Normal Calcium Levels

unhealthy diet, many health problems and surgeries can also cause one of many potential calcium deficiency symptoms. Short term deficiencies in calcium generally do not cause any calcium deficiency symptoms, with the body generally able to recover from the loss without any noticeable effects. However, low levels of calcium over the long term, on the other hand, can cause
a variety of problems, some of which may be written off to aging, but others which cannot be ignored.

Hypocalcemia, or low levels of calcium in the blood, is often easily caught through regular bloodwork. Some individuals do not have any calcium deficiency symptoms at all, while others may have problems with limbs, fingers, and toes going numb when there was previously not an issue. In addition, one’s appetite may decrease drastically and random muscles will cramp for no apparent reason.

Other symptoms of hypocalcemia include an increased susceptibility to bruising, known as purpura. These large bruised areas can also show up without any minor trauma, such as bumping into furniture or falling. Petichiae can also show up, appearing as tiny red dots on the skin resulting from bleeding just under the skin. Paresthesia, usually occurring in the limbs, can also occur, leaving a person with a feeling of “pins and needles,” burning, or tingling.
Dietary calcium deficiency generally does not present with any symptoms until real damage has occurred. Symptoms are often vague and literally take years to develop, usually presenting with fractures in thin, weakened bones. Generally resulting in osteoporosis, symptoms of this medical problem include fractures resulting from no or limited trauma, bone pain, back or neck pain, loss of height, and stooped posture (humpback) due to an abnormal curvature of the spine.

While most calcium deficiency symptoms are relatively minor, others are life threatening and should be treated as such. If any of these symptoms are observed, emergency personnel should be immediately contacted without hesitation. Just as with any other medical emergency, time is of the essence in saving a life and limiting permanent damage. Passing out or fainting, or general unresponsiveness is one of a number of calcium deficiency symptoms, and is also a symptom of other serious medical problems.

Chest pain, tightness, or pressure is an indication of heart problems, which could result from calcium deficiency. Seizures in individuals without a history and treatment plan for them also can be a symptom of this mineral deficiency, as can an extremely abnormal pulse rate. Severe breathing problems, choking, and strong, painful muscle contractions are all calcium deficiency symptoms, as calcium also has a direct effect on the ability of muscles to function correctly.

For anyone with one or more of these calcium deficiency symptoms, a physician should be consulted to make an accurate diagnosis, as most of these symptoms may indicate other treatable medical conditions as well.