Calcium supplements

Hi

I have been on pred almost continuously for about 18 months - only coming off of it for a few weeks at a time. I know it is advised to take calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis and was prescribed calcium D3 forte months ago. However, I am prone to kidney stones (calcium) so have never taken them in case it causes more stones - couldn't cope with renal colic and a dodgy chest! I drink lots of milk and eat yoghurts and cheese - is this enough for me to not take the supplements? Is anybody on anything different that I could suggest to asthma nurse?

Thanks

Sarah

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Hi,

I have been on pred on and off (more on than off) for about ten years, and my consultant is of the opinion that if your diet is varied and fairly high in calcium, and your bone scans do not actually show evidence of osteopenia/osteoporosis, there is no need to take calcium supplements. Having said that, I do take calcichew D3 forte, even though I have a lot of milk, cheese, yoghurt etc, simply because if I do end up getting some osteoporosis in the future I don't want it hanging over me that I perhaps could have prevented it simply!

The relationship between kidney stones and dietary calcium is complicated, and is affected by other factors such as oxalate intake (high in spinach and leafy vegetables), amount of water drunk, caffiene intake etc. I don't pretend to totally understand it, but this website seems to give a useful and fairly comprehensible summary, as well as advice on minimising your risk of further kidney stones while taking calcium supplements: drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA57106

I can totally understand your reluctance to risk another bout of renal colic (never had it but seen patients with it and boy, does it not look fun!) and I think at the end of the day the decision as to whether to take supplements is an individual one. I would suggest you discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.

Hope this helps

Em H

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Sarah, are you sure the kidney stones definatly calcium. I get the odd kidney stone (ouch!) but they are not calcium. I would suggest you ask your urologist to contact your resp consultent and between them they can decide if it is OK to take the supliments.

Bex