Team Vitamineule
1. What steals calcium from the body?
Calcium is an essential mineral that is vital for a variety of body functions, including bone health, muscle contraction, and nerve function. However, there are several factors and conditions that can negatively affect calcium levels in the body and lead to calcium loss. One of the main causes of calcium deficiency is inadequate dietary calcium intake. This can be due to an unbalanced diet that is low in calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and fortified foods. Low calcium intake over long periods of time can lead to a decrease in bone density and eventually osteoporosis. Another important factor that affects calcium levels in the body is vitamin D intake. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the absorption of calcium from the gut. Without adequate vitamin D, the body cannot effectively utilize the calcium it ingests, which can lead to a deficiency. Lack of sun exposure, the main source of vitamin D, as well as inadequate intake of vitamin D-rich foods can contribute to vitamin D deficiency and thus indirectly to calcium deficiency. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol can also interfere with calcium absorption. Caffeine increases the excretion of calcium in the urine, which can decrease the body's overall calcium absorption. Alcohol can impair the body's ability to absorb calcium and contribute to a deficiency. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt the function of bone cells, further affecting bone health. High consumption of foods containing salt can also lead to increased calcium excretion. Salt (sodium) binds to calcium in the body and is then excreted in the urine. Excessive salt consumption can thus reduce the amounts of calcium in the body and increase the risk of bone disease in the long term. Certain medications can also have a negative impact on calcium levels. These include corticosteroids, which are often used to treat inflammatory diseases, and certain diuretics, which are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. These medications can inhibit calcium absorption in the intestines and increase calcium excretion through the kidneys. In addition, various health conditions and diseases can impair calcium metabolism. For example, chronic kidney disease can impair the kidneys' ability to retain calcium, leading to increased calcium output. Gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease can hinder the absorption of nutrients, including calcium, in the intestines. Hormonal imbalances, particularly a lack of parathyroid hormone (PTH) or an excess of thyroid hormones, can also disrupt calcium metabolism. A lack of physical activity can also negatively affect bone health. Regular physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running or strength training, promotes bone health and helps maintain bone mineral density. An inactive lifestyle, on the other hand, can lead to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. In summary, the loss of calcium in the body can be caused by a variety of factors, including inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol and salt, certain medications, health conditions and a lack of physical activity. It is important to consider these factors and take steps as needed to maintain calcium levels and promote bone health.
2. Calcium for dental health
Calcium plays a crucial role in dental health as it is an essential component of tooth enamel and structure. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and protects teeth from decay and wear. Adequate calcium levels are necessary to keep tooth enamel strong and resilient. The importance of calcium begins in childhood. During the growth phase, children need adequate calcium to develop strong teeth and bones. A lack of calcium during this period can lead to inadequate mineralization of teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other dental problems. Calcium is also crucial during tooth development as it is incorporated into the structure of teeth, thus forming the basis of a healthy set of teeth. Adults also need calcium on a continuous basis to maintain dental health. The body cannot produce calcium on its own, so it must be obtained through diet. Foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, green leafy vegetables, almonds and fortified products are good sources of calcium. A balanced diet rich in these foods helps meet daily calcium requirements and thus protect teeth. Calcium deficiency in adulthood can have serious consequences for dental health. When the body does not get enough calcium from food, it begins to extract calcium from the bones and teeth to maintain blood calcium levels. This can lead to weakening of tooth enamel and tooth structure, making teeth more susceptible to cavities, cracks and other damage. In addition, long-term calcium deficiency can also lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), which can indirectly affect dental health by weakening the jaw bones. In addition to dietary intake, vitamin D supply also plays an important role, as vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body cannot use the calcium it ingests effectively, which in turn can affect dental health. Therefore, it is important not only to ensure adequate calcium intake, but also to ensure that there is enough vitamin D, whether through sun exposure or by taking supplements. Fluoride, which is often found in toothpaste and drinking water, also supports dental health by hardening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks. However, fluoride can only be fully effective if there is sufficient calcium to strengthen tooth enamel. Therefore, calcium and fluoride work synergistically to protect teeth and increase resistance to caries.
