Sides Effects From A Lack Of Calcium

Calcium helps form and maintain bones, muscles and teeth. It also helps the nerves send messages to other body parts to move those muscles. Calcium helps transport blood through the body and releases hormones and enzymes, substances that stimulate chemical activity that is responsible for every bodily function. Calcium deficiency causes serious health problems in the growth, development and upkeep of the body.

About Calcium Deficiency

Your calcium needs depend on your age and sex. Babies require the smallest amount, 200 mg a day. Children between ages 9 and 18 and pregnant or breast-feeding teenagers require the largest amount, which is 1,300 mg. Practically all of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth. When the required amounts are always lacking over an extended time period, a deficiency develops. A deficiency causes the body to take it from the bones, teeth and muscles, causing various forms of weaknesses.

Effects on Bones and Teeth

Calcium deficiency causes bone softening diseases such as osteoporosis, rickets, and tooth decay. Osteoporosis is the gradual weakening of the bones, causing posture changes and a higher risk of fractures. Rickets is a bone-softening disease in children that leads to deformities. Rickets is caused by a vitamin D deficiency, but the body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Nervousness, numbness in the arms and legs, and muscle cramps are early signs of rickets. Left untreated, the child could develop bow legs, scoliosis or curvature of the spine, a narrow rib cage, a prominent breastbone or growths at the ends of the ribs. Babies who have rickets may be delayed in walking. Calcium protects the bones and teeth from absorbing lead. Calcium deficiency removes that protection and could lead to tooth decay.

Effects on Muscles

Calcium deficiency causes muscle cramps, often referred to as charlie horses, joint pain, and convulsions or involuntary muscle contractions. All of these conditions are forms of abnormal muscle contractions. Normally, a muscle contracts, then stretches out. When the muscle cramps, it does not stretch out, causing pain. Bone disorders put pressure on joint muscles, causing swelling and pain. The heart depends on calcium to regulate the beat, and a calcium deficiency can cause heart palpitations are irregular heartbeats. Severe and untreated heart palpitations can lead to death.

Effects on Blood

Because of its role in the movement of blood, calcium deficiency can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol. Blood pressure levels depend upon the heart rate, blood flow and blood volume. Certain hormones control these bodily processes, and these hormones rely on calcium. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream and is essential for the making of sex hormones and proper brain and nerve function. Calcium's presence in the bloodstream affects how well cholesterol moves. If there is too much in the blood, cholesterol becomes high. Also, messages from the nervous system to the brain can become tainted with nervousness, insomnia, depression and confusion.

Causes Calcium Deficiency

Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," advises against diets high in protein, fat and sugar, as they deplete calcium. Some medications may also prevent calcium absorption, including heart, thyroid, and blood pressure medicines, anticonvulsants, steroids, phenobarbital and diuretics, which can cause a deficiency. Consult your doctor before taking a calcium supplement.