Calcium Deficiency: Risk Factors and Consequences
Calcium deficiency is a growing problem in the United States, and an estimated seventy-five percent of Americans do not get enough calcium through diet alone. Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the human body, is stored mainly in the teeth and bones. Without the necessary intake of calcium, bones become weaker and develop tiny holes, leading to osteoporosis. In addition to being necessary for bone and tooth health, calcium is also important for proper muscle contraction, hormone and enzyme secretion, and central nervous system function.
According to a clinical trial published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, adequate calcium intake through diet or supplementation helped prevent the recurrence of polyps in the colon. These polyps have been associated with an increased risk of invasive colon cancer. Calcium deficiency has also been linked to an increased risk of hypertension, which affects an estimated fifty million Americans and can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Those most at risk for developing a calcium deficiency include postmenopausal women, strict vegetarians, and those who cannot tolerate dairy products because of lactose intolerance or an allergy to milk products. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also take a daily calcium supplement due to higher calcium requirements. Regular drinkers and alcoholics are at greater risk of calcium deficiency as most are deficient in vitamin D, a key component in the absorption of calcium.
In order for calcium to be absorbed properly, it must be combined with a number of other nutrients, including magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and phosphorous. Any condition that results in ineffective absorption of one of these vitamins or minerals may also lead to a calcium deficiency. High protein diets can also impair the body’s ability to absorb adequate calcium, as large amounts of protein promote the loss of calcium through the urine.
Calcium Deficiency Results in Serious Health Risks
In addition to the increased risk of bone fractures and Osteoporosis, calcium deficiency can cause muscle cramps and spasms, hair loss, dry skin and nails, numbness and tingling in the mouth or fingers, headaches, yeast infections, and nausea. Anxiety and seizures can also be a symptom of low calcium levels.
When diet is not sufficient to meet calcium needs, a daily supplement of calcium is recommended. Because the body is only able to metabolize approximately 500 milligrams of calcium at one time, calcium supplements should be taken either between meals or along with foods that do not contain calcium. Prevention of calcium deficiency is vital to maintaining good health and bone strength.
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Calcium is one of the most important minerals when it comes to maintaining good health and strong bones. Calcium needs vary depending on many factors, including age, gender, medical history, and overall health. A deficiency in calcium can lead to a number of health problems, and can be caused by many different factors.
The dangers of early age bone loss are often overlooked, and bone loss is generally attributed to post-menopausal women. From childhood until around the age of 35 years, the body is continuously adding on layers of new bone cells and increasing bone density. However, there are several factors that can lead to a decrease in bone density that begin in or near childhood and can continue through adulthood.
Despite the fact that calcium is readily available in a variety of foods and in supplement form, many people put their health at risk by eating a low calcium diet. Work, school obligations, and personal responsibilities are extremely time-consuming, which means many families do not have the time or inclination to buy and prepare the range of healthy foods necessary to ensure adequate calcium intake. Dieters tend to cut dairy - the foods highest in calcium - out of their daily menu.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.