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The Best Way to Test for Calcium Deficiency at Home
Calcium is an essential mineral that your body cannot do without. Your body uses calcium to build strong teeth and bones.
Your heart and other muscles of your body use calcium to function properly. When you are deficient in calcium, your risk of the following disorders increases:
· Osteopenia
· Osteoporosis
· Hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency disease)
Children deficient in calcium may not grow as well as they should.
You must take the recommended amount of calcium per day to function correctly. You can obtain this through diet or with supplements.
What causes calcium deficiency?
The risk of calcium deficiency for most people increases as they age. Several factors that may cause this deficiency include:
· Genetic factors
· Hormonal changes, primarily in women
· Dietary intolerance to calcium-rich foods
· Medications that may decrease absorption of calcium
· Poor calcium intake for an extended period, especially during childhood
Calcium must be taken in an adequate amount at all ages.