Thoughts on Evacal D3

[Sueleen13]

Having just read the information leaflet I’m concerned about taking the above which was prescribed by my GP , what are peoples thoughts please. Should I take them or you my calcium levels naturally and take additional Vit D3 ?

[FearFracture]

Never heard of it so I looked Evacal D3 up. Sounds like it's just a chewable calcium/vitamin D3 supplement, is that correct? And what exactly are your concerns?

[Sueleen13 in reply to FearFracture]

My concern is that I may be taking too much calcium as I have taken steps to increase I calcium more naturally and taking multi vitamins etc. reading the leaflet it says to avoid any fortified foods and supplements as it’s easy to overdue the calcium intake.

[FearFracture in reply to Sueleen13]

The recommended calcium intake for women over 50 is 1200MG daily and it’s recommended you not exceed 2000MG. If you are able to get all of you calcium from food, that’s the best way to go but talk to your dr. about it. I had my 1st zoledronic acid infusion in November 2021, and it’s super-important for me to keep my calcium in-take up, so I take supplements. My point is, make sure there is not some other reason your dr. prescribe it. Also, make sure you space your dietary calcium consumption throughout the day because your body can only absorb a certain amount of calcium at a time.

[Sueleen13 in reply to FearFracture]

Hi thank you , can I ask what supplement you take please.

[FearFracture in reply to Sueleen13]

The short answer to your question is

- calcium

- vitamin D3

- vitamins K1 and K2

- a multivitamin

- Fish Oil

- L-Lysine

I take all of these for bone health, but I originally added the fish oil because I have dry eye and my ophthalmologist recommended it.

Additionally, I am considering adding magnesium supplements, but I haven't done so yet. Many ppl with osteoporosis take magnesium supplements.

Some ppl post about strontium and at first, I thought maybe that would be a good thing to add, but after a little research, I decided it wasn't the right option for me. americanbonehealth.org/medi...

If you want the long answer just let me know I am in the process of figuring out which brands I actually want to stick with, so I don't have specific brands to recommend.

[Kaarina]

I was not keen to continue taking a combined calcium and Vitamin D tablet that was prescribed by my GP. I discussed my diet with my GP and it was agreed that I have enough calcium daily. GP only prescribes Vit D tablets for me now.

[Met00]

NICE guidelines recommend that if possible calcium should be obtained from diet and only supplemented to make up any shortfall. I would let your GP know how much you're getting from diet and ask to be prescribed a Vitamin D only supplement. My GP was happy to do this when I asked.

[LM100]

You will find it pretty hard to get 1200mg calcium from diet alone. The best source is dairy but 2 pints of milk or 180g of cheddar a day to reach that. osteoporosis.foundation/pat...

If you need less than it might be achievable.

[Sueleen13 in reply to LM100]

Well this is my predicament as I have not had calcium levels checked. My GP said I had osteoporosis and said take these, that’s it , no other advice or a referral, nothing…

[LM100 in reply to Sueleen13]

Don't feel you have to answer but how old are you and why were you suspected to have osteoporosis? Not sure but, depending on reasons, you should possibly be referred to a rheumatologist?

[Sueleen13 in reply to LM100]

No I don’t mind you asking. I’m 62 and have been having Dexa scans since a broken shoulder a few years ago. I’ve always been fairly active. Maybe slightly underweight. Also have degenerating disks in lower spine. I just feel no one has given me any advice except to take prescription drugs

[LM100 in reply to Sueleen13]

Might be worth contacting one of the ROS nurses for advicetheros.org.uk/

I would expect a blood test to check calcium levels with each DEXA as a minimum? I think some GPs do manage patients with oral bisphosphonates (e.g Aledronic acid) and calcium, not sure what the criteria are for a referral to a consultant.

[MaggieSylvie]

After my four compression fractures my GP prescribed Alendronic Acid (pills) and Evacal D3. When I found out AA was not good for some people's teeth, I stopped it and my new GP agreed that I could continue with Evacal D3, as I definitely need vitamin D and calcium will help to strengthen my bones. However, I now try to suck them instead of chewing them as I'm thinking they may be abrasive to the enamel on the teeth. Hope this helps. I suggest you talk to your GP.

[Sueleen13 in reply to MaggieSylvie]

It’s more that I’m worried about having a build up of too much or the wrong calcium as I think a get a fair bit from diet, reading the leaflet was a bit scary…

[MaggieSylvie]

Well then, I wouldn't worry about it. Why do you think you need it?

[Sueleen13 in reply to MaggieSylvie]

Well my GP said to take it but this is without any other investigations blood test etc. they just assume I’m lacking in calcium I guess.

[MaggieSylvie in reply to Sueleen13]

I see from your profile that you have osteoporosis, in which case I would think it will certainly help your bone strength - if not the density. I haven't got osteoporosis, even though I am elderly, but I had a fall that resulted in spinal compression fractures. I have quite a good score for my age but still need to take care of my bone strength. If Evacal doesn't suit you, I'm sure there are many other forms of calcium you can take - and Vitamin D.

[Sueleen13 in reply to MaggieSylvie]

Yes it’s something I’m going to swap for a more natural approach the fact it has artificial sweetner is also a big turn off for me…

[MaggieSylvie in reply to Sueleen13]

A test would show if you were getting enough calcium from your diet. I'm vegetarian, so would suspect that I am not. As for artificial sweeteners, I hadn't noticed, but when it was prescribed I was in too much pain and not in a good place mentally, so I would take anything. I don't use sugar and aspartame in cooking, so am not too bothered about it being in foodstuffs and medicines, although you've just alerted me and I've looked at my vit D and found that the first ingredient is sorbitol! Trouble is that I bought it off the shelf and so glad to have found it, but the ingredients lists on everything is too small to read. I just can't be bothered with all this.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I started on that the chewable calcium carbonate /D3 combination but it really upset my IBS so I now take vitamin D3 capsules on their own and top up with calcium containing foods - using the ROS calcium calculator theros.org.uk/information-a...

I realised I was probably getting enough calcium without the evacal but I really need the D3. For a while I topped up with a small amount of calcium citrate in capsule form which was fine for my gut - but now I top up with this seaweed based calcium which has no nasty side effects either

planetorganic.com/products/...

I also take K2 Mk7 to direct the calcium to my bones, magnesium too plus a few other bone friendly supplements.

[Sueleen13 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you that’s really helpful ! I have been having tummy trouble so maybe that’s why.

[Mavary]

I think there are pros and cons to all medication. Your Dr probably prescribed your medication with you in mind. Most of bone medication reads with bad effects but a lot of people are on them and get no effects. I’m on Denosumab and it doesn’t read well, but I’m fine on it. I never had much alternative because I had seven spinal fractures a break in my foot and a broken hand. My dexa scan was very low so I had to have something. I was offered Alendronic acid but was violently sick with the first one I took. That’s when they put me on Denosumab. My Cousin is also on it and has been for a few years. She has had no side effects at all like me. Even paracetamol can have really bad effects it’s just a chance of something that will help your bones. It’s a decision only you can take. Nobody can make that decision for you. We can only tell you what we have and how it affects us.

[Sueleen13 in reply to Mavary]

Thank you and yes I do understand what your saying x