An individual who has been on a diet that eliminates dairy products complains of muscular spasms and nervousness. Specifically, why might these symptoms result from such a low-calcium diet?

Low calcium level in body may cause a condition called hypocalcemia.

Explanation:

When a person has the condition of hypocalcemia his/her muscles and nerves that are releted to calcium levels in blood will undergo spasms or twitching. This is generally termed as muscular irritability. Muscle cramps in leg and arms are symptoms of hypocalcemia.

When the fall in calcium levels is sudden then the twitching of muscles will be more evident. Calcium absorption is only possible if there is adequate supply of vitamin D in our body. Thus the levels of calcium and vitamin D should be well maintained to avoid hypocalcemia.