Unbalanced vegetarianism: Vegetarians are prone to calcium deficiency if their diets lack calcium-rich sources such as milk, tofu, calcium-fortified vegetable milk, green leafy vegetables and nuts. When the body is not adequately supplied, calcium will be mobilized from the bones to maintain muscle and nervous system activity, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, calcium needs increase to support the development of fetal bones and teeth and breast milk production. If the diet does not meet the needs, the body will take calcium reserves from the mother's bones. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding women need to supplement enough calcium from food or according to the doctor's instructions.
Chronic kidney disease: Kidneys play the role of converting vitamin D into an active form for the body to absorb calcium. When kidney function declines, calcium absorption ability also decreases. Chronic kidney disease also disrupts the balance of phosphorus and hormones that regulate bone metabolism, causing the body to take calcium from bones to maintain blood levels, making bones weak and easily broken.
Do not expose to sunlight: People who are less exposed to sunlight are prone to calcium deficiency because the body needs UVB rays to synthesize vitamin D - a nutrient that helps absorb calcium. People who are often indoors, working in offices or covering themselves tightly when going out are at higher risk of calcium deficiency and bone diseases.
After gastrectomy: The amount of stomach acid decreases and the structure of the digestive tract changes, reducing the ability to absorb calcium and many vitamins and minerals. During recovery, patients also often eat less, so the amount of calcium intake decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor nutrition and supplement calcium and vitamin D as prescribed by the doctor.
