Is anyone taking coral calcium supplements

Re: coral calcium - No not heard of it. If U decide to take it, please post regularly to let us know how U R doing.

Pieces of info that would be helpful is age. I M 80 & was diagnosed w/Osteoporosis (rt shoulder & left femur about May 2022 at age 78. 2010 I was diagnosed with osteopenia & had no change for 12 years. Knee issues began in 2012. No accidental broken bones.

I hv tried OTC Calcium tablets - result bone pain after 1 month. Took 1/2 dose (500mg), 2 months later had to stop bc of bone pain.

Coral calcium is a well-known scam going back 20 years.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2003/06/ftc-fda-take-new-actions-fight-against-deceptive-marketing
There is nothing special about it, and in fact it is neither the best nor the cheapest source of calcium.

@walk4life This topic comes up from time to time as people try to find the "best calcium" to help ward off osteoporosis.
Coral calcium is simply calcium extracted from broken up coral found on beaches near coral deposits. Chemically it is calcium carbonate - one of the most common calcium supplements. Here is one explanation:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coral-calcium
I don't believe there is any scientific research that shows coral calcium supplements are superior to regular ones.

With two falls and two fractures in a short time, it sounds like you need to think about a slightly different approach - have you had a recent DEXA scan to determine if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis? This would determine whether you need to consider a more aggressive approach to replace calcium lost in your bones vs taking a supplement to prevent bone loss.

Also, you need a PT evaluation of your strength and balance to figure out why the falls. This is nothing to take lightly - the next fall could break your hip - or your head! PT can also give you balance exercises to do at home to maintain or improve your ability to avoid falls in the future.

Let us know what you decide to do...

@walk4life Regarding coral calcium I think this is something to ask your doctor about. The endocrinologist I see told me that it's best to get all the calcium I can from food. I can supplement as needed if I don't meet the 1200mg per day but to take no mor than 400mg at one time and that a supplement with food. I take calcium citrate as it is easier on my digestion. I also take 2000iu/day of D3. The vitamin D was also approved by my endocrinologist.

@sueinmn , it has been a few years since i had a bone scan. The last scan showed mild osteopenia in the spine. I work out at tbe gym regularly with a trainer and we work on balance exercises. Overall my balance is good . I fell while jogging on irregular blacktop with cracks and potholes. The clinic i go to has opened offices that focus on the elderly with additonal services on site. While I like my pcp, i have been thinking of transferring to a doctor at the 65 office for a more comprehensive approach. I had a right hip replacement in 2023 due to loss of collagen. MD said xray showed bone on bone. Thanks for the link to the article on calcium. I was taking colkagen supplements prior to my hip replacement.

@firefly , I am 73. Right now, I am not taking calcium right now.

I M not taking any type of osteoporosis therapy. Getting ready for knee surgery so osteoporosis therapy is on the back burner. Thank goodness. So tired of the nagging by female medical personnel. None of them are taking it.

@firefly Good luck with your knee surgery.

two things. 1. if you drink carbonated drinks calcium is not absorbed. 2. I believe in hrt, hormone replacement therapy, using estrogen and wild yam cream.

I know I thin about that too. pt is boring perhaps the pts don't have a personal interest in something they aren't battling with, so they are boring.