It’s essential to get enough calcium and vitamin D to maintain healthy bones. But what if you find that you’re not getting enough of these nutrients?

There could be various reasons behind your low calcium levels (also known as hypocalcemia). Let’s take a look at some of its causes.

1. Poor Calcium Intake

The number one reason behind low calcium levels in human bodies is poor calcium intake.

Many people do not know how much calcium they should take per day. Some people being allergic to a few calcium-rich foods, completely avoid taking them and any substitute. As a result, they face an early calcium deficiency, which is not good.

Here are some calcium-rich foods everyone should take to help defeat calcium deficiency or hypocalcemia:

• Seeds are always high in calcium. So, you can take any type of seeds, including poppy seeds, sesame seeds, celery seeds, and chia seeds.
• Cheese is another excellent source of protein and calcium. You can take cottage cheese to fulfill your calcium needs.
• Consume low-fat yogurt.
• Sardines and canned salmon are great sources of calcium.
• Beans and lentils are high sources of fiber, protein, and calcium.
• Consume almonds every day.
• Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables.
• If you are not lactose intolerant, always try to consume milk to balance the calcium level in your body.
• Take vitamin D3 supplements for strong bones.

Start from today, and increase your regular calcium intake to fight hypocalcemia.

2. Regular Medication

There are so many medications that can cause decreased calcium levels in your body if taken for a long time. This is because the potent agents present in those medicines can harm other parts of our body, including our vitamins, calcium, minerals, and hormone levels.

In addition, medications that fight bone cancers and other bone-related issues are also linked with calcium deficiency.

Below is a list of medications or drugs associated with hypocalcemia:

• Radiocontrast
• Estrogen
• Loop diuretics
• Bisphosphonates
• Calcium supplements
• Antibiotics
• Antiepileptic drugs
• Cinacalcet

So, if you have been taking any of these drugs mentioned above for a while now, contact your physician and ask for a closer alternative to prevent hypocalcemia.

3. Kidney Issues

When you face kidney failure or other kidney-related problems, a good portion of calcium drains out of your body constantly. Therefore the patient may deal with hypocalcemia if not treated.

4. Changes in Hormone

Women go through many hormonal changes throughout their lives.

During puberty or aging, women face the most calcium deficiency than men. Additionally, in the late 30s or 40s, they face severe joint pains and other unbearable hypocalcemia symptoms due to a lack of calcium in their bodies. Hormonal changes are the mainly responsible reason behind this.

5. Vitamin D Deficiency

Almost all parts of our body, along with the vitamins, hormones, and other chemicals, are related to each other. Therefore when any one of these stops working, the immediate effect is seen in other body parts.

There’s a close relationship between vitamin D and calcium levels in our bodies. So, when the vitamin D level abnormally decreases, hypocalcemia may occur. And whenever the body lacks vitamin D, the calcium absorption level of our bodies also drops immediately.

So, if you have gone through malnutrition or have never had enough sun exposure in your life, your body can lack calcium and vitamin D.

6. Being Born Without Parathyroid Glands

If your body misses the parathyroid gland, there is no doubt you have to face hypocalcemia as you grow up.

Study shows that a condition similar to DiGeorge syndrome (when you miss the part of chromosome 22) can cause an abnormally smaller parathyroid gland or a missing parathyroid gland. As a result, your body fails to produce the much-needed calcium.

What Are the Symptoms of Lower Calcium Level?

Some symptoms of lower calcium level or hypocalcemia include:

• Twitching body parts, especially hands, faces, and feet
• Numbness
• It affects your mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
• It sometimes causes Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss
• Rough hair and skin texture
• Abnormal heartbeats
• Unbearable cramps throughout the body
• Changes in the texture and colors of nails
• Seizures

Bottomline

These were some common reasons for low calcium levels in our bodies. Now that you have understood the main reasons behind it, hopefully, you will take initial steps to prevent hypocalcemia immediately.