What's the evidence on Calcium and Vitamin D for bone density?
A recent bone density test came back in the low average range for my age. My OBGYN recommended calcium and vitamin D. I checked with a family member who is a pharmacist, and she says that the benefits of calcium supplements are not clear cut. Regarding vitamin D, I’m in the sunbelt, and spend at least 2 hours per day outdoors during 8 to 9 months a year (early morning, or evening, sun screen between 10 AM and 5 PM if applicable for pool, beach, for example). I’m sure many people on this forum have done their own research regarding the benefits of calcium pills, and I would love to hear what the current consensus is. I exercise regularly, so my bones get a workout from the muscles pulling on them, if that makes a difference. I think the data I was given is that statistically I have an 8% chance of a hip fracture in the next decade, based on the test results.
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@parrotqueen my endocrinologist never displayed anger, or annoyance (perhaps some frustration) when I refused for 4 years in a row to take meds for my continually declining bone density (looked like a stock market crash on the chart). Finally, after exercising, and calcium and vit d only led to a 13% drop in bone density over 18 months in my spine, cant remember the hip stats but equally frightening, and with the doctor saying, you know I'm beginning to worry about you and "I've seen patients on the other side" (the wheelchair fracture contingent), I said "inject me". My endocrinologist's first choice was Forteo, but the daily injections and its side effects including possible arrythmia didn't seem a good fit for me as I have vtach. So, after speaking also to my family doc whi has quite a few patients on Prolia along with my endocrinologist, I took a leap of faith and here I am. Still standing. Do I have any side effects? Yes, g.i. From the Prolia? Maybe . However in the last three years I went from no meds to three meds so hard to be 100% sure.
I have a much older husband, no children to look after me and I want to remain mobile without broken bones and without having to rely on some stranger to dress and bathe me.
Four years from now, there may be new pharmaceutical developments. We all live too long today. Living is risky business.
@sue225 I'm in total agreement with the way you approached this issue. You tried non chemical methods and consistently watched your reactions as you tried medication. I did the same thing. I am 75 and spent most of my adult life trying alternative methods for everything physical and mental. I did use forteo about 10 years ago, but stopped. Then back to vitamins, etc. But 5 months ago I was diagnosed with severe bone density that puts me at risk, mostly because I work in home health care services and do physical work. So I have been taking daily injections of tymlos, which is a newer version of forteo, along with vitamin d and calcium, etc. But I am totally a believer that life choices are risky and each person is unique. Life is trial and error. Blessings.
@parrotqueen Do you drink smoothies? I use fruit and water or juice then make a smoothie I put the collegeen in this you cant taste it then . Try it
I am impressed that you are still able to do the work you do. I live in Canada and Tymlos is not approved for use here at the present time. I'm sure it will be. I think I read it has fewer side effects than Forteo. I agree with much of what you say. If only as you get older there could be less of trial and error! Be well.
Thank you! Very informative.
I'm posting this again - I hope people will read it or scan it at least - I think it is very important to each of us. Doctors are not all up-to-speed about Vitamin K2 - only one of my doctors knew what I was talking about! I hope the people who monitor the site will let this go through. Education is a good thing.
https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/blog/2016/12/09/the-ultimate-vitamin-k2-resource/
Of course, you should run everything past your doctor. Maybe print this out for your doctors if they don't know about Vitamin K2.
Lioness - I do not drink smoothies because I do not eat much fruit. I am on a no-sugar diet. Sometimes I eat a few berries. I eat my weight in vegetables. I cannot make a decent smoothie with the vegetables I'm allowed. I drink only water - so there would be nothing good to add to it. I used to drink smoothies all the time in the 1980s. But when I gave up sugar and no longer had fruit, I stopped drinking them. I dream of fruit but I just can't do it. I had a tiny bite of apple the other day - I didn't even enjoy it - and I'm covered with horrible hives. I am so allergic to sugar.
@parrotqueen
Hi,
You've done your research and I agree with most of what you say. I am also taking D3+k2. I avoid calcium supplements because of bloating. Foods high in oxalates prevent these essential vitamins from being absorbed into the bone. As you said, healthy foods and lifestyle and a common sense approach are the key.
To each his own. Also, dexascan numbers can be different from machine to machine so make sure you are getting these tests at the same facility. You really cant compare results from 2 different places.
We are empowering ourselves by learning all we can.....Stay healthy and vigilante...Everyone has stories to tell but dont be frightened by all you hear...we are all in the same boat on the same journey..just taking different routes...
FL Mary
@parrotqueen I do just a vegie drink. I put a cup of distilled water in , kale,cucumber,carrot, parsley ,ginger and turmeric. Drink it as is. Also I use cup of water , Power greens, Garlic, Giner root shave , parsley potato, and carrot . I have trouble eating vegies . So I experiment as to what I like . The carrot is sweet so this is my sweetner