Calcium deficiency occurs very slowly and it takes at least ten years or more if a small quantity of 100 mg calcium is lost daily.
Decreased intake, inadequate weight-bearing exercise, blood loss, menorrhagia, lead toxicity, and malabsorption all can lead to calcium deficiency.
Calcium protects the bones and teeth from lead by inhibiting absorption of this toxic metal. If there is a calcium deficiency, lead can be absorbed by the body and deposited in the teeth and bones.
A lack of calcium in adults may cause osteoporosis and osteomalacia and result in bone deformities, bone pain and fractures. Vitamin D is essential for proper calcium absorption and utilization. A lack of calcium can cause rickets in children.
Calcium deficiency can lead to the following problems: arching joints, brittle nails, eczema, elevated blood cholesterol, heart palpitation, insomnia, nervousness, numbness in the arms and/or legs, a pasty complexion, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets and tooth decay.
Other symptom related to a deficiency is tetany or other muscle spasms. They also occur in blood vessels and may lead to hypertension.
Defective absorption of calcium causes great changes in the cellular tissues of bone and muscles. Therefore, persons become fat without fitness. They look pale and listless, get tired and become lazy.
Deficiencies of calcium are also associated with cognitive impairment convulsions, depression, delusions and hyperactivity.
What happens to your body if you don't get enough calcium?
