A.

The Problem

Calcium deficiency as defined by Medterms.com is a condition wherein there is a low blood level of
calcium or hypocalcemia, which can make the nervous system highly irritable, causing spasms of the
hands and feet (tetany), muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, overly active reflexes, and so on. Chronic
calcium deficiency contributes to poor mineralization of bones, soft bones (osteomalacia) and
osteoporosis, and, in children, rickets and impaired growth.

Hypocalcemia is the term for an abnormally low level of calcium in the body. A low calcium level may
result from a problem with the parathyroid glands, as well as from diet, kidney disorders, or certain
medications. It may be the result of low calcium production or insufficient calcium circulation in the
body. Calcium is necessary to keep bones strong and to help them grow or heal. A deficiency also of
magnesium or vitamin D is linked to most cases of hypocalcemia. Symptoms include seizures, muscle
stiffness, anxiety or depression, hypotension, congestive heart failure, dementia, cataracts, eczema, dry-
coarse skin, and parkinsonism papilledema.

Over time, hypocalcemia can affect the brain and cause neurologic or psychologic symptoms, such as
confusion, memory loss, delirium, depression, and hallucinations. (msdmanuals.com)

Hypocalcemia can affect people of all ages, including infants. The age at which someone could
develop hypocalcemia usually depends on the cause. For example, if an infant has hypocalcemia, it’s
often because of a genetic disorder.

Hypocalcemia is a common side effect of having your thyroid removed (thyroidectomy). Approximately
7% to 49% of people have temporary hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. Healthcare professionals and
researchers have not yet determined how common hypocalcemia is. This is likely because hypocalcemia
is usually a side effect of other health issue. In recent studies, hypocalcemia is highly prevalent even in
COVID-19 patients.

Rationale of the Study

The calcium intake of Filipinos is inadequate because they are not eating and drinking enough milk and
milk products, according to the latest survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the
Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).
Study shows that nearly 90% of Filipino households is not meeting the average calcium requirements.
The consumption of Filipinos for milk and milk products decreased by seven grams, from 49 grams per
capita per day in 2003 to 42 grams per capita per day in 2008. The Department of Science and
Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) said that 97.2 percent of adults in the
country suffer from calcium deficiency in the same year (2008). In 2021, the result of the Expanded
National Nutrition Survey says that 95.5 percent of elderly Filipinos also have calcium deficiency.
(fnri.dost.gov.ph/)

Having a low calcium intake may increase the risks of developing osteoporosis and hypocalcemia.
Hypocalcemia is also common after thyroid surgery. Low calcium levels due to decreased secretion of
parathyroid hormone (PTH) from the parathyroid glands next to the thyroid. This can occur as a result of
damage to the glands during thyroid surgery.

People with lactose intolerance, those with an allergy to milk, and those who avoid eating dairy
products, including vegans have a higher risk of inadequate calcium intakes because dairy products are
rich sources of calcium. Inadequate nutrient intakes in Filipino schoolchildren and adolescents are
common among those from rural areas and poor families. Most Filipinos suffer from hypocalcemia lives
beyond poverty line as they cannot afford to buy dairy products and some nutritious foods because of
the price.

There are plants that are rich in calcium. Among them are Talinum/Waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) and
Kulitis/Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) which grows abundantly in the Philippines. These are common
in our community, promoting us to undergo research study in order to identify the nutritional properties
of these plants. Moreover, the results in this study can hopefully help in the solution of finding dietary
supplement against Hypocalcemia.

The aim of this study is to determine the use of Talinum/Waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) Leaves and
Kulitis/Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) Leaves Extract as Supplementary Diet for Hypocalcemia
Treatment.

TALINUM LEAVES

Unknown to many the Talinum/Waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) is an edible plant from leaves to
its roots. While some see it only as an ornamental plant because of its small pink or lilac flowers. The
leaves and stems are eaten raw in salads or can be cooked. They have a slightly sour taste.
Talinum is a good source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins, crude protein, alpha-tocopherols,
beta-tocopherols, total lipids, and essential oils. (webmd.com)

In every 100mg of dry fresh leaves, Talinum contains 74.60 of calcium and also contains 70.40 of
magnesium. Talinum was reported relatively higher concentration of micronutrients like zinc (25 mg/100
g), iron (12.25 mg/100 g) and copper (0.93 mg/100 g). Relatively higher proportion of manganese (0.56
mg/kg) in talinum was also observed. (arcjournals.com)

In these test shows the significant use of talinum to our diet. A tastier and more nutritious alternative
like to lettuce.

KULITIS LEAVES

In the Philippines, a spiny relative amaranth/pigweed (Amaranthus spinosus L.) locally known as
uray or kulitis thrives in low-lying areas along sand bars and margins of streams. Some think that kulitis is
a weed and are not aware to its health benefits. Most Filipinos grow Kulitis as a green leafy vegetable
since it provides 2-3 times the nutrients of other vegetables.

Kulitis is one of the most delicious and nutritious leafy vegetables. It contains vitamins (A, B6, C,
riboflavin, folate, and K) and dietary minerals (including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus,
potassium, zinc, and copper)

Nutritional values of amaranth (Raw and Boiled/100 grams edible portion

Nutrients Raw Boiled

Moisture (%) 84.4 83.9

Food energy (cal) 47.0 27

Protein (g) 4.6 4.4

Fiber (g) 1.1 -

Total Carbohydrates 7.4 4.4

Ash (g) 2.5 -

Calcium (mg) 341.0 314.0

Phosphorous (mg) 76.0 62.0

Iron (mg) 18.0 -

Sodium (mg) 51.0 -

Potassium (mg) 443.0 -

Vit A (I.U.) 12,860 12,345

Thiamine (mg) 0.01 0.01

Riboflavin (mg) 0.37 0.33

Niacin (mg) 1.80 1.70

Ascorbic acid (mg) 120.0 109.0

https://library.buplant.da.gov.ph/

It only shows that Talinum at Kulitis are very nutritious food. The reason why we choose these 2 plants as
a source of calcium to treat hypocalcemia because they often neglect these plants and not aware to its
health benefits. Also, these two plants are very easy to grow. Now, if you have these two plants in your
backyard, it would be beneficial for you.

Disadvantages:

These 2 plants are high in oxalates which are common in green leafy vegetables. To avoid oxalation and
to remove lectins, as not to interfere in the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, blanch atleast 100 grams
of fresh leaves of talinum and 100 grams of kulitis and take the extract for your daily calcium needs.
(These is aside/alternative from adding talinum and kulitis to your cuisine.)