Preparing for DEXA - OTC supplements and vitamins

Posted by karyn23 @karyn23, Jun 22 10:43am

In the weird way of the internet rabbit hole, I was surprised to find myself on a site that said Ca supplements need to be stopped 24 hours before DXA. So I looked further and found a study that looked at partially digested Ca pills creating artifacts that affected interpretation of lumbar vertebrae BMD. (Making the BMD appear better than it actually was.) Gah! So I went to Mayo and Cleveland Clinic sites, where they say to stop Ca 24 hours before the test. I've had at least a half dozen DXAs over the years and NEVER has anyone said this to me. Cleveland actually says to stop all OTC supplements 24 hours in advance - (in part?) because of the artifact issue??

I am sooooooo over all of this.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jun 22 11:27am

It is one thing after another......Arrrg! Never got that info either.

swagner14 | @swagner14 | Jun 22 12:05pm

I'm 88 yrs. old and have osteoporosis, looking for save medication

karyn23 | @karyn23 | Jun 22 12:44pm

In reply to @swagner14 "I'm 88 yrs. old and have osteoporosis, looking for save medication" + (show)

@swagner14 I'm sorry to hear about the osteoporosis. I don't know a lot about the types of medication available. Very much still in the learning phase of things! I love this community - so much wisdom and support shared.

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jun 22 12:56pm

In reply to @swagner14 "I'm 88 yrs. old and have osteoporosis, looking for save medication" + (show)

@swagner14

Welcome. Can you share some more information with us?
How long have you had osteoporosis? What are your dexa scores? Are you seeing a doctor who has training in treating osteoporosis? What is she/he suggesting as a treatment plan? Are you very sensitive to medications in general?Thanks

nellybones | @nellybones | Jun 23 8:36am

I was never told this either!

petitefitsmartfemale | @petitefitsmartfemale | Jun 23 8:51am

Thank you for sharing. I will be sure to stop all OTC vitamins and supplements on my next bone scan. It has been three years since my last poor scan. I hope my results are better since I have been doing strength training as well as vitamins and supplements and eating more protein and healthy fats.

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jun 23 9:42am

In reply to @petitefitsmartfemale "Thank you for sharing. I will be sure to stop all OTC vitamins and supplements on..." + (show)

@petitefitsmartfemale

I can't remember. Are you also on bhrt/hrt?

petitefitsmartfemale | @petitefitsmartfemale | Jun 23 11:05am

In reply to @gravity3 "@petitefitsmartfemale I can't remember. Are you also on bhrt/hrt?" + (show)

@gravity3 , Thank you. Since I have the BRCA1 gene so I am at a greater risk for Ovarian Cancer and Breast Cancer, my gynecologist has not allowed me any hormone therapy. I went into early Menopause at age 50. I wonder if with the rule changes, I can take this now? I have an S-shape Scoliosis spine and I have Osteoporosis. I shrunk from 4'10.5" tall to 4'9" tall. Unless you look closely, most people don't notice right away that I have scoliosis but I have had it since a child. I stopped growing at age 12 so putting that awful Milwaukee back brace on me did nothing to help me. I am hoping all the hard work that I am doing to get strong, fit and eat more protein, healthy fats, take vitamins and supplements, helps so I can avoid medication. I will keep everyone updated.