3. How do you notice a calcium excess?
An excess of calcium in the body, also called hypercalcemia, can cause various symptoms and signs that are often nonspecific and therefore easily overlooked or confused with other health problems. Hypercalcemia occurs when the concentration of calcium in the blood rises above the normal range of about 2.1 to 2.6 millimoles per liter. Symptoms can manifest differently depending on the severity and duration of the calcium excess and often affect multiple organ systems. The most common early signs include general fatigue and weakness. Sufferers often feel low on energy and exhaustion, even after adequate sleep. Loss of appetite and associated weight loss are also common symptoms. Loss of appetite can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, which can make the situation worse as they further dehydrate the body. Hypercalcemia can also significantly affect the digestive system. Many sufferers complain of constipation and abdominal pain. These symptoms arise because the excess calcium can interfere with normal muscle contraction in the digestive tract. In more severe cases, it can even lead to what is known as paralytic ileus, a form of intestinal obstruction that requires emergency medical treatment. Another important sign of calcium excess is increased thirst and frequent urination. These symptoms occur because hypercalcemia impairs the kidneys' ability to reabsorb water, leading to increased urine production. As a result, sufferers try to compensate for fluid loss by drinking more. In the long term, untreated hypercalcemia can lead to kidney damage, including the formation of kidney stones or even kidney failure. The cardiovascular system can also be affected by increased calcium levels. Hypercalcemia can lead to high blood pressure because the excess calcium constricts the blood vessels and increases the work of the heart. In severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias can occur, manifesting as irregular heartbeat or palpitations. These arrhythmias can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. The nervous system is also affected by hypercalcemia. Neurological symptoms include difficulty concentrating, confusion, and in severe cases, hallucinations or loss of consciousness. Some sufferers also report muscle cramps and weakness, as well as a general feeling of dizziness. These symptoms result from the impaired function of nerve cells, which are sensitive to an overload of calcium. Another noticeable symptom is bone pain. Although this may seem counterintuitive, high calcium levels in the blood can actually indicate a breakdown of bone substance. The body may try to release excess calcium from the bones, leading to osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fractures. Patients with long-term hypercalcemia therefore often have reduced bone density and increased fragility of their bones. The causes of hypercalcemia are varied and can range from an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism) to certain types of cancer to excessive intake of vitamin D supplements. Some medications, such as diuretics or lithium, can also increase calcium levels in the blood. Hypercalcemia is usually diagnosed by a blood test that measures calcium levels. Further diagnostic steps may include determination of parathyroid hormone and other relevant laboratory values, as well as imaging tests such as ultrasound or bone density measurements to determine the cause of the hypercalcemia. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the calcium excess. In milder cases, adjusting the diet and reducing calcium or vitamin D supplements may be sufficient. Severe hypercalcemia may require medications that reduce calcium absorption in the intestine or promote excretion via the kidneys. In very severe cases, inpatient treatment may be necessary to quickly lower calcium levels and prevent complications. In summary, calcium excess can cause a variety of symptoms affecting many different organ systems. Early detection and treatment is crucial to prevent serious complications and improve the quality of life of those affected.
4. Calcium in the form of dietary supplements
If you want to increase a low calcium level with a dietary supplement, you should definitely pay attention to the form of the active ingredient and its origin. Calcium capsules are particularly suitable for increasing calcium levels. They are very well tolerated and are utilized by the body to a high degree. The preparation should also not contain any chemical additives. If you buy a preparation from Germany, you can be sure that the product has been produced safely and is of high quality.
Our recommendation:
Vitamineule® Calcium Capsules
In our online shop you will find our calcium capsules from Vitamineule®, which are completely free of artificial additives. Vitamineule® calcium capsules contain 120 mg of pure calcium from calcium carbonate per capsule. Each can contains 90 capsules. In addition to fast and free shipping, we offer a voluntary six-month return guarantee for all products.
5. Conclusion: What steals calcium from the body?
Calcium is an essential mineral that is vital for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, blood clotting, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Deficiency can lead to serious health problems such as osteoporosis, rickets and muscle cramps. Several factors can negatively affect calcium levels in the body. Excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages, alcohol and foods containing phosphates can impair calcium absorption and increase excretion. A diet high in salt and high protein consumption also increase calcium excretion. Vitamin D deficiency, hormonal changes, especially during menopause, and malabsorption syndromes such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease can further reduce calcium absorption. Certain medications such as diuretics, glucocorticoids and anticonvulsants also affect calcium levels. Given these factors, it is worth considering taking calcium in the form of supplements. These offer a convenient way to maintain calcium levels, especially for people who cannot get enough calcium from their diet. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are highly bioavailable and help prevent deficiencies, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. In summary, maintaining adequate calcium levels is crucial for overall health. Eating a balanced diet, avoiding harmful factors and taking supplements when necessary can ensure that the body is adequately supplied with calcium.