All you need to know- Calcium

What is calcium and its role in the body?
Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, is found in some foods, added to others, present in some medicines, and available as a dietary supplement.
Calcium is a mineral that the body needs to build strong bones and teeth.
Calcium allows blood to clot normally, muscles and nerves to function properly, and the heart to beat normally. 

Sources of Calcium
Calcium is widely available in many foods, not just milk and other dairy foods. Fruits, leafy greens, beans, nuts, and some starchy vegetables are good sources.
These foods include, dairy milk and fortified dairy substitutes like almond milk/ soy milk, cheeses, curd and yogurt, pumpkin, almonds, salmon with bones, sardines, green leafy vegetables like mustard leaves, spinach leaves kale etc. 

Recommended Dietary Allowance​ 

Calcium Deficiency
The deficiency of calcium in the body is called Hypocalcemia. Many people are at an increased risk for calcium deficiency as they age. This deficiency may be due to a variety of factors, including:
*poor calcium intake over a long period of time, especially in childhood
*medications that may decrease calcium absorption
*dietary intolerance to foods rich in calcium
*hormonal changes, especially in women
*certain genetic factors
It’s important to ensure proper calcium intake at all ages.

Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency
Hypocalcemia may cause symptoms such as the following:
*Sensations of numbness or tingling
*Muscle cramps, spasms, or weakness
*Dry skin or other skin issues
*Brittle nails
*Difficulty swallowing
*Shortness of breath and wheezing
*Seizures
*Heart rhythm problems
*Cardiomyopathy
*Fatigue
*Mental disturbances such as anxiety and confusion
*If your calcium is only a little low, you might not notice any symptoms from hypocalcemia. 
*You are also less likely to experience symptoms if your calcium has been gradually lowered over time.
*However, not everyone will experience all the above symptoms.
*Sometimes these symptoms are relatively mild, but in other situations they may cause life-threatening problems. 

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Screening for Calcium Deficiency
*Various signs and symptoms might make your doctor suspect hypocalcemia. They will take a full medical history and ask you about your recent symptoms. 
*Definitive diagnosis of hypocalcemia requires a blood test for calcium.
*Calcium is usually first assessed through a total calcium blood test. 

Normal Values
Normal range: 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.2 to 2.7 mmol/L approx.)
Hypocalcemia: Below 8.5 mg/dL (Below 2.2 mmol/L approx.)
Hypercalcemia: Above 10.5 mg/dL (Above 2.7 mmol/L approx.) Hypocalcemia or low blood calcium is indicated if calcium concentration lies below the normal range.​Hypercalcemia or high blood calcium is indicated if calcium concentration lies above the normal range.​
Speaking to your doctor will help you understand your report better and he will set up a treatment plan ideal for you. ​

Risk Factors for Calcium Deficiency
People with a vitamin D or magnesium deficiency are at risk of hypocalcemia. Other risk factors include:
*a history of gastrointestinal disorders
*pancreatitis
*kidney failure
*liver failure
*anxiety disorders
Newborn babies are at risk because their bodies aren’t fully developed. 

Complications of Hypocalcemia
Complications from calcium deficiency disease include eye damage, an abnormal heartbeat, and osteoporosis.
Complications from osteoporosis include:
*disability
*spinal fractures or other bone fractures
*difficulty walking
If left untreated, calcium deficiency disease could eventually be fatal.

Treatment of Calcium Deficiency
*The safest and easiest way to treat or prevent a calcium deficiency is to add more calcium to the diet.
*Calcium supplements can also help treat hypocalcemia. Before taking calcium supplements, talk to a doctor. 
*Taking in too much calcium, an issue called hypercalcemia, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, and other serious health problems.
*Sometimes diet changes and supplements aren’t enough to treat a calcium deficiency. In this case, your doctor may want to regulate your calcium levels by giving you regular calcium injections.
*You can expect to see results within the first few weeks of treatment. Severe cases of calcium deficiency disease will be monitored at one- to three-month intervals.