Quandry re diet & calcium intake

[45sue]

I have osteoporosis as well as having had a HA . I am already on medication for the osteoporosis & was also taking a calcium & vit D supplement. My GP has told me to stop taking the supplements & to get what calcium I need from my diet via dairy products. Needless to say, the latter are high in cholesterol . I spoke to the Osteoporosis Society who told me there is an unresolved debate about whether or not calcium supplements contribute to heart disease . I don't know if this is why my GP advised to stop them although I suspect not - reason given was that I am on enough tablets already. For the osteoporosis I am advised to get 800-1000 mg of calcium per day on as many days as possible which is difficult to achieve via diet alone, let alone one which is low in cholesterol. For the time being, I am compromising by just taking a vit D supplement over the winter to help me absorb any calcium . Anyone know about the debate re the possible role of calcium in heart disease & any comments re the diet quandry?

[Nathan53]

There seems to be many studies on this issue with inconclusive findings. I think for those who are not at risk of osteoporosis it is not advisable to take calcium supplements. If however someone like yourself is at high risk, bearing in mind osteoporosis is a serious condition that can only be slowed down and not halted, further advice should be sought. You could discuss with one of the BHF Nurses. Heart scans can also be given to determine calcium plaque build up in arteries and while they don't appear to be routinely carried out maybe your circumstances would qualify for one. It maybe a little short sighted of GP to say don't take when 5 or 10 yes down the line you are the person who has to lived with a deterioration in osteoporosis. Get more advice.

[Red18]

Hellooooo. I have osteopenia and I was taking adcal for this. Back in October I had a angiogram and it shown I had 70% plaque in my artery. Cardiologist advised I go on statins and take an aspirin daily. When I have read about the plaque it does consist of calcium so I have stopped taking the adcal and just taking the vitamin d3. I am going back to see the cardiologist soon and I will be asking the question then whether or not I am doing the right thing?? I personally think I am. When I read up about atherosclerosis it does mention that too much calcium can harden the arteries.

[Nathan53]

Hello again - thought you may be interested in the attached info which I have just read. Hope it's of use ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[45sue in reply to Nathan53]

Thank you, Nathan for turning up this study. I am actually one of the Biobank cohort. I have not yet been asked to update my details to include the HA but assume this would not affect their findings. Next step appears to be to discuss with the rehab team to find a way of getting enough calcium without this coming from high cholesterol foods.