Calcium Deficiency
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The following are the groups who may be at a high risk of having a calcium deficiency:
- People with a lactose intolerance
People who are lactose intolerant, may not be eating enough non-dairy calcium-rich foods to get enough calcium in their diet, due to their condition. - People taking antacid medications
People who take over-the-counter antacid medication which contain aluminium over a long term can store too much aluminium in their body, thus blocking absorption of calcium and causing a deficiency in calcium. - People taking cholesterol lowering medications
People taking cholesterol lowering medications are at risk of calcium deficiency because these types of medications cause bone loss by breaking down bone faster than it can be replaced. The drugs cholesterol lowering (eg Cholybar, Questran) can block absorption of calcium as well as the fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin A. - Post-menopausal women
Women who have been through menopause are at greater risk of osteoporosis due to the decreased levels of eostrogen in their body (eostrogen has a protective effect on the heart and also ensures adequate uptake of calcium into the bones)
People who are lactose intolerant, may not be eating enough non-dairy calcium-rich foods to get enough calcium in their diet
- People taking corticosteroid medications
People taking corticosteroid medications such as cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone and dexamethasone over the long term may be deficient of calcium because these medication promote bone loss by breaking down bone tissue quicker than it can be replaced. - People taking thyroid medication
People taking thyroid medications may experience a calcium deficiency if they take these drugs (eg Synthroid) in large doses and over a long term. - People taking certain prescription medications
Many types of prescription medications can interfere with and block calcium absorption, while other medications may cause a toxic reaction if taken together with calcium supplements. - Alcoholics
Calcium absorption is blocked by high alcohol intake, which can cause a calcium deficiency to occur. - Smokers
People who smoke have a higher risk for osteoporosis, due to lower calcium levels from the cigarettes.
People in any of the groups above should talk to their doctor about calcium supplementation.