Need Calcium Supplement

Posted by drsmlopez @drsmlopez, Jun 30 3:03pm

I'm seeking a calcium supplement that won't interfere with levothyroxine. I've been on levothyroxine for 54 years, with osteopenia now osteoporosis. I took 2,000 mg of calcium carbonate and seaweed supplements daily, which caused my neck to stiffen. I improved my diet with calcium-rich plant foods and stopped supplements, but osteoporosis worsened despite strength training.

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CathyF31 | @cathyf31 | Jul 1 4:57pm

In reply to @drsmlopez "@cathyf31 Cathy thank you so much for the information. Can you recommend a brand of calcium?" + (show)

@drsmlopez Not sure I can recommend a brand, but Calcium Citrate was recommended to me, as I guess it's supposed to be easier on the stomach and absorbed better. I just use the generic Walmart brand, because I only wanted 400 mg. (It comes with an extra 500 IU of Vit-D3 also, so heads-up on your daily total). See pic. Otherwise, I personally like Nature's Made brand as it is a reputable company, with 3rd party verification and has the USP seal.

cliffdweller | @cliffdweller | Jul 5 12:31pm

Since Levothyroxine can cause bone loss, check out this article from JAMA; This may apply to some of you on Levothyroxine:

Deprescibing Levothyroxine in Older Adults:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2847287
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2847282

nycmusic | @nycmusic | Jul 6 8:18am

If you take levothyroxine, any calcium supplement should not be taken within 4 hours of taking levo….i opted for organic plant-based calcium with a good balance of D3 and K2…i like New Chapter since it comes in a tiny tab form, allowing me to control the dosages. Hope it helps !

drsmlopez | @drsmlopez | Jul 6 9:00am

Thank you for your recommendation.

maryandnana | @maryandnans | Jul 9 7:21am

I use SEEN calcium chews when I do not reach the 1200 mg from my meals throughout the day. They are made from all food. I usually only need 1/2 a chew. They also have D and magnesium.
https://www.seennutrition.com/products/calcium-chew-complete

drsmlopez | @drsmlopez | Jul 10 7:28am

That is a great idea! Thanks.

loriesco | @loriesco | Jul 11 9:13am

You must have your labs done before you take any calcium that’s an imperative. Calcium supplementation is dangerous under certain conditions. You mentioned your next stiffening well if you take calcium supplements and you don’t need them you’re gonna harden your arteries so please see a doctor before you take any calcium and get your labs done. And if you have any kind of familial, coronary artery disease or heart disease absolutely do not take calcium supplements. What you get in your diet will be good enough.