What happens when women lack calcium?

Women are susceptible to calcium deficiency due to many reasons, including physiological and lifestyle factors. The hormone estrogen plays an important role in calcium absorption and maintaining bone density. Calcium needs increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding to support fetal development. If the amount of calcium absorbed from the diet is not enough, the body will take calcium from the mother’s bones, weakening the bones.

Prolonged calcium deficiency leads to osteoporosis – a condition in which bones become brittle, porous and lose density over time. Women with osteoporosis are at high risk of bone fractures, especially in the hips, wrists and spine, causing chronic pain, reducing mobility, and affecting quality of life.

Calcium plays an important role in many organs and body functions. Calcium deficiency directly affects teeth and jawbone, weakening bones, increasing the risk of tooth loss, tooth decay and gum disease, but many women often do not realize this condition.

Calcium is also needed to regulate heart rate and stable heart contractions. When deficient, calcium levels in the blood are imbalanced, causing heart rhythm disturbances and increasing the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Low calcium levels impair muscle contraction and nerve signaling, leading to cramps, muscle spasms or muscle weakness, which are initially mild but can become severe if not supplemented.

Pregnant women who do not provide enough calcium are at risk of preeclampsia. This is a condition of high blood pressure accompanied by damage to organs, affecting the bone development of the fetus, increasing the possibility of premature birth and low birth weight babies.

A calcium-rich diet is important to ensure the body receives the necessary amount of calcium daily, maintaining bone health, teeth and other physiological functions. Some sources of calcium include dairy products, cheese, yogurt, green leafy vegetables (spinach, mustard greens), cereals, orange juice, and fatty fish. Women should also be exposed to the sun. If the diet does not provide enough nutrients, women can supplement according to the doctor’s advice. Avoid overuse because there is a risk of kidney stone formation and cardiovascular problems.

Bone density, which is the amount of calcium and minerals in the bones, reflects the strength of the bones. The higher the bone, the stronger the bones and the less risk of fracture. Bone density can be better maintained with weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging or weight training, as these activities stimulate strong bones and slow calcium loss.

Reduce consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and sodium-rich foods because they interfere with calcium absorption or increase calcium excretion. Regular bone density testing and general health examinations are also helpful to detect signs of calcium deficiency and supplement accordingly.