Is it okay to take algae calcium and vit D3 twith prolia injections ?

Your rheumatologist may just be trying to encourage getting calcium from food rather than supplements. The fact is that Prolia users need calcium supplementation. Go ahead and take it.

I have been on prolia injection (every six months) since 2018. I started it with my primary physician while living in Virginia. We moved to San Diego in 2020 and continued it with my primary physician there. In 2022 my husband and I both retired and we relocated to Arizonan. I have continued with the Prolia. All three of these physicians have said to take a calcium supplement with the Prolia.

@jmal How has your BMD responded from 7-8 years of Prolia. All good?

Why are you confused?

@flop1 calcium is dangerous for those with any heart or artery conditions and for those who have enough in their diet. A simple blood test tells all. Calcium hardens arteries and aggravates joints if you have pseudogout so go with the RA doctor. No calcium supplements if there is no deficiency.
Calcium supplements can cause common side effects like constipation and bloating, and high doses may raise the risk of kidney stones, heart issues, and high blood levels of calcium.
Common Side Effects
• Stomach upset: You may feel gassy or bloated.
• Constipation: This happens frequently, especially with calcium carbonate.
Major Risks and Concerns
• Kidney stones: High supplement doses can increase stone formation in your kidneys.
• Hypercalcemia: Too much calcium can cause dangerously high levels in your blood, leading to confusion or frequent urination.
• Heart health: Some studies link high-dose supplements to a higher risk of heart disease or blood vessel calcification, though findings vary.
• Drug interactions: Calcium can block the absorption of iron, magnesium, and certain prescription drugs like antibiotics.

@loriesco very good warnings …thank you ! Q—Is organic plant-based calcium in moderate amounts less apt to cause these things ? Does combining it with D3 and K2 help for safer absorption ?

An endocrinologist may be helpful in determining what is best for you. Endocrinologists do extensive tests to determine your blood calcium and vitamin D levels, check your parathyroid levels and make recommendations based on your specific results. Typically calcium supplementation is recommended. But for example — urine tests are used to determine calcium levels in urine. High calcium excretion in the urine can reflect intense bone breakdown (osteoclastic activity) where calcium leaves the bones and passes through the kidneys. This can happen with normal blood calcium levels.
Each patient is different and individual results indicate individual recommendations. If your doctors aren’t testing your levels and parathyroid function they are just making random recommendations based on zero knowledge of your individual health.

@loriesco

Calcium supplementation dangers can be reduced or eliminated with an approach to nutrition that includes all nutrients as they work in tandem, timing of taking and choosing which foods to eat alongside.
Nutrition is complex and, as you say, dangerous if people simply take one supplement to excess.

I have been taking full spectrum Vitamin K2 as MK-4 and MK-7 for nearly 10 years. Vitamin K2 is essential for regulating calcium in the body — directing calcium to bones and teeth and keeping it out of arteries.

I had a coronary calcium CT scan a few months ago. My score was zero. I am nearly 70. A zero score is usually associated with 30-year-old individuals.

Doctors should recommend K2 to patients if they recommend calcium supplements. K2 is not easily available through diet because it only is found in high fat animal products, eggs and fermented food. Most of us eat lean meat and can’t consume enough eggs to maintain sufficient levels. The gut converts some vitamin K into K2 but is very inefficient.

Osteoporosis can be related to cancer treatment (for example) and not necessarily caused by a lack of good nutrition. But avoiding supplements based only on negative side effects would be the same as foregoing effective treatment based on potential adverse effects. Supplementation has many benefits and should not be rejected out of hand without careful consideration and individual evaluation.

@nycmusic

Yes. Vitamin K2 directs calcium away from arteries and helps calcium absorption in bones and teeth. Vitamin D is essential. Base your choices on your individual test results. If your doctor has not tested your blood levels or parathyroid you should see an endocrinologist.