RE: Calcium and bone strength

[Guest guest]

Yes, adequate calcium is extremely important, and those of us with celiac particularly are in need of supplements to get that calcium.

I take CitraCal with Vitamin D. I prefer the CitraCal Petites, but I buy whatever is on sale. People tell me they're available at CostCo.

Several doctors and nurses have told me that calcium citrate (such as CitraCal) is the best form of calcium supplement.

Calcium absorption requires Vitamin D. The easiest way to handle this is by including it in the calcium tablet.

Don't take the calcium all in one dose, as the body can't absorb very much at a time. Spread it out in two or three doses a day. Some medications don't work well if taken with calcium. I'm almost certain thyroid medication is one of them, but you should check for yourself.

Those of us with celiac disease (or those who must take corticosteroids such as Prednisone) are particularly at risk of bone loss. Ask your doctor about bone strengthening medications such as Fosamax. Also, you may want to have a bone density scan as a baseline measurement.

Dietary calcium, such as that found in dark leafy greens and dairy products (assuming you can use them) is important. So is weight-bearing exercise.

Best wishes.

H.

In a message dated 2/2/09 12:40:19 PM, bronwyn@... writes:

Hi all:  Do you mind sharing what calcium tablet you use (if you take them, of course!) .  My obgyn said I should take them and I haven’t noticed this question being asked before.  Thanks a million.  b

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[Guest guest]

Good. I've separated calcium and iron-containing vitamin intake from other medications. I made up a by-the-day container to remind me to take some of the calcium mid-day.

H.

In a message dated 2/2/09 12:56:11 PM, AWallace@... writes:

To add to your note…I take 2 of the 4 tablets in the morning and 2 in the evening (the iron/vitamin C I take separate & spread out from my other supplements too.)

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[Guest guest]

One other thing on bone strength:

I've gone from fairly severe osteoporosis to mild osteopenia! My endocrinologist attributes this to following a CD diet, taking calcium citrate/vitamin D regularly, and taking alendronates and didronel (that is, bone strengthening medications similar to Fosamax.)

The osteoporosis probably resulted from undiagnosed CD and large amounts of Prednisone used to combat another autoimmune disease.

H.

In a message dated 2/2/09 12:56:11 PM, AWallace@... writes:

To add to your note…I take 2 of the 4 tablets in the morning and 2 in the evening (the iron/vitamin C I take separate & spread out from my other supplements too.

**************Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?ncid=emlcntusmusi00000001)

[Guest guest]

To add to your note…I take 2 of the 4 tablets in the morning and2 in the evening (the iron/vitamin C I take separate & spread out from myother supplements too.) From: [mailto: ] OnBehalf Of flatcat9@...Sent: Monday, February 02, 2009 12:53 PM Subject: Re: [ ] Calcium and bone strength Don't take the calcium all in one dose, as the body can't absorb very much at atime. Spread it out in two or three doses a day. Some medications don't workwell if taken with calcium. I'm almost certain thyroid medication is one ofthem, but you should check for yourself.