Can a lack of calcium in diet cause bone pain?

Over the last 8-10 months my diet has been lacking in calcium, basically because I minimsed dairy in my diet as it was giving me acne breakouts. All i eat is two slices of cheese per day (ie 200mg of calcium).. this is far below the recommended daily intake. lately i have been noticing generalised bone pain... particuarly in the legs... my shins get painful now and then..could this be caused by something such as a lack of calcium in my diet.. or bone cancer?

It can certainly be painful to wake up with a leg muscle tied up in a knot! Leg cramps and pain can indicate a nutritional deficiency. Although scientific research is not conclusive, there is some evidence that a calcium deficiency may contribute to leg cramps. This does make sense, however, because calcium is very important for proper muscle functioning.


Dietary calcium must be made soluble in the stomach and then pass to the small intestine, where it combines with a calcium binding molecule so it can be absorbed (a process called chelation). CALCIUM competes with zinc, manganese, magnesium, copper and iron for absorption in the intestine, and a high intake of one can reduce absorption of the others.

Adults excrete 400-600mg of calcium daily

Signs of severe calcium deficiency include abnormal heartbeat, muscle pains and cramps, numbness, stiffness and tingling of the hands and feet. Children can suffer from rickets, with symptoms of excessive sweating of the head, slowness in sitting, crawling and walking, insomnia and bow legs. In adults deficiency can lead to symptoms of bone pain, muscle weakness and delayed healing of fractures

Getting enough calcium early in life is vital for bones to reach their maximum density so that they are as strong as possible to support the body, even when they lose density later in life. Studies show that calcium intake in the 11-24 age group is often below the recommended levels with serious consequences for later life. It is never too late to slow the bone loss seen in osteoporosis, and early postmenopausal years are an important time to ensure optimal intake


Most doctors advise taking Calcium 1500 mgm daily. Of course calcium supplements must have Vit D, zinc, magnesium incorporated in the tablet for proper balance and absorption.


Try to include as many foods rich in calcium in your diet as possible, and supplement the shortfall with bio-available AlgaeCal, the world鈥檚 only plant-sourced Calcium. Below is a chart of foods high in calcium.


Food with Calcium Serving size Calcium per serving (mg)*
Dairy products
Milk鈥?1 cup 290-300
Swiss cheese 1 oz (slice) 250-270
Yogurt 1 cup 240-400
American cheese 1 oz (slice) 165-200
Ice cream or frozen dessert 1/2 cup 90-100
Cottage cheese 1/2 cup 80-100
Parmesan cheese 1 Tbs 70
Powdered nonfat milk 1 tsp 50

Other
Sardines in oil (with bones) 3 oz 370
Canned salmon (with bones) 3 oz 170-210
Broccoli 1 cup 160-180
Soybean curd (tofu) 4 oz 145-155
Turnip greens 1/2 cup, cooked 100-125
Kale 1/2 cup, cooked 90-100
Corn bread 2 1/2-in. square 80-90
Egg 1 medium 55
Calcium-fortified food (bread, cereals, fruit juices)鈥?1 serving Varies

I don't think your leg pains are due to bone cancer. Leg pain can be due to a muscle cramp (also called a charley horse).

Common causes of cramps include
Dehydration or low amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood
Medications such as:
Diuretics, which can cause you to lose too much fluid or minerals
Statins, which lower cholesterol and can cause muscle injury
Muscle fatigue or strain from overuse, too much exercise, or holding a muscle in the same position for a long time

An injury can also cause leg pain from:
A torn or overstretched muscle (strain)
Hairline crack in the bone (stress fracture)
Inflamed tendon (tendinitis)
Shin splints -- pain in the front of your leg related to overuse or repetitive pounding


If you have leg pain from cramps or overuse, take these steps first:

Rest as much as possible.
Elevate your leg.
Apply ice for up to 15 minutes. Do this 4 times per day, more often for the first few days.
Gently stretch and massage cramping muscles.
Take over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
It does seem that moderate exercise may help prevent them, as will wearing support stockings and sitting with your legs up several times during the day

I hope I answered every apect of your problem.

okay I don't think it is bone cancer. If you run alot it might be shin splints.

Goto your doctor and get it checked out. It's unlikely to be due to low Ca intake.

Dr P

i doubt it is bone cancer. Lack of calcium causes Osteoporosis, which is literally, your bones becoming porous- like a clay pot, but it doesn't happen till you get heaps old. But you do need cacuim NOW to pervent it.

Take calcium tablets, that shouldn't give you any breakouts and see a doc about your sore legs, could be anything, you may have cracked one. and eat a bit more dairy if you can, what's a couple of pimples for the ability to walk when you are 65?