The most common symptoms of calcium shortage include brittle nails, muscle cramping, or even frequent bone fractures. However, remember that many symptoms of low calcium levels may appear unconnected, but they are indicators of a lack of this vital mineral. In addition to bone health, calcium is crucial for heart health, neuron function, and mood management. There are five less well-known indicators of a calcium shortage.
- Toes and fingers tingling
Do you get an odd tingling feeling in your toes or fingers? Since it occurs frequently, this could indicate low calcium levels in the early stages. This condition, called paresthesia, arises because calcium is crucial in nerve transmission. Insufficient calcium can cause nerves to “misfire,” resulting in skin sensations like tingling, numbness, or even a crawling sensation.
- Too much fatigue without a clear cause
Although there are many reasons for fatigue, low calcium levels may cause persistent weariness that defies explanation. Since calcium is essential for synthesising cellular energy, a shortage will cause your cells to work harder, resulting in lethargy and low energy. Even with enough sleep, people with calcium deficiencies frequently experience increased weariness.
- Having trouble swallowing
A calcium deficiency may cause difficulty swallowing or a tight feeling in the throat, particularly if the issue persists. Low calcium impacts oesophageal muscular contractions, which is medically referred to as dysphagia. This condition can impair vitamin absorption and digestion, which, over time, may exacerbate calcium insufficiency.
- Dental problems despite consistent dental hygiene
Even if you practice good oral care, a calcium deficiency might result in unforeseen dental issues because our teeth contain a lot of this mineral. Because the body may begin extracting calcium from teeth if blood levels are too low, symptoms like cavities, gum disease, or increased tooth sensitivity could indicate low calcium levels.
- Dry skin and symptoms resembling eczema
Low calcium levels may cause dry, itchy, or scaling skin. Calcium promotes the growth of new skin cells and aids in the formation of a moisture-retaining barrier. A deficit might result in eczema-like dry, itchy skin, especially on the elbows and knees. If common moisturizers don’t appear to help, it could be worthwhile to look into calcium insufficiency as a potential contributing reason.
