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

I wanted to address the issue of Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 right away. My goal here is to give you more information that you can discuss with your doctor - to help you make the best choice. This isn't rocket science - I just did some online research - and I have also been able to talk to Dr. Cannell several times in the past. There is a website called Better Bones - and there is a quote from Dr. John Cannell - one of the world's leading experts on Vitamin D - that is posted there. If you type "What is the difference between Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3" into your browser, it will come up. Here is what Dr. Cannell said (ergocalciferol is Vitamin D2 and cholecalciferol is Vitamin D3):

Which Form Should I Take, Vitamin D2 vs D3?
“If you take ergocalciferol, or “vegetarian” vitamin D, be warned. Ergocalciferol is not vitamin D, but a vitamin D-like patent drug whose patent has expired. It does not normally occur in the human body and is probably a weak agonist at the receptor site, meaning it may actually partially block vitamin D actions. Ergocalciferol is the villain in most of the reported cases of toxicity in the world’s literature. All bets are off in terms of measuring blood levels if you take ergocalciferol. Some of the labs can pick it up, and some can’t. Don’t take ergocalciferol; it is not vitamin D.” For more details, see Dr. Alan Gaby’s summary of the research comparing vitamin D2 and D3.

Here is the reference for Dr. Gaby's work: Gaby AR. Vitamin D3 more potent than vitamin D2. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, October 2005.

Dr. Mercola has also been very enthusiastic about Vitamin D3. You can find both doctors on You Tube talking about Vitamin D3. There are MANY doctors on YouTube talking about Vitamin D. Even Katie Couric is on YouTube discussing Vitamin D3. Many of the talks on YouTube are discussing the outdated notion that 400 IU of Vitamin D3 is sufficient. That has since been debunked.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--NqqB2nhBE. Dr. Cannell has spent decades researching Vitamin D. I'm really glad I found this talk by him so I don't have to write anything further.

This will give you more information to discuss with your doctor. As always, ask your doctor what s/he thinks. I MUST avoid Vitamin D2 because I have candida overgrowth and D2 has a yeast background.

Thank you!

@parrotqueen

Hi

I agree with you on vitamin D3 having done my own research and spoken to a medical professional. I take a daily dose of K2 and D3 ...a powder form mixed with 2 oz of water. I love your continued passion for good health and thank you for all your research and hard work that has inspired a lively dialogue here on Mayo.

FL Mary

@imallers Where did you find the powder form of Vit K and D3? I have liquid calcium but the pill form of D3 and K but would rather take liquid . Thank in advance Mary ,Linda

@lioness

Linda, I ordered from Nutrametrix but one months supply is not cheap even with my discount. Looking for another cheaper option and will let you know. It’s more effective taken with food and gets into the body within 5 minutes.

FL Mary

@imallers Mary that would be great Yes liquids get in faster then pills Black pepper acts as an antigen with spices not sure about vitamins Thanks Linda

Has anyone taken flosmsax? I am on prednisone 8mg. and have osteoporosis. Dr. just gave me. the blocked and have not heard of anyone else taking it. Thanks

Has anyone taken flosmsax? I am on prednisone 8mg. and have osteoporosis. Dr. just gave me. the flosmax and have not heard of anyone else taking it. Thanks

Hello 123suew, I am Sunnyflower. Do you mean Fosamax aka Alendronate? I have not but I believe there are some in this group who do have experience with this drug used for osteoporosis.

I have been on Prednisone for about 27 years and have "severe" osteoporosis (3 pelvic and 1 rib fractures). My Endocrinologists have wanted me to take one or another of the several medication options but I have declined due to the potential unwanted and harmful side-effects, some of which are described as "severe" and "debilitating". Many do not experience these and do well so there is a lot to learn before making a decision for yourself.

Many here have done a lot of research and have been on some of these meds so they have good information. I learned quite a bit but most is now in bits and pieces and I can't recall a great deal of it. I take Gabapentin among other toxic meds and my memory is really compromised from them. I wish I could be more of a help. Jonh Bishop, @johnbishop, is one of the best resources here!

I am confident you will find a great deal of support, encouragement, inspiration and information here talking to people.

I wish you the very best on your journey!
Many blessings, Sunnyflower 🙏😊

Hello @123suew,

I agree that you are probably talking about Fosamax which is used to treat osteoporosis. Here is some information from WebMD. WebMD is a user-friendly website for laypeople who have questions about medical matters.
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1273-7174/fosamax-oral/alendronate-oral/details.
If you read the article you will see that there are some side-effects. With every med that each of us takes, there are side-effects. Not all of us will get one or all of the side-effects. We have to decide individually how much we are willing to risk the side-effects or risk the results of not taking them (i.e. fractures, etc.)

I recently started taking a med, Actonel, on a once a month basis. This too is a med used to stop additional bone loss. While there are side-effects I'm willing to try it because I fear fracturing a hip more than the side-effects of the med.

It really is a personal decision. It is important to do your own due diligence. By this I mean, to read all you can about the side-effect as well as the benefits of the drugs and to talk with your doctor and then make the best decision you can for your well-being.