Therapeutic Nutrition for Calcium Deficiency

Therapeutic Nutrition for Calcium Deficiency in the Body

Calcium is one of the most important nutrients the human body needs because of its many benefits and functions. It is essential for bone and dental health, and it also plays a role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, and other vital functions. In this article, we will learn about therapeutic nutrition for people who suffer from calcium deficiency in the body.

The body loses a certain amount of calcium every day through hair, skin, nails, urine, stool, and sweat. Since the human body cannot produce calcium on its own, it is important to get it daily through healthy foods or supplements if prescribed by a doctor.

When the body does not get enough calcium, it may start taking calcium from the bones. If this continues, the risk of weak bones and other health complications may increase. Vitamin D also plays an important role in calcium absorption, so it is important to pay attention to both calcium and vitamin D sources.

Benefits of Calcium for the Body

Calcium has many important benefits for the body, including:

• It supports bone and dental health and helps with bone growth and density.
• It helps muscles contract so they can perform their functions properly.
• It contributes to blood clotting, which is necessary to stop bleeding when wounds occur.
• As part of a balanced diet, it may help support heart health, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels.

Is High Calcium Level in the Blood Beneficial?

A high calcium level in the blood is not beneficial. It may lead to health problems if not treated medically. High blood calcium may cause issues such as weak bones or kidney stones.

Symptoms of High Calcium Level in the Blood

Some symptoms may appear when calcium levels in the blood are high, including:

• Headache.
• Fatigue and tiredness.
• Constant thirst.
• Increased urination.
• Cramps or muscle pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Constipation.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Severe joint pain.

Causes of High Calcium Level in the Blood

High calcium levels in the blood may occur for several reasons, and the cause should be identified by a specialist doctor. Possible causes include:

• Overactivity of some glands responsible for regulating calcium in the body.
• Some lung problems or chronic diseases.
• Taking certain medications such as diuretics or lithium.
• Taking calcium supplements without a medical need or without medical supervision.
• Dehydration.

Treatment of High Calcium Level in the Blood

Treatment of high calcium levels in the blood depends on identifying the main cause of the condition. Therefore, a doctor should be consulted to perform the necessary tests and determine the appropriate treatment.

In some cases, treatment may include certain medications, intravenous fluids, or treating the underlying cause, depending on the doctor’s evaluation and the patient’s condition.

Health Effects of Calcium Deficiency in the Body

When a person does not get the amount of calcium the body needs, they may be more likely to experience some health problems, such as:

• Osteoporosis and weak bones.
• Weak teeth.
• Confusion or poor concentration.
• Severe muscle pain.
• Numbness in the hands, feet, and face.
• Depression or mood-related problems in some cases.
• Weak nails.
• Higher risk of bone fractures.

Causes of Calcium Deficiency in the Blood

Calcium deficiency in the blood may occur due to several health or dietary factors, including:

• Low intake of healthy foods that contain calcium.
• Taking some medications that may reduce calcium absorption.
• Hormonal changes in women, especially after menopause.
• A family history of calcium deficiency.
• Low vitamin D levels, which reduces calcium absorption.
• Kidney failure or certain kidney diseases.
• High phosphate levels in the body.
• Low or high magnesium levels.
• Some severe medical conditions such as septic shock.
• Chemotherapy used to treat some types of cancer.
• Removal or dysfunction of the parathyroid gland.

Treatment of Calcium Deficiency

Treatment of calcium deficiency usually depends on identifying the cause, then supplying the body with calcium and vitamin D through food or supplements if prescribed by the doctor.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend a supplement that contains calcium and vitamin D. There are several types of calcium supplements, including:

• Calcium carbonate: One of the common types and is often less expensive than some other types.
• Calcium citrate: A type that may be easier to absorb for some people.
• Calcium phosphate: A type used in some nutritional supplements.

Calcium supplements should not be taken with certain medications without consulting a doctor, because calcium may interfere with the absorption or effect of some medications.

Therapeutic Nutrition Methods for Treating Calcium Deficiency

Therapeutic nutrition plays an important role in supporting the treatment of calcium deficiency by focusing on calcium-rich foods and foods that contain vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium.

First: Foods That Contain Calcium

• Yogurt and cheese.
• Milk.
• Broccoli and cabbage.
• Oranges and nuts.
• Soybeans.

Second: Foods That Contain Vitamin D

• Vitamin D-fortified dairy products.
• Fish.
• Eggs.

References

1. Calcium
2. The benefits of calcium
3. Hypercalcemia: symptoms, causes and treatment
4. Calcium deficiency causes and symptoms
5. The treatment of calcium deficiency
6. Food containing calcium