Although calcium is the body's most abundant mineral, many people still suffer from dietary deficiency. In developed countries, severe deficiency is uncommon. However, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, many people do not consume the recommended amount of calcium for optimal health benefit. Consult your doctor about increasing your calcium intake if you are concerned about deficiency.
Hypocalcemia
Severe calcium deficiency causes hypocalcemia, a condition that is especially common in patients who suffer from renal failure or those who use diuretic medications. Hypoparathyroidism, a disorder that affects thyroid hormone production, is the most common cause of hypocalcemia, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in the fingers, muscle cramps, convulsions, fatigue, decreased appetite, and abnormal heart rhythms. In very severe cases, hypocalcemia can result in death if medical help is not sought.
Rickets
Rickets is commonly associated with vitamin D deficiency. However, as noted by Medline Plus, rickets can also be related to inadequate calcium intake, although vitamin D is a more common cause in most developed countries. Rickets causes general weakening and softening of the bones, and is most commonly observed in babies ages 6 to 24 months, who experience rapid bone development. Rickets can also cause deformity of the teeth, bone pain, slow growth, short stature and skeletal abnormalities.
Accelerated Bone Loss
When combined with adequate phosphorus and vitamin D intake, calcium helps maintain bones and prevents bone loss that occurs with age. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, bone loss is of special concern in postmenopausal women, who experience higher decreases in calcium absorption than men. For this reason, health experts recommend that women take a calcium supplement throughout their adult life if they do not obtain enough from dietary sources.
Considerations
Some groups may be at higher risk for calcium deficiency than others. If you are lactose intolerant, you might not receive enough calcium from dairy foods. Vegans who avoid dairy foods and women who are in a state of amenorrhea, or absence of menstrual cycles, may also be at higher risk for calcium deficiency. However, unless you suspect a dietary deficiency, you probably don't need a supplement. Consult your doctor to discuss whether or not you should use a calcium supplement.
References
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calcium
- "Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition"; Sharon Rady Rolfes et al.; 2008
- "Dr. Jensen's Guide to Body Chemistry and Nutrition; Bernard Jensen; 2000
- The Cleveland Clinic: Hypocalcemia; Mario Skugor
- Medline Plus: Rickets
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