4. Tooth decay: 99% of calcium is stored in the bones and teeth. Signs of tooth decay (e.g., thinning enamel, white spots on the tooth) could be a sign of calcium loss in addition to more serious oral health issues.
5. Fatigue: Oftentimes, calcium deficiency displays no symptoms. If you generally look and feel fine, but feel more tired than usual and more often, the unexplained fatigue could be from a lack of calcium.
More severe symptoms can include depression, memory loss and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
Get More Calcium In Your Diet
Incorporating more foods in your daily diet with calcium with help to give your body the recommended amount of calcium it needs. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich natural sources of calcium. Nondairy sources include vegetables, such as Chinese cabbage, kale, spinach and broccoli. Foods like grains, cereal and fruit juices can also be fortified with added calcium. Calcium supplements are also an option, but should only be consumed at the advice of your doctor.
The chart below provides the recommended amount of calcium for your age group:
Age | Male | Female | Pregnant | Lactating |
---|---|---|---|---|
0–6 months* | 200 mg | 200 mg | ||
7–12 months* | 260 mg | 260 mg | ||
1–3 years | 700 mg | 700 mg | ||
4–8 years | 1,000 mg | 1,000 mg | ||
9–13 years | 1,300 mg | 1,300 mg | ||
14–18 years | 1,300 mg | 1,300 mg | 1,300 mg | 1,300 mg |
19–50 years | 1,000 mg | 1,000 mg | 1,000 mg | 1,000 mg |
51–70 years | 1,000 mg | 1,200 mg | ||
71+ years | 1,200 mg | 1,200 mg |
* Adequate Intake (AI)