The Dangers of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium, a major mineral that is synonymous with bone health. However, it turns out calcium can also affect the health of other organ systems.

Every day the body needs about 800-1000 mg of calcium intake for adults. In fact, this dose can be increased during pregnancy and lactation. According to Dr. Nanny Djaja, a nutritionist from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Atma Jaya, calcium deficiency can lead to various health problems.

"So far, the lack of calcium is closely related to bone loss or osteoporosis. Fact, the impact is more than that," said Nanny in a press conference in Jakarta, Wednesday (26/06/2013).

Nanny said, disorders associated with a deficiency of calcium in the body.

1. Osteoporosis

Bone mass loss commonly occurs with age. Research shows that by the age of 25 years, the body will begin to experience a shortage of calcium as much as 1 percent per year. Entering the age of 50 years, the amount of calcium will be reduced by 30 percent and at the age of 70 years to lose calcium will reach 50 percent.

However, Nanny said, it can be prevented by sufficient intake of calcium every day.

2. Muscle cramps

Lack of calcium can trigger muscle contractions resulting in unstable muscle cramps. One of the events that is often found in pregnant women. Besides triggered venous return is not smooth due to the pressure of the growing uterus weight, cramps in pregnant women is also triggered by calcium deficiency. "So, before pregnant women need adequate intake of calcium," said Nanny.

3. Palpitations

Although can be caused by many things, Nanny said, palpitations or heart palpitations can also be experienced due to lack of calcium. This is related to the function of calcium as one guards the heart rhythm.

4. Hypertension

A new study shows people who have hypertension are also mostly calcium deficiency in his body. This may be related to impaired absorption of calcium due to the consumption of foods high in salt, but it could be due to calcium alone function is to control blood pressure.

5. Rickets

Rickets is a bone bending due to lack of calcium intake on bone are still growing, which in childhood. Therefore, calcium intake from childhood was noteworthy.

6. Cognitive decline

Often forget or are not able to concentrate on the task is a symptom of cognitive decline. Calcium deficiency may play a role in this regard. Nanny said, calcium is an essential mineral that plays a role in the transmission of nerve impulses. Thus, calcium deficiency can causing the transmission runs smoothly with no, then the occurrence of cognitive decline.

7. Depression

Study found a significant association of depression with calcium deficiency. The average patient depression calcium deficiency in his body. This is probably due to decreased function of the body to absorb calcium due to depression.