What is calcium?

Calcium is an important mineral and fulfills numerous functions in the body. These include, in particular, building and maintaining the structure of bones and teeth, regulating muscle and nerve function as well as blood clotting to stop bleeding quickly.

The calcium level in the body is regulated by numerous influencing factors. These include our genes. These influence how well the body absorbs, stores and excretes calcium.

An imbalance in calcium levels affects the quality of bones and teeth (e.g. bone fractures, bone deformation, bone loss, etc.), muscle activity (e.g. muscle cramps, cardiac arrhythmia), nerve function (e.g. neurological dysfunction) and blood clotting (e.g. increased bleeding, thrombosis).

Examples of calcium-rich foods:

Did you already know?

• The human body contains around 1 kg of calcium, of which around 99% is found in bones and teeth.
• Calcium is the fifth most common element in the earth's crust.

What are the symptoms of excess calcium?

Excess calcium (hypercalcemia) initially causes mainly non-specific symptoms. These include digestive problems, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased thirst, frequent urination and loss of appetite. A severe excess of calcium can lead to confusion, emotional outbursts, hallucinations, muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmia. A laboratory test can provide clarity here.

What are the symptoms of a calcium deficiency?

If the calcium level is too low over a longer period of time, the first signs may be dry, flaky skin, brittle nails, straw-like hair and muscle cramps in the back and legs. If this deficiency remains uncorrected, more serious neurological or psychological disorders such as confusion, memory loss, depression and hallucinations can follow. However, these symptoms are reversible once calcium levels are restored.

What does genetics have to do with it?