Numerous factors can cause calcium deposits. According to Sclero.org, calcium deposits, or calcinosis, occurs when small white calcium lumps form under the skin of your fingers, near your joints -- such as your elbows and knees -- or within your organs. In some cases, the calcium lumps can break through your skin and leak a chalky white fluid. Calcninosis ranges from one small deposit to large and painful clusters. Along with the scleroderma, lupus and dermatomyositis, certain nutritional deficiencies may cause calcinosis.
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency may cause calcium deposits. According to the MedlinePlus website, magnesium is an essential mineral for human health and nutrition. Magnesium helps with many important functions in your body, including muscle contraction and relaxation, enzyme activity, production and transport of energy and protein production. Magnesium is found in many types of food, including green, leafy vegetables, certain fruits, nuts, peas and beans, seeds, soy products and whole grains. Magnesium deficiency may occur if you abuse alcohol or have a malabsorption syndrome that prevents utilization of the magnesium found in food. Common signs and symptoms associated with a magnesium deficiency include calcium deposits, loss of appetite, confusion, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, muscle twitching, poor memory, decreased ability to learn and rapid heartbeat.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency may cause calcium deposits. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in your body's fat tissue and liver. Vitamin K performs many important functions in your body, including helping blood coagulate, or clot, properly. Vitamin K is also important for bone health. According to the UMMC, although it is rare to have a vitamin K deficiency, malabsorption syndromes, liver disease, blood-thinning medications, continuing hemodialysis and severe burns can cause a deficiency of this vitamin. Common signs and symptoms associated with vitamin K deficiency include calcium deposits, increased bruising and bleeding and decreased bone mineral density. The UMMC states that beef liver, green tea, turnip greens, broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, asparagus and dark green lettuce are foods that contain a significant amount of vitamin K.
Calcium Deficiency
Decreased blood calcium levels, also called hypocalcemia, can cause calcium deposits in your body. According to the Cleveland Clinic -- one of the top four hospitals in the United States -- hypocalcemia ranges from an asymptomatic biochemical phenomenon to a life-threatening condition, based on its severity, duration and speed of development. Hypocalcemia is caused by two principle factors: insufficient entry of calcium into your circulation or loss of calcium from your circulation. Common signs and symptoms associated with hypocalcemia include seizures, dementia, anxiety, depression, muscle stiffness and spasms, congestive heart failure and cataracts. In some cases, states the Cleveland Clinic, if you have hypocalcemia and are being treated by oral calcium administration and vitamin D supplementation, you may develop nephrocalcinosis, or excess calcium deposited in your kidneys.
