osteoporosis, calcium supplements and calcium paradox

My doctor recommended not taking supplements if I am getting sufficient calcium in my diet. Started eating/drinking lots of milk products on top of my vegetarian diet that has lots of greens and broccoli, and my cholesterol went up, not a problem I ever had. Dropped the cheese and started drinking/eating skim milk and no-fat yogurt/kefir and it went down again. I hate even thinking about this stuff!

Everything is a balancing act.

@janism agree. Hard to keep track of I asked similar question as I wanted to know if I’m already eating enough of required calcium and what not, do I still supplement??? Well, I’ve met with an alternative Dr. also a nutritionist, and still don’t really have an answer. So someone else suggested an app for tracking meals. But I haven’t been diligent about that. I don’t see that it tells me how much calcium I’ve taken in,…
So,…
I am as confused as I began and know certain levels of my labs are off, changed some things, and am waiting and trying to learn and ask.

I’ve been trying all whole milk products, more like the latest recommendations, and mainly sticking with sheep and goat dairy. Also kefir as it’s an improved cow product. Idk what’s the solution, but am just trying like yourself and so many others to make improvements wherever possible. But very confused

Thank you for posting. It is very confusing what to take and not to take!

I use an app on my phone to keep track of my calcium and cholesterol. Typically start my day with calcium supplement of about 330 mg of calcium that also includes vitamin D, and an additional vitamin d supplement that also includes vitamin K. I target a total of 1200-1600 mg of calcium spread out through the day, so when my lunch/dinner is light on calcium, I pop a calcium supplement. It was a challenge to keep track of this when I first started but now it is practically automatic. This count doesn’t have to be exact, so I end up guessing instead of measuring my food

One of the hard things to work out is the balance needed to help bones without harming kidneys. I really increased low-fat dairy and protein for my bones—and had to back down a bit because kidney numbers reacted in ways I wish to avoid…I say this because as we age we are likely to have multiple challenges and need to keep the response in balance. Good luck, everyone !

@nycmusic must add, whatever you do, be sure to hydrate really well…many people are dehydrated and don’t realize it…dehydration complicates so many things !

I have been advised by a Naturopathic doctor who is also an MD not to take more than 600 mg calcium supplements per day and try to take more natural sources of calcium. I am taking 500 mg calcium hydroxyapatite which is the exact kind in your bones and then eating dairy products.

@humphreysbr wondering if your naturopath recommend a combined daily dose? (Supplement and food )?

@humphreysbr too much calcium can create its own set of problems…I’m seeing more emphasis on D3 and K2. Remember, supplements can definitely interact with other meds and conditions, so care is important !

@nycmusic that is why I only take 500 mg Calcium as I used to take 1200mg plus what was in my food and that upset my electrolyte balance to the point I had severe palpitations. Less supplementation and more natural sources are clearly the best course of action! I also take 4000 IU of D and an MK7 daily.