Best Calcium Supplement?

Posted by SRKONA @trixie5141, Apr 22 7:20am

Which is the best type of calcium supplement? I've been taking calcium citrate (Citracal) which I understand is more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate (Caltrate). Most recently I've been hearing about calcium phosphate as an alternative. I like that it is available as a powder and may be less constipating than calcium citrate but it seems that is calcium phosphate is more for pets. Your thoughts?

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@dlmdinia

I tried Googling that and found nothing to support that theory. Milk is supplemented with vitamin d which increases absorption.
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/calcium-intake-and-absorption

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It is an old teaching - learned it in my journey 40 years ago - my doctor plus Dr. Lendon Smith (favored Pediatrician ) were my first sources.

I will keep the need for research to share in mind. Read about it again recently, so it is still active.

Not a fan of fortifying foods with synthetic vitamins - milk, cereals.

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I am extremely lactose intolerant but drink (and love) Lactaid brand milk. I think it is better to get calcium from whole foods if you can; my specialist things so too. I also take half a Lactaid tablet with it for 'insurance.'

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@loplady

I did not see this in the article you referenced but stated in your comment "Over 2000 mg from foods can actually reduce the plaque already in your heart's arteries." Where did you get that information from?

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I'm sorry. I'm having trouble locating that article. Until I do, here is a link suggesting something similar. "One study found people who had high calcium intake had less — not more — calcification in their coronary arteries. But that was mostly true for people who got calcium from their meals rather than pills"
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/too-much-calcium-supplements

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@dlmdinia

I appears you've got the basics nailed down. As always getting your nutritional needs met is always through foods rather than supplements. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, so you'll need to keep that in mind. I recently found an article (I posted link on another thread here) which warned about getting too much calcium from supplements as anything over 2000 mg per day can lead to hypercalcimia which causes heart disease. However, getting calcium naturally in foods has the opposite effect. Over 2000 mg from foods can actually reduce the plaque already in your heart's arteries. Here is an article on how to get the calcium you need naturally.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097

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If I were to stop taking the daily dose of calcium (1200 mg with vit d3) and would only get calcium from food, how would I know if I am getting between 1600-2000 mg daily?

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@evg

If I were to stop taking the daily dose of calcium (1200 mg with vit d3) and would only get calcium from food, how would I know if I am getting between 1600-2000 mg daily?

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Do a Google search for foods containing calcium. The article should provide the amount of calcium. For ex. milk contains about 300 mg per serving. I drink at least two glasses a day to provide 600 mg plus the vitamin D needed for the absorption of calcium. You can also get Vitamin D from sunshine. I take a multi-vitamin, so I take that into account. Packaged foods such as yogurt will have that information on the label.

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what about Stronium Citrate?

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@dlmdinia

Do a Google search for foods containing calcium. The article should provide the amount of calcium. For ex. milk contains about 300 mg per serving. I drink at least two glasses a day to provide 600 mg plus the vitamin D needed for the absorption of calcium. You can also get Vitamin D from sunshine. I take a multi-vitamin, so I take that into account. Packaged foods such as yogurt will have that information on the label.

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Do you take boron supplements or just eat a diet high in boron?

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@evg

If I were to stop taking the daily dose of calcium (1200 mg with vit d3) and would only get calcium from food, how would I know if I am getting between 1600-2000 mg daily?

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If you eat certain foods regularly, you can google their calcium value and have a good idea as to whether you've met your requirement. 1600-2000 is pretty high and likely unnecessary. Recommendation in the states is for 1200 mg post-menopausal but the World Health Organization recommends 800 mg. If you're getting 1200 mg daily, that's plenty. I use the website cronometer.com to calculate my daily nutrition. Been using it for years so I now have a good idea as to what I should consume each day, not just in calcium but in other nutrients as well. I still check it most days as insurance that I've met all of my nutritional needs and if not, that's when I'll supplement accordingly. Highly recommend it.

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@ss66

Hi,
I have been taking Calcium Citrate 600 mg for couple of months

Today I came across the below video which is very informative and have decided it’s better to monitor Calcium via food intake so can avoid supplements

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Very interesting video but now I’m more confused than ever. I’ve been taking calcium citrate 500mg when I don’t get enough in my diet. I have osteopenia, am on life long steroids and now starting letrozole - all of which contribute to bone loss. None of my doctors have more than a passing opinion (take some calcium). It’s hard to get good advice on this topic.

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@janflute

Do you take boron supplements or just eat a diet high in boron?

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I had to Google boron as I'd never heard of it, so the answer is no to both. I would not add any supplements unless on the advice of my oncologist. The supplements I take now are actually one of the topics I plan to discuss with her in a few weeks. My 15 second search showed boron in beans, and I do like beans so I don't plan on worrying about boron.

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