Calcium Deficiency Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Health Insurance

Read on to know about calcium deficiency diseases and the benefits of a health insurance plan for the treatment of calcium deficiency-related diseases.
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3 min
05-March-2024

Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting various bodily functions such as muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Calcium deficiency can lead to various health problems, highlighting the importance of understanding its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and the role of health insurance in managing related diseases.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the health issues that may arise due to calcium deficiency and how a health insurance plan can be beneficial to deal with the treatment expenses related to such illnesses.

What is calcium deficiency disease?

Calcium deficiency disease, also known as hypocalcemia, occurs when there is an insufficient amount of calcium in the bloodstream. This deficiency can result in weakened bones, increased risk of fractures, muscle cramps, and other health complications. While mild cases of calcium deficiency may not cause noticeable symptoms, severe deficiency can lead to serious health issues.

What are the causes of calcium deficiency disease?

Several factors can contribute to calcium deficiency, including:

  • Inadequate dietary intake: Not consuming enough calcium-rich foods in the diet, especially in individuals who follow restrictive diets or have poor nutritional habits, can lead to deficiency.
  • Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium in the body. Insufficient exposure to sunlight or inadequate intake of vitamin D-rich foods can impair calcium absorption.
  • Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, digestive disorders (e.g., celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease), and hormonal imbalances (e.g., hypoparathyroidism) can interfere with calcium absorption or utilisation.
  • Medications: Some medications, including corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and proton pump inhibitors, can affect calcium metabolism and lead to deficiency.
  • Lifestyle factors: Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to calcium deficiency.

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Symptoms of calcium deficiency Disease include

The symptoms of calcium deficiency may vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

  • Muscle cramps or spasms
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
  • Weak and brittle nails
  • Bone pain or fractures
  • Dental problems such as weakened tooth enamel and gum disease
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations

Precautions and prevention of calcium deficiency disease

Preventing calcium deficiency involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and ensuring an adequate intake of calcium-rich foods. Some preventive measures include:

  • Balanced diet: Include calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, tofu, nuts, and seeds in your diet to meet daily calcium requirements.
  • Supplementation: If dietary intake alone is insufficient, consider taking calcium supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
  • Vitamin D exposure: Ensure adequate exposure to sunlight or consume vitamin D supplements to support calcium absorption.
  • Regular exercise: Engage in weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, or strength training to promote bone health and calcium metabolism.
  • Limiting risk factors: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and excessive intake of caffeine, as these factors can interfere with calcium absorption and utilisation.

Treatment of calcium deficiency disease

Treatment for calcium deficiency typically involves addressing the underlying cause and replenishing calcium levels in the body. Treatment options may include:

  • Calcium supplements: Oral calcium supplements may be prescribed to increase calcium levels in individuals with deficiency.
  • Vitamin D supplementation: Vitamin D supplements may be recommended to enhance calcium absorption and metabolism.
  • Medication adjustment: If calcium deficiency is medication-induced, adjusting or discontinuing the offending medications may be necessary.
  • Management of underlying conditions: Treating underlying medical conditions that contribute to calcium deficiency, such as kidney disease or hormonal imbalances, is essential for restoring calcium balance.

Health benefits of calcium

Calcium plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Some health benefits of calcium include:

  • Essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
  • Plays a crucial role in muscle contraction, including the heartbeat.
  • Facilitates proper nerve transmission and communication.
  • Supports blood clotting, aiding in wound healing and preventing excessive bleeding.
  • Helps regulate hormone secretion and enzyme function throughout the body.
  • May reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly in older adults.
  • Supports healthy blood pressure levels and cardiovascular health.
  • Promotes overall bone density and strength, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis-related complications.
  • Important for maintaining optimal health and function across various body systems.

What are the food sources of calcium?

There are many sources of calcium-rich foods that you can add to your diet such as:

  • Dairy products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and kefir are rich sources of calcium.
  • Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, collard greens, and turnip greens are high in calcium.
  • Fortified foods: Many cereals, plant-based milk alternatives (e.g., almond milk, soy milk), and orange juice are fortified with calcium.
  • Tofu: Some tofu varieties are fortified with calcium.
  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds contain calcium.
  • Fish: Canned sardines and salmon with bones are good sources of calcium.
  • Beans and legumes: Chickpeas, navy beans, and black beans provide calcium.
  • Certain vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, and okra are also sources of calcium.
  • Fortified grains: Some bread, tortillas, and other grain products may be fortified with calcium.

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Significance of health insurance for calcium deficiency related diseases

Health insurance is essential for individuals with calcium deficiency-related diseases as it provides financial coverage for medical expenses associated with diagnosis, treatment, and management of these conditions. Given below are the benefits of mediclaim insurance policy for the treatment of calcium deficiency-related diseases:

  • Health insurance is vital for individuals with calcium deficiency-related diseases as it covers medical expenses associated with diagnosis, treatment, and management.
  • It ensures access to necessary tests, consultations with healthcare professionals, and medications required to address calcium deficiency conditions.
  • Health insurance facilitates regular monitoring of bone health and calcium levels, helping to prevent complications like osteoporosis and fractures.
  • Coverage for specialist visits, such as endocrinologists or rheumatologists, ensures comprehensive care for managing underlying conditions contributing to calcium deficiency.
  • Financial support for hospitalisations, surgeries, and ongoing therapies eases the burden of healthcare costs on individuals and families.
  • Without health insurance, the cost of managing calcium deficiency-related diseases could be prohibitive, potentially leading to delayed or inadequate treatment and worsening health outcomes.

Calcium deficiency disease occurs when the body does not get enough calcium. Calcium deficiency disease can lead to a number of health problems including osteoporosis, weakened bones, muscle cramps, and dental problems. There are many ways to prevent and manage calcium deficiency disease such as consuming a diet rich in calcium-rich foods, getting enough vitamin D, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly. Health insurance is important for people with calcium deficiency disease to ensure that they receive the best possible treatment without any financial burden.

Frequently asked questions 

What diseases are caused by calcium deficiency?

Diseases caused by calcium deficiency include osteoporosis, osteopenia, rickets (in children), and hypocalcemia. These conditions can lead to weakened bones, increased risk of fractures, muscle spasms, and other symptoms related to impaired nerve and muscle function.

What are the primary causes of calcium deficiency?

The main reasons for not having enough calcium in the body are not eating foods with calcium, problems absorbing calcium from food, hormonal issues like low parathyroid hormone, and not getting enough vitamin D.

What symptoms indicate a lack of calcium in the body?

Symptoms of low calcium levels include muscle cramps, spasms, numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes, weakened bones leading to fractures, and in severe cases, heart rhythm abnormalities and seizures.

What treatments are available for addressing calcium deficiency?

To address calcium deficiency, doctors may recommend increasing calcium intake through diet or supplements, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels, treating underlying conditions like hormonal imbalances, and sometimes prescribing medications to improve calcium absorption or retention in the body.

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