Calcium Deficiency - Symptoms Of Anorexia
Boost Calcium Absorption & Prevent Bone Density Loss

Calcium deficiency symptoms are common findings in people with anorexia and other eating disorders because malnutrition causes low calcium levels and bone density loss. These are some clever hints for how to boost calcium absorption on your way to recovery.

Calcium deficiency can happen to just about anyone in any age group, but anorexics are at particularly high risk.

Low calcium levels occur when we don't supply our body with an adequate amount of it in our diet (obviously!).

Our bones become weaker and develop little holes that resemble a sponge. This is a sign of bone density loss.

With continued malnutrition, these holes grow larger and the calcium deficiency gets more serious. We then become prone to other diseases like osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Age is also a consideration when looking at low calcium levels. Somewhere between the ages of 30-35, our bodies no longer store it in the bones. This means that our only source of it is in what we eat -- unless you are taking calcium supplements.

Of all the minerals found the body, calcium is the most abundant. Most of its supply is stored in the bones and teeth, while the remainder can be found in the blood and tissues.

We need it to keep our heart beating properly, and for our cells, muscles and organs to function well. It is also involved in metabolic activities throughout the body, helps our blood to clot, and prevents irritability.

Calcium Deficiency Due To Poor Calcium Absorption

To prevent calcium deficiency, dietitians often suggest adding vitamin D to your daily diet (or via supplements) to aid in calcium absorption. Most dietary calcium is absorbed while we are young - often before we reach out twenties. After this point, we're only able to absorb approximately 20 percent of what we take in.

If your food intake consists of a lot of high protein or high sodium foods, you may be at risk for low calcium levels because these kinds of foods prevent it from being absorbed properly by the body. Adding some vitamin D will definitely help.

We can get vitamin D simply by going out into the sun for a few minutes each day. There are also foods sources that have been enriched with vitamin D. These include milk, cereals, egg yolks, salmon and orange juice.

What Are Some Calcium Deficiency Symptoms?

In the early stages, calcium deficiency symptoms can be observed by looking at a person's skin and nails. Skin appears dry, and nails are usually very brittle and can break easily.

Other symptoms include:

• Muscle cramps
• Spasms of the hands and feet - overactive reflexes
• Trouble sleeping, or getting to sleep
• Osteopenia
• Discolored (yellow) teeth
• Headaches
• Depression
• Lethargic - feeling tired

It's very important to speak with your doctor and/or nutritionist about your calcium intake. If you have an eating disorder such as anorexia, proper treatment of the disorder should automatically help prevent further calcium deficiency.

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