Osteoporosis combined with IBS C and taking Calcium

It’s a little surprising that you have constipation while on a citrate formulation. Usually, citrates work to relieve constipation. Perhaps your body is absorbing/processing it differently.

I’d definitely get with a gastroenterologist soon, as they can advise and suggest an OTC treatment that is safe and effective for daily use (such as a probiotic). You might even need an Rx for a bit. Make them a part of your team, as our gut always needs to be at optimum capacity.

Calcium used to do the same to me. I went lactose-free and that helped tremendously in several areas. Lactose enzymes are super cheap and can be found anywhere.

A gastroenterologist really is the right person to ask.

Constipation is no fun. I really hope you find relief soon. 🙏🏻

Do you think trying a plant-based calcium would work differently ? Do you think magnesium glycinate would help with constipation?

I have IBS-M ( with tendency to IBS-C) along with osteoporosis and low thyroid. I am dairy free, so have to take calcium and vitamin D. I take calcium citrate at lunch with vit D. At dinner, I take more calcium along with a fish oil capsule. In the evening, about an hour before bed, I take magnesium glycinate. Its my understanding that the magnesium is best taken in the evening, and a couple hours apart from calcium. Vit. D and calcium are taken together, but I prefer to take all the D well before bedtime to avoid insomnia. I think the fish oil and magnesium are helpful with constipation. There are other forms of magnesium that can loosen the bowels more than glycinate, but you will have to research. Drinking Aloe Vera juice can help also with the constipation. Also, magnesium is generally recommended for osteoporosis and calcium absorption, but I understand they may compete if taken within 2 hrs. of each other.

What a crazy dance we do! I also have IBS - first it was considered D, then C but more M. I have always avoided magnesium supplement because of it potentially contributing to diarrhea, but I seem to be more C so maybe I should try it. Endo says eat more dairy (calcium! Vitamin D!); gastro says to avoid dairy! Endo who diagnosed and is treating my osteoporosis (Fosamax 8 months/Reclast last July) hasn't recommended any supplements other than 1200 calcium/day and 50,000 prescription Vitamin D2 once/week I think forever (been on it for 18 months, levels are where they should be since 1 year ago but he wants to continue). I asked about K; he said no proven benefit. Nothing else recommended but he is not a Dietician, so I don't expect much. Again, thankful for these sites to see what helps others as I feel we don't get all the information from our doctors which is so unfortunate. To be fair, as there is no specialty in osteoporosis they can't know every single nuance to treatment.

@nycmusic Trying/switching to a plant-based calcium couldn’t hurt at all.

IBS-C however, is a delicate condition that only your gastroenterologist could advise you about.

In the immediate present, good, ‘ol prune juice with a hot coffee or tea chaser can get the job done, provided it doesn’t cause you cramping or discomfort. My gastroenterologist recommends Smooth Move tea (I haven’t tried; I do well with the occasional prune juice and coffee), but again, with IBS-C, if you can’t get in to see your doc right away, ask the nurse what’s safest and most effective for you. They should be able to help until you can get an appointment.

@jozer You are so right about this being a crazy dance. Honestly, it’s ridiculous, isn’t it?

It just shouldn’t be this HARD.

Yes, eliminate dairy products and replace them with non-GMO organic soy, and start a high-fiber plant-based diet. Eliminate processed foods and switch to an algae-based Calcium supplement like AlgaeCal Plus, and I guarantee you will not only have success but also feel like a million bucks!

I have a question for those of you who promote plant based calcium supplements such as AlgaeCal. The contents of the capsules appear to be white or off-white powder and in no way resemble algae. Sio what is the process to turn algae into this off-white powder? They either dissolve the algae in some medium and then precipitate the calcium as some salt or they ash the algae which turns into calcium carbonate. The trace minerals would be retained by ashing.

@normahorn Thanknyounfornthisnquestikn. I’m so curious about AlgaeCal myself.

Is it really that much better? My docs have all told me any calcium is fine to take. They’ve told me it’s far more important to get it from food rather than a supplement.

AlgaeCal has worked so far for me with my IBS-C. I only take two a day, because I get the rest of my calcium from food by eating yogurt, cheese, etc. AlgaeCal contains some Magnesium Oxide that helps with constipation. I also eat 6 prunes a day as recommended for osteoporosis. I am on a half dose of Tymlos and previously on Forteo, both of which seemed to contribute to constipation. The only problem with AlgaeCal is that it may have lead in it, but probably not a problem for an adult. I am regular for the first time in my life!