On calcium supplements

[CDreamer]

I read this on the NHS Choices (nhs.uk) website and thought you may find it interesting if you are scared of taking calcium supplements if they were prescribed for osteoporosis.

nhs.uk/news/2012/05may/Page...

[dedeottie]

Thanks that was a much more balanced report but I still don't understand why 1000mg of calcium in supplement form May be considered to be a problem If 1000 mg of dietary calcium is actively good for you. I'm sure there is an obvious reason but I can't see it! X

[MarkS]

Generally we get more than enough calcium through our diets. If it is not used to make bones it can cause calcification of the arteries leading to heart attacks.

I would suggest it's important to take vitamin D3 (not the synthetic D2 as they have in America) to help ensure the calcium is deposited in the bones, but critically vitamin K2 as well. If you are on warfarin you are likely to be short of that. It has the added benefit of stabilising INR. Magnesium plays a roll as well.

[CDreamer in reply to MarkS]

Thanks Mark. The calcium I was prescribed has added D3 and I have just been tested for D deficiency. I get that calcium can cause calcification of arteries, thankfully that is not yet an issue for me.

I can't take Magnesium as it exacerbates Myasthenia but I take salt baths high in Magnesium content. I don't take Wafarin or any other anticoagulant and try to do some resistance exercise but it is difficult with muscle weakness.

I eat a gluten and dairy free diet as much as possible, hence the prescription for calcium supplements. Balancing the needs of varying conditions is sometimes complex and I always return to benefit v risk. I have already fractured 3 bones just falling over.

[dedeottie in reply to CDreamer]

Yes thanks Mark, that all makes sense. I don't think I got enough calcium through my diet as I don't like milk products so I probably need the calcium supplements and D3. X

[pat1234567]

Just scrolling through and did not click the link, but my thoughts are that the reason that it might ok to eat calcium rich foods, but not take supplements, might be the balance of electrolytes. The heart uses them to transmit electrical impulses and is one is off balance, I believe you can develop a serious arrhythmia. Just a thought...