Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms. Calcium plays an essential role in our body, and its deficiency can cause numerous health problems. Let's explore together. The bone tissue is made up of 30% organic substances , in particular proteins such as collagen, and the remaining 70% of mineral substances, almost entirely of calcium . In fact, almost 99% of the calcium present in our body is deposited in the bones , which is why a deficiency of this mineral results in problems related to the health of our skeleton, such as osteoporosis for example. How is a calcium deficiency recognized and why is it so important to absorb the right dose to avoid even disabling problems, especially in adulthood. Let's find out.
Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms |
What Is Calcium For In Our Body
Calcium is the most present and most important mineral in our body , and plays an essential role in many processes , not only in bone health and maintenance.In fact, the concentration of calcium in both intra and extra-cellular liquid must be kept within certain very precise limits, due to the importance of calcium ions in many cellular functions, including:
- Cell division;
- Cell adhesion;
- Integrity of the plasma membrane;
- Secretion of proteins;
- Muscle contraction;
- Neuronal excitability;
- Glycogen metabolism;
- Intracytoplasmic proteolytic activities;
- Coagulation and other plasma proteolytic activities;
- Regulation of the activity of enzymes in interstitial fluids.
Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms Absorption And Availability
We have already explained that about 99% of the calcium present in our body is stored in the bones , contributing to their stability, but we have also pointed out the role of this mineral in processes of fundamental importance. So what happens?Every day, through our diet, we take in a certain amount of calcium depositing it in the bones , which act as a bank to which we turn to make withdrawals. A portion of this calcium reserve is, however, eliminated through the manure , then the urine and feces, this means that every day we must ensure that we take the right amount of calcium to avoid Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms.
Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms Keep Ourselves Within Certain Levels.
A part of the calcium taken is used by the bones, a part flows into both intra- and extra-cellular liquid, and another part, quite substantial, is eliminated from our organism together with other substances. Maintaining the right calcium concentration levels , as you can guess, is not that easy.Let's see together what these right quantities are.
Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms Average Requirement and Recommended Intake
To avoid Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms calcium requirements vary according to two components, age and gender . On average, a higher concentration is required in the period of puberty and adolescence - the so-called Peak of Bone Mass is reached around the age of 20 - in subjects over 60 and in women in menopause.Also See: What Is the Importance Of Folic Acid
Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms How to Recognize It
Up to now we have focused on the role that calcium plays in our body and what are the levels to be taken daily to avoid problems. But in the event of a Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms, what happens? How can we be aware that we have a Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms in this mineral? If the Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms is temporary, it may not manifest itself in any way, but when it lasts for long periods of time it can present several symptoms:- Dry, Flaky Skin
- Brittle Nails
- Thick Hair
- Muscle Cramps Involving The Back And Legs
- Tingling
- Muscle Aches
- Spasms Of The Throat Muscles, With Possible Difficulty In Breathing
- Stiffening And Spasms Of The Muscles
- Convulsions
- Changes In Heart Rhythm.
- Confusion;
- Memory loss;
- Delirium;
- Depression;
- Hallucinations.
Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms Cause
The levels of calcium in our body vary, as already mentioned before, according to age and sex. In fact, during puberty and adolescence, we have a higher average requirement; the same is true for the elderly and menopausal women, a time characterized by rapid bone loss.Furthermore, Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms in old age intestines absorb calcium less efficiently and the kidneys may lose more, so we need to maintain a high calcium intake. In addition to these physiological conditions, there are some conditions and / or behaviors that can cause a calcium deficiency:
- Low levels of vitamin D, especially in elderly people
- Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol ;
- Excessive consumption of salt . The use of table salt and foods rich in sodium increases the loss of calcium in the urine;
- Excessive consumption of protein. A high amount of protein increases the elimination of calcium in the urine;
- Diet rich in whole or high-fiber foods , which can reduce calcium absorption
- Diets rich in phytates or oxalates. Phytates, which we can find in some cereals and bran, for example, can reduce the absorption of calcium from other foods we eat at the same time, while oxalates, found mainly in vegetables such as spinach and beetroot, only reduce calcium. absorbed by the foods in which they are present;
- Some drugs , such as corticosteroids, which are taken for a long time;
- Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease and kidney disease .
Also See: Side Effects Of Folic Acid Deficiency
Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms Presence What To Do
If Calcium Deficiency Disease Symptoms are found, the first thing to do is to contact your doctor , who will be able to indicate the correct therapeutic path to follow.Generally, there are two aspects that can be worked on:
- Eat a diet richer in calcium (but don't overdo it)
- Evaluate the intake - always and only on medical prescription - of a calcium supplement and, especially when elderly, of vitamin D (only if an objective deficiency of the latter is detected)
- Calcium is notoriously present to a greater extent in dairy products , which is why its consumption is recommended. Aged cheeses , such as Parmesan, contain more of it than fresh cheeses. It would be advisable to consume at least three servings of dairy products a day , such as a cup of milk for breakfast, a jar of yogurt as a snack and a piece of cheese during the main meals.
- Those suffering from lactose intolerance can consume yogurt or cheeses such as Parmesan . Those who are allergic, on the other hand, must evaluate alternatives by consulting with their nutritionist, for example Tofu.
- A lot of calcium is concentrated in fish, especially blue fish, octopuses, squid, shrimp, but also in fish bones, especially salmon and sardines.
- Add milk to soups and stews, or use yogurt in salads and desserts.
- Consume many green vegetables daily, such as rocket, kale, turnip greens, broccoli, artichokes, spinach, and thistles.
- Consume legumes, especially chickpeas, lentils, cannellini beans, borlotti beans and black eye.
- Dried fruit, in measured quantities because it is very caloric.
- A good orange juice , in addition to lots of vitamin C, potassium and beta carotene, can provide us with the right amount of calcium.
- Consider consuming products with added calcium, such as some breakfast cereals, breads, and fruit juices, which can help you consume them.
For this reason, the intervention of a doctor and a nutritionist is essential, in order to have a diet and a therapeutic path to follow tailored to your needs.
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