What's the evidence on Calcium and Vitamin D for bone density?

@sandy0257 I went from severe osteoporosis (-3.7) to borderline (-2.5) on Tymlos and minimized side effects by starting at a low dose and moving up as my body adjusted. Others may tolerate other meds better. These meds absolutely do work, but noone would say they are easy. The thing is, fractures are harder!

Thank you for supplying concrete data. I’ll look that one up.

We're all concerned about pharmaceutical side effects but we each have to weigh the pros and cons and make appropriate choices for ourselves. Medications are sometimes necessary and thank goodness we have them. I ultimately went on Forteo after a two year trial of intense exercise and targeted nutrition utterly failed, causing me to lose a lot more of my spine density. I had no side effects at all and gratefully, gained back some of the bone I lost during that two year period. Had I gone on Forteo initially when my osteoporosis was diagnosed, it would have taken my Dexa numbers out of the osteo range. But I was determined and stubborn and convinced I could do it naturally on my own. I really regret that decision as I put myself at greater risk of fracture by delaying the medication I obviously needed. It's really important to look at all of our options and accept when it's time to use a pharmaceutical, making the best choice for our individual situations.

Agree, reading about all the side effects is awful. From what I’ve read here, not everyone has bad side effects on meds, especially if you’re able to tailor doses. The side effects and risks from fractures and surgeries aren’t fun either. It’s hard.

Good evening @teb ..... I don't think we have had a previous communication. However, I do want to thank you for admitting that you were a bit on the stubborn side of reality regarding osteoporosis medications. Like you.....I tend to want to do things myself. I truly dislike medication of any kind. And on a couple of occasions, I have made significant errors when I tried to do things my own way. When I review my medical history there have been several situations that really did not have to happen. Recently, I tried to fight progressive small fiber neuropathy by walking faster, further, and up and downhill. That was three months ago and I am still trying to get back to my therapist's way of approaching the muscle pain and stiffness. I think I'm lucky that she didn't tell me to go fly a kite. Because of the damage I created, we have had to go back to square one. to keep me from falling.

However, mindfulness tells us to be kind and have compassion for ourselves. So I have repaired my reputation for being a good patient for my two MFR therapists.

May your struggles and sorrows be eased.
Chris

I live in the sunbelt also but my Vit D level was catastrophically low, as in prescribed mega doses to get it back up. But if you’re going to take calcium and Vit D, you also need to be taking Vit K2 as well. There are two forms that work , MK4 and MK7. Also magnesium as a ratio of 2:1 calcium:magnesium. And don’t take those together because they compete for absorption.

I was recently diagnosed with osteopenia and was encouraged by my primary care physician to take Calcium Citrate and Vitamin D3. Apparently, I was on the wrong calcium supplement. I was taking the correct amount of Vitamin D3 which was 1,000 daily. My levels came back at 32 which is also normal. So, I am changing to Calcium Citrate.

My Dr. also told me to take Calcium citrate w/D3.

@minijohn @marlow2, along with your calcium and D, you need K2. It works with D to keep the calcium out of your arteries and going into your bones. It has two forms MK-4 and MK7 associated with bone growth. I personally take 180 mcg of MK7 and shoot for 45 grams of MK4 daily. You also
Need magnesium at a ratio of 2:1 cal/mag ratio. And don’t take these together. They compete for absorption.

Try Viactiv. Most pharmacies have their own versions.