It is necessary for normal blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, hormone secretion and enzyme activation. Calcium deficiency usually remains undiagnosed for years because the bones serve as a reservoir and continue to release calcium into the blood.
Calcium deficiency can lead to the following problems: arching joints, brittle nails, eczema, elevated blood cholesterol, heart palpitation, hypertension (high blood pressure), insomnia, muscle cramps, nervousness, numbness in the arms and/or legs, a pasty complexion, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, and tooth decay.
A reduction in plasma calcium results in tetany, a hyperactivity of the motor muscles, facial spasm, and spasm in the wrist and metatarsophalangeal joints.
Eventually, low calcium can manifest as osteoporosis, with accompanying bone fractures and loss of height. It is well established that supplemental calcium can improve bone mineral density, although calcium alone is inadequate or prevent to treat osteoporosis.
Deficiencies of calcium are also associated with cognitive impairment convulsions, depression, delusions and hyperactivity.
Negative calcium balance, where output exceeds intake, can lead to lack of calcium in the bones and the bending of leg bones under the weight of the body. This condition is called rickets. Rickets is caused most commonly by vitamin D deficiency, but lack of calcium and phosphorus can also be a basis for this disease.
Deficiency of calcium
