Who is most at risk for calcium deficiency? An analysis of key demographics and health factors

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Worldwide, it is estimated that 3.5 billion people are at risk of calcium deficiency due to inadequate dietary intake, but certain populations face an even higher likelihood of developing this condition. Understanding who is most at risk for calcium deficiency is crucial for early detection and intervention, as the mineral is vital for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling.

Quick Summary

Certain groups are at a higher risk of developing a calcium deficiency due to a combination of age, dietary choices, and underlying health issues. Key populations include older adults, postmenopausal women, vegans, and those with specific medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption.

Key Points

Postmenopausal Women: The drop in estrogen after menopause accelerates bone loss and diminishes calcium absorption, making women over 50 a high-risk group.
Older Adults: Aging naturally reduces the body's ability to absorb calcium, increasing the risk for osteoporosis in both men and women over time.
Vegans and Dairy-Free Individuals: Diets that exclude dairy products, a major source of calcium, pose a higher risk of deficiency without careful planning or supplementation.
Certain Medical Conditions: Intestinal disorders like Crohn's and Celiac disease, as well as kidney and parathyroid disorders, can cause malabsorption and disrupt calcium levels.
Inadequate Vitamin D Levels: Sufficient vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, and deficiency in this vitamin is a primary risk factor for low calcium.
Adolescents and Infants: Periods of rapid growth create high calcium demands; inadequate intake in these stages can negatively impact bone development.
Lifestyle Factors: Excessive intake of alcohol, caffeine, and sodium can all interfere with the body's ability to absorb and retain calcium.

Identifying Key Populations at Risk

While anyone can develop a calcium deficiency, also known as hypocalcemia, several populations face a significantly higher risk due to various physiological and lifestyle factors. Awareness of these risk factors is the first step toward prevention and healthy management.

Postmenopausal Women

Postmenopausal women are one of the most vulnerable groups for calcium deficiency. The drop in estrogen levels after menopause directly impacts calcium metabolism. Estrogen plays a critical role in regulating calcium absorption and minimizing bone loss. With lower estrogen, women absorb less calcium from their diet and lose bone mineral density at an accelerated rate, increasing the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of calcium increases for women over 50 to help counteract this effect.

Older Adults

As people age, their ability to absorb calcium from food decreases. This, combined with a potential lower dietary intake over time, puts elderly men and women at greater risk. After about age 30, bones naturally begin to lose calcium, a process that speeds up in middle age. Factors like reduced appetite, limited mobility, and interactions with certain medications can further compound the risk for older individuals.

Vegans and Those with Lactose Intolerance

Dietary choices can significantly impact calcium intake. Vegans and individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance are at a higher risk of not consuming enough calcium because they avoid dairy products, which are primary sources of the mineral. While many non-dairy calcium sources exist, they often require larger portions or careful meal planning to match the calcium content found in dairy. Fortunately, many plant-based milks and other foods are fortified with calcium to help bridge this gap.

People with Certain Medical Conditions

Underlying health issues that affect nutrient absorption or hormonal balance can cause calcium deficiency regardless of dietary intake. Conditions that can lead to malabsorption include:

Crohn’s Disease and Celiac Disease: These inflammatory bowel diseases damage the lining of the intestine, impairing the absorption of nutrients, including calcium.
Kidney Disorders: The kidneys play a critical role in activating vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption. Kidney dysfunction can therefore disrupt calcium balance.
Hypoparathyroidism: This condition involves insufficient production of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps regulate blood calcium levels.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can interfere with fat absorption, leading to poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamin D and, consequently, calcium.

Adolescents and Infants

Infants, particularly those who are premature or have low birth weight, are at a higher risk of hypocalcemia. Adolescents also have an increased calcium requirement during their rapid growth phase. Recommended daily intake for teens aged 9 to 18 is 1,300 mg. Inadequate intake during these crucial years can compromise bone density and growth, potentially leading to issues later in life.

Comparison of Calcium-Rich Food Sources

Achieving adequate calcium intake is possible through various dietary sources. This table compares common options, including both dairy and non-dairy foods, to help illustrate the differences in calcium content per serving.


