Signs of Calcium Deficiency
Calcium is one of the most commonly known minerals. As children, many of us know that drinking a glass of milk keeps our bones strong and healthy. But is this enough to meet your body’s needs?
According to a survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), the calcium intake of Filipinos is inadequate because they are not eating and drinking enough milk and milk products.
How much calcium is recommended?
The daily recommended dietary allowance for calcium in and women is 750-800mg/day. Because of menopause, women need to increase their calcium as they reach this transition period. Menopause causes a decrease in estrogen which is associated with osteoporosis and calcium deficiency disease.
List of Calcium-Rich Foods
Did you know? The human body cannot produce calcium and relies exclusively on one’s diet to get its calcium needs. There are a variety of foods that contain Calcium but poor nutrition choices demanded by modern lifestyle contributes to lack of calcium. Here are a list of calcium-rich food choices:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Fish
- Shrimps
- Soy beans
- Tofu
- Green leafy vegetables
- Legumes, seeds, and nuts
5 Signs of Calcium Deficiency
Here are some signs that points toward calcium deficiency. Please remember to consult your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and ensure that you are meeting your daily calcium requirements:
1. PMS cramps – calcium deficiency is linked to experiencing a lot of pain during menstruation, irregular periods, and excessive bleeding.
2. Fatigue – aches and pains in the muscles and bones may be caused by a lack of calcium in some people.
3. Osteoporosis symptoms – this includes backaches, spinal fractures, and stooping posture.
4. Brittle nails and toothaches – if your nails easily break, your nails may be lacking calcium to maintain its health and integrity. The same goes for your teeth where a lot of calcium is stored.
5. Cataracts – cataracts that develop and cause blurry vision can also be caused by calcium deficiency. Lack of calcium don’t just affect the bones but also affect your nervous system and organs such as the eyes.
Choosing the Right Calcium Supplement
Remember, Calcium is an important mineral to support one’s overall health and well-being. Don’t let the demands of modern living keep you from meeting your body’s calcium requirement. As mentioned above, there are several food choices that can help your body receive the calcium that it needs. In addition, Calcium supplements with high absorption is another convenient option to prevent the ill effects of calcium deficiency.
Ask your doctor about calcium supplements with vitamins and minerals that support calcium absorption. For instance, calcium with BORON is already available in the market. BORON is important for calcium metabolism and influences the metabolism of calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin D. BORON also enhances brain function, promotes alertness, and plays a role in how the body uses energy from fats and sugars.
