Lack of calcium can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, nocturnal cramps, and joint pain. The manifestations of calcium deficiency can be divided into two types: children and adults. So, how can we prevent it? The editors of the Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy website will reveal the secrets of calcium supplementation for you.
[Calcium Deficiency in Children]
Children with calcium deficiency often sweat a lot, have bald spots on their heads, cry and fuss a lot, get easily irritated, and are prone to startle. Prolonged calcium deficiency can lead to changes in skeletal development. Children under 6 months old may have a ping pong ball-like sensation on their skulls, and toddlers may have changes resembling bracelets or anklets. The ribs may become bead-like, and the chest may appear like a chicken breast. Older children may even develop bow legs or knock knees.
[Calcium Deficiency in Adults]
There are two main reasons for calcium deficiency in adults: physiological and pathological. Common symptoms include muscle and bone pain, fatigue, thinning hair, brittle nails, loose teeth, and in severe cases, osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures. Seizures and convulsions may occur, and more severe cases may experience difficulty breathing, arrhythmia, heart failure, and even life-threatening arrhythmias.
[Calcium Deficiency in Pregnant Women]
Pregnant women may experience leg cramps, loose teeth, pregnancy-induced hypertension, joint and pelvic pain, decreased immune function, and gastrointestinal problems. The key to calcium supplementation lies in absorption.
[How to Prevent Calcium Deficiency?]
The key to calcium supplementation lies in absorption.
1. Arrange your diet reasonably and consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk and dairy products, bran, beans, etc;
2. Engage in outdoor activities appropriately to receive sunlight exposure (at least 2 hours a day). There are many factors that affect calcium absorption, and vitamin D, moderate protein intake, low phosphorus diet, and physical exercise are all beneficial for calcium absorption. However, phytic acid in food, such as spinach and bamboo shoots, hinders calcium absorption.
