Calcium and Health: Deficiency, Excess and Balance

"Calcium sustains not only the bones, but life itself."

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General Definition and Importance of Calcium

Calcium is a vital component of the human body, playing a crucial role in the maintenance of bone and dental health. However, its function is not limited to this, as it also participates in a number of other processes within the body. It acts as a critical regulator in numerous biochemical processes, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, enzyme activities, and blood clotting. While the majority of calcium is stored in the bones, its ionic form is found in intracellular and extracellular fluids, where it plays significant roles in cellular signal transmission and metabolic processes.

Sources of Calcium

Food sources generally meet the daily calcium needs. The following foods are typically recognized as important calcium sources:

Dairy products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and kefir are rich in calcium.

Dark green vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, and kale are high in calcium.

Nuts and seeds: Almonds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds are significant sources.

Seafood: Small-boned fish like sardines and anchovies are also good sources of calcium.

Calcium deficiency can be treated with calcium supplements. These are recommended for individuals who do not receive sufficient calcium from food.

Calcium Absorption and Metabolism

For the body to effectively use calcium, it must first be absorbed through the intestines. Factors affecting this process include:

Vitamin D: Proven to enhance calcium absorption and aid its transfer to bone tissue.

Phosphorus and Magnesium: When balanced, they support bone health; however, excessive phosphorus intake may reduce calcium's effectiveness.

Food content: Compounds such as oxalates and phytates (found in whole grains and some vegetables) have been shown to inhibit calcium absorption.

Stomach acid level: Low stomach acid can reduce calcium absorption.

Calcium Deficiency and Excess

Calcium levels are typically assessed using a blood test, and the expected range is as follows:

Total Calcium (Serum Calcium): 8.5 - 10.5 mg/dL
Ionized Calcium: 4.5 - 5.6 mg/dL. These values may vary slightly depending on the testing laboratory. Levels below or above these ranges may indicate various health complications. Low levels cause hypocalcemia, and high levels cause hypercalcemia.

Hypocalcemia (Calcium Deficiency): This imbalance can manifest with symptoms such as muscle spasms, bone loss, tooth decay, and disruptions in nerve transmission.

Hypercalcemia (Calcium Excess): Elevated calcium levels may lead to health issues like kidney stones, constipation, and heart rhythm disturbances (cardiac arrhythmias).

Calcium and Bone Health

Bones serve as the calcium reservoir in the body. Most calcium is stored in bones. Adequate calcium intake is essential for bone density, strength, and the prevention of skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. As calcium levels decline with age, external intake becomes necessary to reduce fracture risk and support bone development during childhood and adolescence. However, excessive calcium may lead to bone calcification and abnormal hardening, which can negatively affect bone health.

Calcium and the Muscular System

Calcium is one of the essential minerals involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. It is stored in muscle cells and released during contraction, enabling movement. Calcium deficiency may result in muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue. On the other hand, calcium excess may cause stiffness and abnormal muscle contractions.

Calcium and the Nervous System

Calcium plays a role in nerve signal transmission. Deficiency may lead to symptoms such as depression, tingling, numbness, and memory problems. Excess calcium may cause overstimulation of nerves, resulting in confusion, concentration issues, and convulsions.

Calcium and the Circulatory System

Calcium ensures the proper functioning of heart muscles and plays a crucial role in the constriction and relaxation of blood vessels. Deficiency may lead to low blood pressure and heart rhythm disturbances. Calcium excess may lead to hypercalcemia, which can contribute to circulatory problems such as atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and hypertension.

Calcium and the Digestive System

Calcium helps regulate stomach acid production and supports the absorption of water and other minerals in the intestines. Deficiency may result in digestive problems, while excess calcium can cause constipation.

Calcium and the Kidneys

Calcium is involved in the urine filtration process of the kidneys. Deficiency can cause problems in kidney function. In excess, it can cause kidney stone formation in the long term.

Misconceptions about calcium

1. Only milk and dairy products are a source of calcium.

This is not true; calcium is found in many foods other than dairy products, such as green leafy vegetables, nuts and fish.

2. Calcium is only needed for bones.

Although calcium is important for bones, it also has many other important functions in the body, such as muscle function, nerve transmission and blood clotting.

3. Calcium supplements are always necessary.

Most people can get enough calcium from their daily diet, so taking supplements should only be done on the advice of a doctor.

4 .Increasing calcium intake is enough to strengthen bones.

Bone health is not only about calcium; factors such as vitamin D, magnesium and regular exercise are also very important for bone health.

5. Taking calcium supplements prevents osteoporosis.

Although calcium supplements support bone health, diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors should be considered to prevent osteoporosis.

6.Calcium supplements do not cause kidney stones.

On the contrary, excessive intake of calcium supplements can lead to kidney stone formation, so it is important not to exceed the recommended amount.

7.Increasing calcium intake increases the risk of high blood pressure.

Calcium can actually stabilise blood pressure and control high blood pressure. On the contrary, adequate calcium intake can lower blood pressure.

8.Excess calcium is excreted from the body, it does no harm.

Excess calcium can accumulate in the body and cause kidney stones, constipation and heart problems. Therefore, excessive intake should be avoided.