Calcium Deficiency: Symptoms & Treatment

A calcium deficiency can have various causes and show up through numerous symptoms — here is an overview of how hypocalcemia develops, how to recognise it and how it is treated.

A deficiency of calcium can have various causes and manifest itself with numerous symptoms. In the worst case, a calcium deficiency can even be life-threatening. In order to avoid health consequences, the deficiency — also known as hypocalcemia — should be treated promptly. In many cases, taking a correctly dosed calcium supplement is necessary.

Calcium deficiency at a glance

• In addition to an insufficient intake, diseases and medications as well as a vitamin D deficiency can also trigger hypocalcemia.
• Typical symptoms of a calcium deficiency are dry skin, brittle nails and muscle cramps in the back and legs.
• Persistent calcium deficiency can significantly increase the risk of developing osteoporosis and tooth decay.
• Mild deficiency symptoms can often be remedied by a targeted increase in calcium intake through the diet.
• Depending on the severity, treatment may require oral or intravenous calcium supplementation.

What triggers calcium deficiency?

A deficiency occurs when you do not absorb enough calcium or when the body cannot retain the mineral. Both can have different causes.

• Diet: Adolescents and adults have a daily calcium requirement of 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams, depending on their age. In particular, female adolescents and older adults often fail to meet the recommended daily calcium intake through their diets.
• Diseases: Chronic intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease can impair the absorption in the intestines. Kidney dysfunction, on the other hand, can lead to increased excretion.
• Medications: Various drugs can affect calcium metabolism and promote deficiency. These include, for example, certain antibiotics, antiepileptic drugs, and corticosteroids.
• Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D ensures, among other things, that the body can absorb calcium from food. Therefore, a vitamin D deficiency can cause a lack of calcium, among other problems.
• Hormonal disorders: Too little production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) leads to low calcium levels and too high levels of phosphate in the blood.

How do you know if you have a calcium deficiency?

A slightly reduced calcium level usually causes no symptoms in the short term. A persistent deficiency, on the other hand, can cause a variety of symptoms.

Possible deficiency symptoms are, for example:

• Dry and flaky skin
• Brittle nails
• Brittle or straw-like hair
• Tingling around the mouth
• Tingling hands and feet
• Muscle cramps in the back and legs
• Confusion
• Depressive mood

Consequences of a permanent undersupply

Calcium plays a role in processes such as blood clotting and energy metabolism. It is also indispensable for tooth and bone mineralization. The body also depends on maintaining a relatively constant calcium level in the blood. If there is an insufficient external supply, the body mobilizes more calcium from the bones.

In the long run, the deficiency therefore impairs the stability of the bones and teeth. This promotes the development of tooth decay and osteoporosis. In children, a pronounced deficiency can lead to rickets, impaired growth, and delayed tooth development.

How is a calcium deficiency diagnosed?

In addition to observable symptoms, measuring blood calcium levels helps diagnose a deficiency. Normal calcium levels in adults range from 2.2 to 2.65 millimoles per liter. If the values fall below the normal range, this is a clear sign of calcium deficiency. If levels are higher, this may indicate an excess of calcium known as hypercalcemia.

What to do about calcium deficiency?

For mild deficiencies, increasing your intake of calcium-rich foods may be sufficient. These include milk and dairy products, legumes, nuts, and leafy green vegetables such as kale.

However, taking an oral calcium supplement is often necessary to address deficiency symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous administration of calcium may be required.

How can hypocalcemia be prevented?

To prevent calcium deficiency, an adequate calcium intake through the diet is essential. It is also important to keep an eye on vitamin D levels. Since the body produces this vitamin with the help of sunlight, sufficient sun exposure is often lacking — especially during the winter months.

It is also important to treat underlying diseases early on, as they may increase the risk of deficiency. The success of treatment and what it entails naturally depends on the specific underlying condition.

What deprives the body of calcium?

Certain substances in food can impair calcium absorption or prevent its incorporation into bones. These “calcium robbers” include phosphate, phytates, and oxalic acid.

It is inevitable that these substances are consumed with food. At least phosphate is even very important for the body and also contributes to bone stability. It only becomes problematic if one or more calcium robbers are consumed regularly in excessive amounts.

When does it make sense to use a calcium supplement?

Dietary supplements are not strictly necessary to meet calcium requirements. Nevertheless, they can be useful in many situations. They help to correct a deficiency caused by illness or inadequate nutrition. For individuals with osteoporosis, additional calcium intake is recommended as part of standard therapy if the daily target of 1,000 milligrams cannot be met through diet alone.

Since excessive calcium intake can cause adverse health effects, individually tailored dosage adjustments are essential.

Important to know

If you are not a healthcare professional and experience symptoms, have existing health conditions, or suspect a deficiency, consult a physician.