Should I continue to take Calcium supplement?

Posted by jet1980 @jet1980, Dec 6, 2023

After my last Dexa scan results, I asked my GP if I should continue to take Calcium. She stated that my bones are so bad that there is no use. My Vitamin D levels are fine. My scans indicate -1 and -2.5 and T score at or below -2.5. She didn't want to take the time to discuss what the scores mean, so I am out in the dark reading as much as I can. I am only 61. Unfortunately, I live in a very rural area of NW Wisconsin and the medical care up here is the worst I have ever seen in my life. I do not drive so I have no choice but to continue care up here. I also have malabsorbtion, so I do not absorb vitamins efficiently.

Thank you for your feedback.

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

I totally get what you’re saying about poor medical care. I am kind of in your situation there. And I had issues with absorption due to poor gut health. In fact, I believe that was a contributing factor to my osteoporosis.
I help my gut health by eliminating a lot of foods I’m sensitive to from my diet. The main culprits are whole wheat and dairy. I have Sjogerns that presents itself with muscle and joint pain as well as dry eyes and mouth. I can tell when I eat incorrectly because my pain returns. I take a wide assortment of vitamins and minerals in addition to 800 mg calcium.
There are a lot of good resources on the web to help you. Keith McCormick, Doug Lucas, Margaret Martin to name a few.
I don’t agree with your doctor about calcium. And your scores are not horrible. In fact they look to be in the osteopenia range but I may be wrong in that.

REPLY

I agree with cpd54. Knowledge is Your best defense. Dr Keith McCormick had several videos on YouTube. He also has two books - “Great Bones” will give you a solid education regarding your options.
You will know more than your doctors and maybe you can guide them in treating you.

REPLY

Pretty irresponsible of your doctor to tell you not to bother taking calcium. It's a much more nuanced conversation than that. Your scores are really borderline and not that bad. Calcium supplements will not build bone but will supply your body with the shortfall should your dietary intake be lower than what's needed. We need about 1200 mg of calcium daily. Always best to get it from food vs. supplements and best to calculate it so you know you are getting what you need (and not overdoing it). I would suggest using cronometer.com. It's really easy and efficient. You just plug in what you've eaten and you can see how much calcium you are getting in a day. If you do need to supplement, it's important to take it in divided doses, less than 500 mg each dose but around 300-350 mg preferred.

REPLY

on the calcium you must take a certain kind containing mk7 k2 and vitamin if you can get in touch with a nutrionist it would help/\. they can tell you what to take and how much and steer you in the right direction. you must take calcium that gets absorded into the bones and not arteries

REPLY

I don't think much of your doctor. Is there any chance you would have access to tele-medicine? You have all the test etc from your other doctor that are transferable so what will be getting is a consultation. Anyway, it's something you could look into.
I have celiac, a malabsorption disease, and it is the cause of my OP. I follow a totally gluten free diet and it has healed my gut though the OP remains (bummer).

REPLY

Have you checked in gastric bypass vitamins for the absorption issue? They’re liquid so in theory absorb better. They’re also more expensive. This is just one website, https://www.bariatricadvantage.com/

REPLY
@teb

Pretty irresponsible of your doctor to tell you not to bother taking calcium. It's a much more nuanced conversation than that. Your scores are really borderline and not that bad. Calcium supplements will not build bone but will supply your body with the shortfall should your dietary intake be lower than what's needed. We need about 1200 mg of calcium daily. Always best to get it from food vs. supplements and best to calculate it so you know you are getting what you need (and not overdoing it). I would suggest using cronometer.com. It's really easy and efficient. You just plug in what you've eaten and you can see how much calcium you are getting in a day. If you do need to supplement, it's important to take it in divided doses, less than 500 mg each dose but around 300-350 mg preferred.

Jump to this post

Also needed with the calcium is vit D and k7. Very important.

REPLY
@proliamistake

on the calcium you must take a certain kind containing mk7 k2 and vitamin if you can get in touch with a nutrionist it would help/\. they can tell you what to take and how much and steer you in the right direction. you must take calcium that gets absorded into the bones and not arteries

Jump to this post

Where do you buy the calcium containing mk7 k2?

REPLY
@noname65

Where do you buy the calcium containing mk7 k2?

Jump to this post

i use andrew lessman vitamins

REPLY

Those scores are not very bad. A suggested course of osteoporosis drugs would probably improve your osteopenia. Maybe you need another opinion on the best course of action to prevent more bone loss.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.