Food Source	Serving Size	Calcium (mg)	Notes
Yogurt, plain, low-fat	8 ounces	415 mg	Excellent source; check fortified options for higher content.
Orange Juice, fortified	1 cup	349 mg	Varies by brand; must be specifically fortified.
Sardines, canned in oil, with bones	3 ounces	325 mg	Bones are a rich source of calcium.
Milk, nonfat	1 cup	299 mg	Standard dairy source; whole milk content is slightly lower.
Soymilk, fortified	1 cup	299 mg	Shake well, as calcium can settle to the bottom.
Tofu, firm, with calcium sulfate	½ cup	253 mg	Check label for calcium-set tofu.
Spinach, boiled, drained	½ cup	123 mg	Contains oxalates, which reduce absorption.
Kale, cooked	1 cup	94 mg	Higher absorption rate compared to spinach.
Chia seeds	1 tablespoon	76 mg	A small, easy addition to many foods.

Lifestyle and Other Factors Influencing Risk

Beyond the key populations, several lifestyle and environmental factors can influence an individual's risk of calcium deficiency:

Vitamin D Deficiency: Adequate vitamin D is essential for the body to absorb calcium. Insufficient sun exposure and low dietary intake of vitamin D are major risk factors.
Certain Medications: Some drugs, including corticosteroids and anticonvulsants, can interfere with calcium metabolism or absorption.
Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol: High consumption of these can increase calcium excretion and interfere with absorption, respectively.
High Sodium Intake: Excessive salt in the diet can lead to increased calcium loss through urine.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing calcium deficiency involves a combination of dietary and lifestyle adjustments:

Consume Calcium-Rich Foods: Incorporate a variety of calcium sources, such as dairy products, leafy greens (kale, bok choy), fortified foods, and canned fish with bones.
Optimize Vitamin D Levels: Ensure adequate vitamin D intake through sunlight exposure, fortified foods, or supplements, as recommended by a healthcare provider.
Moderate Intake of Inhibitors: Limit excessive caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium foods.
Consider Supplements: For individuals who cannot meet their needs through diet alone, a healthcare provider may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Weight-Bearing Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or weight training, helps maintain bone density.

Conclusion

Calcium deficiency can have serious long-term consequences, but understanding who is most at risk for calcium deficiency empowers individuals to take proactive steps. Postmenopausal women, older adults, and those with restrictive diets or certain medical conditions are among the most vulnerable groups. By focusing on a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, managing lifestyle factors, and consulting a healthcare provider, it is possible to minimize risk and maintain strong bones and overall health. For the latest recommendations on calcium intake by age and life stage, refer to authoritative health resources.

Learn more about calcium requirements from the National Institutes of Health: Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Early signs of calcium deficiency can include muscle cramps or spasms, particularly in the hands and legs, weakness, fatigue, numbness, and tingling in the fingertips and jawline.

If left untreated, a chronic calcium deficiency can lead to severe health problems, including osteoporosis, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), seizures, dental problems, and brittle nails.

A doctor can diagnose a calcium deficiency, also known as hypocalcemia, with a simple blood test that measures the concentration of calcium in your blood.

Yes, calcium supplements can be beneficial, especially for those who cannot meet their daily needs through diet alone. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for the appropriate dosage to avoid adverse effects.

It is possible to get enough calcium on a vegan diet, but it requires careful planning. Excellent plant-based sources include fortified plant milks, tofu made with calcium sulfate, almonds, and leafy greens like kale and bok choy.

Vitamin D is essential for the body's absorption of calcium from the intestines. Without adequate vitamin D, the body can only absorb 10% to 15% of dietary calcium.

Yes, older men are also at risk. As men age, their ability to absorb calcium decreases, increasing the likelihood of deficiency and related bone issues like osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Yes, some medications, such as corticosteroids, certain diuretics, and anticonvulsants, can affect calcium metabolism or absorption, increasing the risk of deficiency.

Yes, excessive calcium intake, particularly from supplements, can be harmful. It can lead to constipation, kidney stones, and may interfere with the absorption of other minerals like zinc and iron.