How does calcium excess or deficiency manifest in the elderly?

Question: What are the signs of calcium excess and deficiency in a 57-year-old woman? If there is excess or deficiency, what should the diet be like?

Reply:
1. Symptoms ofexcess calciumincluding: loss of appetite, nausea, thirst, frequent urination, constipation, kidney stones, fatigue, muscle weakness...

Symptoms of calcium deficiency include: numbness of the lips, tongue, fingertips, and toes. More severe cases can cause muscle contractions causing cramps (cramps) or hand cramps (also known as midwifery hand sign).

2. Hypocalcemia is often caused by diet.calcium deficiencyor vitamin D deficiency, on the contrary hypercalcemia is often associated with diseases such ashyperthyroidism, malignancy or severe dehydration. Therefore, when you have hypercalcemia, you must see an endocrinologist to diagnose the cause and receive appropriate treatment depending on the cause.

For hypocalcemia, depending on the cause, the doctor will supplement calcium, vitamin D or calcitriol. In addition, the patient should supplement with calcium-rich foods such as shrimp, crab, milk, cheese... and have an appropriate exercise regimen.

3. If the elderly do not have any accompanying medical conditions (such as diabetes), they can drink any type of milk available on the market.

According to the website of University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - NT