Calcium is the most abundantly found mineral in our body compared to other minerals. It is a crucial nutrient, which is necessary for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It also helps the functioning of the heart, nerves, muscles, and other parts of the body.
Calcium is also involved in the bone formation and this process is called the “bone mineralization”. The formation of bones is by the combination of the mineral complex – calcium phosphate, which provides more strength, structure, and density to the bones. Calcium also provides rigidity to the skeleton and their ions play a vital role in many of the metabolic processes. The dietary sources of calcium are cheese, milk, yogurt, all green leafy vegetables, soy milk, baked beans, broccoli, onions, cabbage, sprouts, and gooseberries, oranges, egg yolk, dried fish, etc.
The Hypocalcaemia or the deficiency of calcium is not immediate as the bone stores the required amount of calcium in our body. The deficiency of calcium is mainly related to problems with blood circulations and other diseases like osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, kidney stones, weight management, etc.
Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency
The symptoms of Calcium deficiency usually varies from mild to severe. Listed below are few common symptoms.
- Tooth Erosion.
- Loss of appetite.
- Muscle spasms.
- Muscle cramps.
- Difficulties in swallowing.
- Confusion or Memory loss.
- Weak and brittle fingernails.
- Easy fracturing of the bones.
- Numbness and tingling effect on fingers, hands, feet, and face.
Calcium is the major mineral essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It is also involved in regulation of muscle contraction and heartbeat, combating cancer and heart diseases. It also helps in maintaining good immune system along with metabolizing the iron in the body.
Approximately 99% of the calcium in our body is stored in our teeth and bones. Deficiency of calcium can be treated by increasing the amount of calcium in our diet, which includes milk and other dairy products. This intake can reduce the risk of developing bone disease along with many other health benefits.
Stay tuned with BYJU’s to learn more in detail about the calcium, its importance, and its deficiency symptoms.