Calcium deficiency, if detected early, can be corrected through dietary changes. Adults should include milk, yogurt, spinach, almonds, and ragi in their diet daily. If not checked on time, it can lead to serious conditions like osteoporosis later in life.
The following are the situations that lead to a decrease in calcium in the body:
1. Dietary deficiency
Not including calcium-rich milk and dairy products, leafy vegetables, and nuts in our daily diet can cause calcium deficiency in the long term.
2. Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D is essential for the body to absorb calcium from the food we eat. If vitamin D is low, no matter how much calcium we consume, it will not benefit the body.
3. Hormonal changes
The parathyroid glands in the neck control the calcium level in the body. Decreased function of this gland (Hypoparathyroidism) can cause calcium levels to drop. In addition, a decrease in the estrogen hormone after menopause in women can cause calcium loss from the bones.
4. Medications
Some medications taken for a long time (for example, medications for acidity, medications for fits) may interfere with the body’s absorption of calcium.
5. Kidney problems
If the kidneys are not working properly, the amount of phosphorus in the body increases and excess calcium is excreted in the urine.
6. Stomach problems
Some digestive diseases (for example, Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease) prevent the proper absorption of nutrients in the diet. This can lead to calcium deficiency.
