitis; hormonal imbalances; certain medications; digestive problems; and more:
- a phosphate level that is too high
- A deficiency in magnesium, vitamin C, or vitamin D
- too much alcohol or caffeine
- a diet low in calcium
- Competitive Sports
In addition, the body may have impaired ability to absorb or utilize calcium.
Signs of Calcium Deficiency: The Symptoms
Studies show that men get only about two-thirds of their daily calcium requirement from food—and women even less. Only one in two Central Europeans meets their calcium needs through food. However, because calcium is important for a wide range of bodily functions, there are also a large number of symptoms that can indicate a calcium deficiency. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean you have a calcium deficiency. However, the more symptoms that occur simultaneously, the greater the likelihood. Signs may include:
- brittle hair and nails, as well as changes in the skin
- Muscle cramps or tremors
- Digestive, heart, or circulatory problems
- Inflamed gums and tooth decay
- mental disorders
- Problems with bone metabolism
- Cataract
- Rickets and Osteoporosis
Of course, it depends on how long you've been getting too little calcium and how severe the deficiency actually is.
Vitamin D – A Cause of Calcium Deficiency
It is entirely possible to consume enough calcium and still suffer from a calcium deficiency. A vitamin D deficiency is often to blame. This is because the intestines are where the body extracts the necessary calcium from food, and vitamin D is especially important in this process because it promotes calcium absorption in the small intestine and also ensures that the bones absorb the mineral. Eggs, mushrooms, and fish are valuable sources of vitamin D.
