What does everyone take for calcium or other supplements?

Posted by dreamjean1958 @dreamjean1958, Aug 6, 2023

I take Citrical plus D slow release 1,200
Going by instructions on the bottle . Eat with it too. Well in the mornings when I wake up. I feel nauseated , and head ache , I thought this was suppose to be easy on your stomach. I about give up . Seems my body rejects everything .

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

I have Fibromyalgia and my Dr. say make sure you get your D3 so you can also get from the sun.

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@normahorn

I refuse to obsess over which supplement is best. The proof is in the pudding. If my leveks of Ca and Vitamin D are where they shoukd be, I will stick with my inexpensive brand. I do not have the money to spend if there would be no benefit.

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Another member posted this article in the last month or so. The gist is "And when it comes to absorption, the science points in one direction. Studies show that all calcium salts absorb a few percentage points above or below 30%."
https://www.algaecal.com/calcium-supplement/absorption/?ph=gads-bbp&campaignid=20327604380&adgroupid=150361077586&adid=664259579203&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzdOlBhCNARIsAPMwjbx9m1Hn3HQDZDjSOz9YuiJnSmP7f_eUYBNM4OOp9oggmh8Lznhb7ZAaAq21EALw_wcB

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@stellar2023

Hello,
I was once told by an endocrinologist that any form is the same and that I could choose one myself. But I was told by my PCP that the best form was the Hydroxyappetite. This Doctor was a DO. I trusted him as my experience with DO had always been very good.
At this time I am relying on getting calcium from fermented dairy and some foods that also offer calcium as it is my personal belief that the body is smarter than any doctor and will respond to foods more so than an isolated chemical as in pills. Like an orange as opposed to vitamin C in pill form there are other elements attached to that vitamin in the food that help our bodies to metabolize those nutrients. Mother knows best. ;o)

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I couldn't agree more with stellar2023. I was doing the same thing, but recently found out I have an immune response to casein, the protein in dairy. So, I had to start supplementing to get adequate calcium. I take 500mg hydroxyapatite in divided doses, and citrate 500mg in divided doses. I have found that elemental citrate in powder form is much better absorbed than tablets and you can really control how much you take...and, it's cheap. I also take vitamin d, K2, and magnesium. I eat lots of protein, get as much exercise as possible and hope for the best!

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This article caught my attention because it mentions possible metabolism and hormonal changes caused by beta blockers. Wonder if that has any effect on osteoporosis treatments. Was the effect of other medications considered in the trials?
https://www.shefinds.com/collections/doctors-2-medications-weight-gain/

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@ymv

Regarding vitamin D, I have a question related to Tymlos. Has anyone had a drop in their vitamin D hydroxy 25 level? My vitamin D level was 56 at the start of Tymlos on 6/19 and yesterday it dropped to 20!

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When I started Tymlos my endocrinologist increased my D3 supp by 1000 IU (3000 total) with a comment that Tymlos tends to decrease D level. When reviewing supps a year later with another endo, he said to keep D3 at 3000 since my D level was good.

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To the OP, I just looked up the supplement you take. Even though it's slow release, it's a really high dose of calcium so maybe that is the issue? 1200 mg is the target daily goal so maybe with the foods you are eating, you are getting more calcium than you need? Maybe taking another citrate in smaller doses of 300 mg at a time might be helpful and then, only as needed based on dietary consumption. Just a thought.

Lots of discussion here on citrate vs. carbonate and ultimately, we can all make our own decisions on what we are comfortable taking and if something is already working for you, that's great. But cutting through the noise on the internet to get the facts is challenging and if we are seeking best alternatives, it's a good idea to check sources of information and seek out those that are most reputable. The link above is from AlgaeCal, a supplement manufacturer, not really a great source of vetted information as they are trying to sell their supplements. The sources they site in the article are questionable. Just thought I'd pass along info from these trusted medical institutions regarding carbonate and citrate forms.

From the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine:
Another potential advantage of calcium citrate is that it has never been shown to increase the risk of kidney stones the way calcium carbonate has. Further, potassium citrate is a treatment for certain types of kidney stones, and it is possible that when calcium is given as citrate there is less danger of kidney stones.For these reasons, we generally recommend calcium citrate over other forms of calcium.

From the AAFP Foundation:
Calcium carbonate may cause more adverse events. Calcium citrate may be better absorbed than the other calcium salts.

And this short article from Dr Andrew Weil MD (considered the father of integrative medicine) gives a quick and easy breakdown of best calcium source and dose.
https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/vitamins/better-form-of-calcium/

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Not only do our bones need calcium but it is also critical to have the necessary minerals to build our bones - includes phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc and copper - and vitamins - D3 and K2, vitamin A, vitamin B. It's more complex than just talking about the calcium we need. Additionally, from what I've learned is the type of exercises needed that place stress on our bones. It would be nice to have a very comprehensive list of bone builders necessary to combat osteoporosis and osteopenia.

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@maureenanne

I couldn't agree more with stellar2023. I was doing the same thing, but recently found out I have an immune response to casein, the protein in dairy. So, I had to start supplementing to get adequate calcium. I take 500mg hydroxyapatite in divided doses, and citrate 500mg in divided doses. I have found that elemental citrate in powder form is much better absorbed than tablets and you can really control how much you take...and, it's cheap. I also take vitamin d, K2, and magnesium. I eat lots of protein, get as much exercise as possible and hope for the best!

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You are correct as I know it with respect to tablets vs powdered form of any supplements since the tablets often do not dissolve fully if at all.
Still, the very best way to get our nutrients is with whole foods as nature intended. I am never afraid to eat lots of a fresh fruit or veggie when they are in season. Sometimes though that gives me quite an active elimination system. So it is all about balance. Just like everything in life really. ;o)

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@normahorn

I refuse to obsess over which supplement is best. The proof is in the pudding. If my leveks of Ca and Vitamin D are where they shoukd be, I will stick with my inexpensive brand. I do not have the money to spend if there would be no benefit.

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You may want to consider seeking out the minerals in your foods. Not only calcium but all the other minerals. They are in our bones. Nuts are a great source too. And it is far less expensive ( and more fun to eat) that way because you get the whole food that is loaded with minerals that will metabolize and go where they are needed in your body.

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My endocrinologist gave me victim D+2 1.25 mg(50,000) unit to take once a week it helps my body with the calcium for my bones and I also take calcium and zink

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