I’ve been taking marine collagen 3000mg tablets from Holland and Barratt which are difficult to swallow. I messaged another supplier asking if they had easier to swallow pills. They said they don’t, but they don’t recommend the marine collagen for bone strengthening. It does say “Beauty” on the HB jar but I assumed it would be good for bones as well.
my consultant said I should restart calcium supplements as my blood test (a while back now) although it showed calcium level within the normal range it was low end of normal.
I buy a vitamin D spray but the consultant said the tablets are just as effective. I think you may be able to get calcium and vitamin D combined?
Any advice including what daily dose would be much appreciated.
Written by
ruthmunby
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Yes, you can get Vit D and calcium combined. I found the calcium I got from the doctor upset my stomach(two different types) - it was calcium carbonate- so I buy my own. I buy one that comes from Atlantic seaweed and has other trace elements.
. I only take one and capsule and get most of my calcium from my diet. Look at the ROS calcium calculator to work out how much you are taking on a daily basis.
I buy my own D3 capsules and test my vitamin D levels to make sure they are in a good place and adjust how much vitamin D I take which is why I don’t use a combined calcium / vitamin D tablet. . I’ve used a Vit D spray in the past and it was good, a lot of peple really like the spray but as I take other tablets on a daily basis anyway I find it easier just to put a vit D capsule in my pill box along with everything else.
Calcium and vitamin D can be taken together. However, a meaningful amount of calcium is usually more than can be taken at one time so a combined tablet doesn't make a lot of sense.
Collagen is usually done as a powder instead instead of tablets. I put about 20g on my breakfast cereal. And, yes, that is kind of number you should be looking at. 3g (3000mg) isn't much.
From what I've read, for bone health it's hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides from grass-fed cattle that's needed. I'm currently using 5mg a day of Vitabright bovine collagen powder, in line with the very small Fortibone study that showed positive results from this amount. I've no idea whether it's helping my bones, but it's definitely making my hair grow faster!
Over the years I've kept track of my vitamin D blood level and have found it makes no difference whether I use tablets, oil based capsules, drops or spray! I monitor with a blood test twice a year and take enough supplement to keep my blood level over 100nmol/litre.
Is there any reason why you need a calcium supplement? It's recommended (by both NICE and the ROS) to get calcium from food if at all possible, and only supplement to make up any shortfall. It might be necessary to supplement if you have zoledronic acid injections, as these may reduce blood calcium.
I've also started collagen based on the Gelita study of their Fortibone ingredient. In case this helps anyone, I'm in the U.S. There are several brands of collagen that have the Fortibone ingredient. I started with Vital Proteins (has to be "professional" version so you have to check the back for the fortibone ingredient) and the other is Sparkle Wellness. Sparkle Wellness has double the amount of Fortibone that is mentioned in the study. So when I use Sparkle, I use half the dose they recommend on the bag and it lasts me 60 days. I am truly hoping this works!
I've been taking marine collagen powder for about three years now - two scoops in cocoa. I buy it online. It's expensive and impossible to know if it's helping or not! I just feel, on balance, it's worth it in the hope. Last year I had a bad accident and fell from a height landing on my rear end. I was very lucky and only had one spinal fracture despite having quite bad osteoporosis and not taking any medication. So, who knows! There seems to be so much differing advice out there. I wish you all the best.
Hi, have a look at Natures Way Alive Gummies. There is one which combines Calcium and Vitamin D. If you are in the UK they can be bought at Holland and Barrett’s or Amazon but if you buy in bulk from online store you can get a better deal.
They are natural and help avoid the constipation that can be caused by other calcium supplements.x
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