Just because we insist on only associating calcium with our bones doesn't mean that a deficiency will be utterly evident because our bones will begin breaking left and right. The symptoms of calcium deficiency often have little to do with our bones (at least at first) and believe it or not, they vary between genders. The bodies of women sometimes react differently than men to a lack of calcium, and in both the fairer sex and their manly counterparts, a deficiency of calcium can lead to unpleasant side effects.
We'll start with women first, because they're worth it. Sure ladies, consistent small bone fractures or even large breakages that seem extreme or excessive are a sure warning sign that you need a tall glass of vitamin d, but did you know that not meeting your calcium daily requirement can also cause increased PMS symptoms? Reduce the suffering of yourself (and anyone unfortunate enough to be in your path if you're PMS'ing) and make a big plate of collard greens to reduce symptoms of calcium deficiency. Having dry skin and brittle nails? Don't just switch your shampoo (although you should already be using a hypoallergenic one), switch your diet. Vitamins are critical to healthy skin and nails and calcium is no exception.
Men, you are not off the hook. Having muscle cramps? Just might be one of the symptoms of calcium deficiency. However, if your muscle pain or discomfort is located mainly in the shoulder or hip areas and/or you have weakened muscles in legs and feel like your joints are more stiff than usual, you might qualify for symptoms of a thyroid disorder. Overactive or underactive thyroid in men can often be confused with many other conditions, but either way it may compromise your levels of calcium and vitamin D (which assists in absorption of calcium), as well as other nutrients. And don't think you're off the hook for osteoporosis as it most commonly plagues women, men with less muscle mass are also susceptible to this frequent sign of aging.
The symptoms of calcium deficiency differ a little between sexes, however the long term ramifications are similar. Getting all the nutrients your body needs including all of your lettered vitamins, magnesium and calcium are critical for daily body processes. You can't do your job without your tools, and you need to consider nutrients as tools. Tools that your body needs to get its job every day. The body isn't even going to ask for a paycheck at the end of the week for doing its job for you, so don't make it work harder; provide it with its essential and basic needs to keep it strong and healthy.
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