Some examples of such disorders are:
• Osteoporosis
This happens when bone density reduces and the body ceases to produce enough bone. It can affect both males and females, but is more likely to occur in women after menopause. This happens because of the sudden fall in oestrogen level that normally protects against osteoporosis.
• Osteopenia
It is a stage of deficiency that occurs before osteoporosis. Hence, the bones are weaker than normal but not as much that they would break easily. It is when a person is about 30 when their bones are at their densest. Therefore, if at all it happens, it only does after the age of 50. The strength of the bones at that age depends on its strength when the person was young.
• Hypocalcaemia
An electrolyte imbalance where the circulation of serum calcium level is low is called hypocalcaemia. The overall level of calcium falls below the necessary range when this happens. It is a life-threatening disorder invites various other disorders.
Children who don’t get enough calcium may not grow tall enough as adults. One must consume the prescribed amount of calcium per day through the food they eat.
These types of ailments can be treated with calcium supplements. But first, let’s understand why the need of such supplements can occur.
What causes calcium deficiency?
As the age increases so does the risk of calcium deficiency. This deficiency may be due to a variety of factors, including:
• Less intake of calcium during their childhood
• Decrease in calcium absorption due to medications
• Intolerance for calcium-rich food in their diet
• Women facing hormonal changes
• A rare genetic factor
Not just during childhood, a proper calcium intake is a necessity for all the age groups. The prescribed daily dose of calcium must be followed both the sexes of children and teenagers. However, it is important that women upsurge their intake of calcium earlier in life, starting in their middle age. As a woman approaches menopause, it becomes a mandate to reach a particular calcium requirement.
This is because when a woman reaches menopause, to diminish the risk of calcium deficiency and osteoporosis, there should be an increase in the calcium intake as there is a deterioration in the oestrogen hormone that causes the bones of a woman to thin faster.
Symptoms of severe deficiency of calcium
• Memory loss or confusion
• Muscle spasms
• Tingling sensation and numbness in the feet, hands, and face.
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Muscle cramps
• Brittle and weak nails
• Fracturing of the bones easily
Therefore, not just the bones, but several other parts of the body can get affected due to calcium deficiency, resulting in slower hair growth, weak nails, and thin, fragile skin. Apart from all this, calcium also helps in neurotransmitter release and muscle contractions. So, if a person is low on calcium, they are prone to seizures.
When the calcium is low at birth
There are certain cases where calcium deficiency is by birth. This is called Neonatal Hypocalcaemia that occurs in infants mostly within the first two days after birth. When this happens, there is a high risk for the infant to be small for their age. Maternal diabetes is another subsequent risk. When an infant has a late onset of hypocalcaemia, it is usually because of drinking cow’s milk or milk formula that contains high amount of phosphate.
Symptoms of Neonatal Hypocalcaemia
• Jitteriness
• Poor feeding
• Seizures
• Slowed breathing
• Faster than normal heartbeat
How is calcium deficiency treated?
As obvious it may seem, a deficiency of calcium can be treated by adding more calcium to the diet. However, this should not be done without guidance and supervision. Self-treatment by taking a lot of calcium supplements can do more harm than good. Also, intake of more than prescribed dose of calcium can lead to severe issues like kidney stones.
What does a typical calcium supplement have?
• calcium carbonate
• calcium citrate
• calcium phosphate
Shelcal – A Calcium Supplement
With Shelcal 500 tablet, one can see results within the first few weeks of treatment. This supplement does its task by neutralizing acids. A relief from acid reflux and increase in calcium absorption and phosphorus is the main reason why consumption of this medicine is beneficial.
Shelcal can be used to treat the following ailments in people:
• Deficiency of Vitamin D3
• Deficiency of Calcium
• Acidity
• Treatment of Osteoarthritis
• Bone formation in children
• Treatment of rickets
Composed of Vitamin D3 and calcium carbonate, it can be a great dietary supplement. Where there are pros to this supplement, there are cons as well. And these can be avoided to some extent if consumed with a doctor’s advice. These side effects that cannot be ignored and one should contact their doctor immediately.
Some of the side effects are:
• Allergic reaction
• Skin Rashes or Irritation
• Nausea
