What is Calcium Deficiency (Alimentary Calcium Deficiency)?
Calcium is not only a structural material for bones and teeth (approximately 99% of the total calcium content in the body is located in the bones of the skeleton), but also affects the permeability of cell membranes, participates in the differentiation of cells, peristalsis, has an anti-inflammatory and desensitizing effect, participates in processes excitation of the nervous system, muscle contraction, activates many enzymes and hormones.
Causes of Calcium Deficiency (Alimentary Calcium Deficiency)
Calcium deficiency can also be associated with the use of medications – antitumor and anticonvulsants.
Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency (Alimentary Calcium Deficiency)
Calcium deficiency or hypocalcemia is a symptom of the following diseases:
- rickets (vitamin D deficiency)
- osteoporosis
- osteomalacia
- decreased thyroid function
- chronic renal failure
- magnesium deficiency
- pancreatitis
- obstructive jaundice, liver failure
- cachexia.
When calcium deficiency is observed: general weakness, increased fatigue, muscle cramps, bone pain, gait disturbance, growth process disturbances, hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, vertebral deformity, bone fractures, urolithiasis, immunity disorders, decreased blood coagulability, bleeding.
Calcium deficiency in children
Especially dangerous is the lack of calcium in children. The normal intake of this element ensures the normal growth and development of not only the bones, but also the whole organism. Calcium deficiency at an early age can lead to diseases such as multiple sclerosis in more mature years.
A lack of calcium in children causes a violation of the formation of bones, teeth, pathological changes in the lens of the eye, nervous disorders, excitability, convulsions. One of the most dangerous phenomena caused by a lack of calcium in children is poor blood clotting.
Children are mobile and restless, often get minor injuries and cuts, and poor coagulation in this case can be fatal.
Treatment for Calcium Deficiency (Alimentary Calcium Deficiency)
First of all, you need to choose a good vitamin complex with a calcium content and the elements accompanying its absorption. So, for example, calcium is poorly absorbed without vitamin D, this must be taken into account when choosing vitamins for both adults and children. Together with calcium, we need phosphorus – it is it, together with calcium, that is deposited in the bones and strengthens them. If a lack of calcium has led to inflammatory diseases, you need to add magnesium.
If you decide to make up for calcium deficiency, you must pay attention to foods containing calcium.
What foods contain calcium
First of all, these are, of course, milk and dairy products: kefir, cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt. They should be consumed daily for symptoms of calcium deficiency, as well as the three main groups of people most affected by hypocalcemia: children, pregnant women, the elderly.
Fish products also contain a lot of calcium. With a lack of calcium in the body, pay attention to salmon meat, sardines are also rich in it.
And of course, calcium is found in plant foods, especially salad vegetables (celery, cabbage, leaf lettuce) and herbs. Various seeds and nuts are rich in them. Eggs are a good source of calcium.
However, if you intend to make up for the lack of calcium with foods, you should definitely pay attention to some factors that interfere with the absorption of this substance.
First of all, it’s fat. If we are talking about a lack of calcium in children, then we need to especially monitor this, since fat forms insoluble compounds with calcium, which are not absorbed by the intestines. Adults should know that the higher the fat content of calcium-containing foods, the less calcium in them.
It should also be noted that some substances contribute to the very rapid removal of calcium from the body. If you like carbonated drinks, such as Coca-Cola, some foods alone will not be enough to make up for the calcium deficiency. The fact is that this drink contains substances that remove calcium along with urine.
Kids are also not recommended acidic foods, foods that contain a lot of fiber, chocolate – they all interfere with the absorption of calcium and can provoke a lack of calcium in children.
From the foregoing, it is clear that in order to compensate for the lack of calcium, a reasonable diet based on foods that contain calcium, good vitamins and a restriction in the use of certain foods that interfere with the digestibility of this substance are necessary.
In order to make up for the lack of calcium in infants, a nursing mother must follow a diet. Thus, she will not only protect the child from deficiency, but also make up for her own losses associated with pregnancy.
If you notice any symptoms of a lack of calcium in the body, it is best to consult a doctor. He will help you choose the right diet and prescribe additional calcium supplements. With self-treatment, an excess of calcium is possible, which is also dangerous for the body.