Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in the body but also very important for your health. It makes much of the bones and teeth and plays an important role in heart health, muscle function, and nerve signaling. The advised tolerable upper intake levels of calcium as per age are Ages 0-6 months: 1,000 mg per dayAges 7-12 months: 1,500 mg per dayAges 1-8: 2,500 mg per dayAges 9-18: 3,000 mg per dayAges 19-50: 2,500 mg per dayAges 51 and older: 2,000 mg per daySome studies have estimated that around 3.5 billion across the world are calcium deficient. In India only more than 50 million are estimated to be affected by osteoporosis deficiency takes some time to manifest itself, as when our body encounters low calcium it starts to take it from the bones, thus indicating its presence in older age, making the older population more vulnerable to fractures. Long-term deficiency leads to Hypocalcaemia and can lead to osteoporosis, weak bones, and dental problems. It therefore becomes important to pay attention to the signs that our body gives. Here we have listed the top 10 signals that if being noticed should not be taken lightly.

1. Calcium depletion is a slow and painless process that many people are careless about. Brittle nails and dry skin lack of calcium can lead to dry brittle nails that split, break, and peel off easily.
2. Muscle spasms or crampsCalcium plays an important role in muscular contractions. 
3. It regulates the rate of contraction of cardiac muscles as well, if deficient in calcium our body starts to take it from the bones which results in leg and arm pain, spasms, and cramps even while doing simple activities.
4. Fracture of BonesAs bones are made mainly of Calcium with 99% of body Calcium in. bones it's not surprising its loss affects the bones most. Low calcium leads to making bones prone to bone Fracture.
5. OsteoporosisChronic deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. The bones become extremely weak and prone to unexpected fractures. The loss of bones is often progressive and without pain therefore we tend to ignore it.
6. While vitamin K is an important nutrient for blood clotting, the importance of calcium cannot be ignored. Vit K along with fibrinogen and calcium work together to help form clots.
7. Dry skin and Eczema Calcium is found in the outer layer of skin where it plays an important role in self-replenishing. Low levels of calcium can lead to dry itchy skin.
8. Coarse HairCalcium helps in the secretion of hormones and certain enzymes such as biotin that help in hair growth.
9. Irregular HeartbeatsHeart is the most important muscle in the human body and is dependent on Calcium to help in its regular contractions. It helps in sending signals through nerves to heart muscles for pumping blood through the body. Lack of it can upset this signal and cause abnormal heartbeats.
10. Menstrual CrampsCalcium plays an important role in women’s menstrual cycle and its deficiency can increase mensural distress.
11. Tooth DecayAfter bones, teeth hold most of the Calcium of the body, and therefore it's not surprising that calcium deficiency shows on the teeth also in the form of brittle gums and tooth decay.