Low calcium—also called hypocalcemia—can sneak up on you. Sometimes it shows as muscle cramps and tingling. Other times you feel tired, moody, or notice weak nails and brittle bones. Knowing the common signs helps you act before serious problems like fractures or heart rhythm issues happen.
There are a few straightforward reasons you might be low on calcium. Not eating enough dairy, leafy greens, or fortified foods is a common cause. Vitamin D deficiency matters too—without vitamin D your body can’t absorb calcium well. Certain medicines (like some diuretics or osteoporosis drugs), kidney disease, and hormonal changes after surgery or with low parathyroid hormone can also drop calcium levels. Older adults and people on restrictive diets are at higher risk.
Symptoms vary by severity. Mild cases often cause numbness or tingling around the mouth and fingers, muscle cramps, or fatigue. Moderate to severe deficiency can trigger spasms (tetany), confusion, and in rare cases, seizures or dangerous heart rhythm changes. If you have unexplained muscle twitching or breathing trouble, seek medical care.
If you suspect low calcium, your doctor will check a blood test for total calcium and often ionized calcium. They’ll also look at vitamin D and kidney function and might measure parathyroid hormone. Tests help find the cause so treatment targets the root problem, not just lab numbers.
Treatment depends on how low your calcium is and why it’s low. Mild deficiency often improves with dietary changes and an over-the-counter supplement. Aim for foods high in calcium: yogurt, milk, cheese, fortified plant milks, canned salmon with bones, kale, and bok choy. Pair these with safe sun exposure or vitamin D supplements so your body absorbs the calcium.
For moderate or severe hypocalcemia, a doctor may prescribe higher-dose oral calcium or give IV calcium in the hospital. If a medicine or an underlying condition is causing the issue, changing that treatment can fix calcium levels. Your doctor will advise on the right dose—too much calcium without guidance can cause kidney stones and other problems.
Simple daily habits help prevent recurrence. Eat calcium-rich meals, get checked for vitamin D if you have risk factors, and follow up with your doctor if symptoms return. If you’re over 50, on a restrictive diet, or take medications that affect calcium, schedule a checkup. Small changes often stop a minor deficiency from becoming a big problem.
Want practical next steps? Track symptoms, add a calcium-rich food to one meal a day, and ask your clinician for a calcium and vitamin D test. That short step can save you from cramps, low energy, and long-term bone damage.
Calcium deficiency and celiac disease are closely linked, as celiac sufferers often struggle with nutrient absorption. To ensure proper calcium intake, it's essential to consume calcium-rich foods, such as leafy greens, dairy, and fortified products. Additionally, supplements can help fill in any nutritional gaps. It's also important to follow a strict gluten-free diet to promote gut healing and improve nutrient absorption. Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional can help monitor and maintain a healthy calcium level.