इस पृष्ठ को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें।
Calcium and Your Health
Calcium is a crucial mineral for your body, playing a vital role in various aspects of your health. The human body contains more than 1 percent calcium.
Calcium is essential not only for strong bones and teeth, but also for muscle function, the transmission of messages through nerves (nerve transmission), and blood-stopping activity (blood clotting). Your body relies on a steady supply of calcium for these vital functions.
Consequences of Low Calcium Diets
Diets low in calcium can lead to several health issues. Weak bones, muscle cramps, and dental problems are common consequences.
In addition, calcium deficiency can affect the following activities:
- the flow of messages through the nerves,
- heart and blood vessel health, and
- activity to stop bleeding (blood clotting).
Dietary Factors Contributing to Low Calcium
Several diets may unintentionally result in low calcium intake. Examples include: Vegan or dairy-free diets, some weight loss diets, and highly processed foods.
Health Problems That Can Cause Low Blood Calcium
Health problems such as hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, and malabsorption can cause low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia). Malabsorption is a disease in which the patient's small intestine cannot absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients into the bloodstream. Surgical removal of the parathyroid glands, magnesium deficiency, certain medications, and alkalosis (excess bicarbonate or lack of acids) can be additional factors for hypocalcemia.
Hypocalcemia Symptoms
Hypo means 'low' or 'deficiency'. HYPOcalcemia means low levels of calcium in the blood.
Symptoms of low blood calcium can include muscle pain, cramps, twitching, numbness, tingling1 sensation, and, in severe cases, seizures. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Hypercalcemia Symptoms
Hyper means 'excess'. HYPERcalcemia means high levels of calcium in the blood.
Some of the symptoms of excess calcium in the blood:
- Feeling really thirsty and having the desire to urinate frequently.
- Feeling very tired and weak.
- Stomach (tummy) problems such as vomiting, stomach pain, or difficulty with bowel movements.
- Getting kidney stones can cause severe pain in your back and around your ribs. You may have blood in your urine, or an infection may occur.
- Bones and muscles may be painful, feel weak, or even break.
- Feeling confused, having trouble remembering things, or concentrating.
- Heart might beat strangely (irregularly), causing chest pain. You may feel your heart beating fast.
Remember, hypercalcemia can be a serious problem, so if you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor.
Individuals with hypercalcemia should avoid calcium supplements, as additional calcium can worsen the condition.
⚠️ Warning : Who (else) should avoid calcium supplements?
If you have digestive problems, kidney stones, or a tendency to calcify your blood vessels, not just regular calcium carbonate , but other high-quality supplements may be harmful to you.
Excess calcium in the blood can cause it to get deposited in wrong places in the body, causing:
- the elasticity of the arteries may decrease,
- may increase cardiovascular risk,
- those who have had stones in the past may have an increased risk of developing stones again, and
- stomach problems can be even more serious, especially if you already have a condition such as leaky gut (tiny holes in the lining of the digestive tract that allow unwanted substances to pass into the bloodstream) or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
These risks are particularly serious when calcium carbonate is taken in large amounts or for a long time as a calcium supplement, since it has low bioavailability and is not as well absorbed from the gut.
So do not take calcium supplements in such cases without consulting a doctor . Alternatively, forms that are easily absorbed by the body, such as calcium citrate or orotate , may be safer — but take them too only after proper medical advice .
Some medications may interact with calcium supplements, such as some antibiotics, diuretics, and some drugs used to treat osteoporosis. Consult a health provider before starting any new supplements, especially if you are taking other medications.
Who should use calcium supplements cautiously?
- People with hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, certain cancers, or kidney problems should consult their health provider before taking calcium supplements.
- Some digestive tract conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can impede adequate absorption of calcium. In such cases, you should consult your health provider to determine the correct amount and type of calcium supplement to take.
Anyone considering calcium supplementation should discuss it with their health provider to determine if it is appropriate for their individual health needs and circumstances.
Who Should Ask For Calcium Supplements?
Many people can safely take calcium supplements, especially those who cannot meet their calcium needs through diet alone or who have health conditions that can cause calcium deficiency.
Some people who may benefit from calcium supplements include:
- Postmenopausal women: Women who have gone through menopause often experience bone loss and may benefit from calcium supplements to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Elderly individuals: Older adults may have difficulty absorbing calcium from their diet or may not consume enough calcium-rich foods, putting them at risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Calcium supplements can help maintain bone health in this population.
- People with lactose intolerance or milk allergy: Calcium supplements can provide an alternative source of calcium for individuals who cannot consume dairy products.
- Individuals with certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, hypoparathyroidism, and malabsorption syndromes, increase the risk of calcium deficiency and may require supplementation under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased calcium needs to support the growth and development of the fetus and infant. Calcium supplements may be recommended to ensure adequate intake during these periods.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting calcium supplements, especially if you suffer from any health problems or are taking medications that may interact with calcium. Also, calcium supplements should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to bone health that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and necessary lifestyle changes.
Calcium Orotate as a Supplement
Some experts believe that calcium orotate is a form of calcium that is more bioavailable (meaning it can be absorbed by the body in greater quantities) because of its molecular structure. Such highly bioavailable ingredients are those that can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestines. Calcium orotate contains orotic acid. Calcium orotate is considered an effective supplement for treating calcium deficiency. However, individual responses may vary to different calcium forms.
Conclusion
Ensuring an adequate supply of calcium through a balanced diet and, if necessary, the use of supplements (supplementation) is important for overall health. If you have doubts about your calcium levels, consult a health advisor for proper management.
Tingling , numbness and dull heaviness are often described by Marathi speaking patients as 'Mondra'.
🔖 References (Endnotes):
-
National Institutes of Health – Consumer Guide – Precautions for Calcium Supplements:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/ -
Harvard University, Nutrition Source – Calcium Sources and Balance:
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium/ -
National Institutes of Health – Detailed information on calcium:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
Nutrients and exercise are important not only for the physical health but also for the mental health. Things that are good for our heart/body are also good for our brain!
Please refrain from regarding the information provided here as authoritative or final. It's advisable to cross-reference this content with other sources for accuracy.
First draft of this document was uploaded On: Dec 2023.
First revision in: April 2024.
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