I was put on Calcium D3 about twelve year's ago when I was first diagnosed with coeliac disease, but I have noticed that many people on here have suggested that it is not good for you, and a chiropractor I saw for a few year's ago for a back problem was not happy at all and told me to stop taking them.
I carried on because I thought that surely the medical profession new best, but after doing some research recently, I'm beginning to think that the risk of stomach upsets and other problems are not worth it, and at best, taking Calcium D3 will only improve the bone density by around 1% or 2% which is unlikely to make any difference.
What do you people think?
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nomorebeer
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As with many supplements, they can be useful to people at risk but are not going to be needed by everyone. I guess you need to work out if you are at risk?
There’s been a good discussion on this subject in the post from two days ago: “Calcium sources if also intolerant to dairy”. Whether you take supplements or rely on food, it’s also vital to do some weight bearing exercise to keep up bone density.
Hi there nomorebeer, Penny is quite right and as well as the absorption problem the other thing that really puts me off Calcichew and the like is they also contain artificial sweeteners like maltodextrin which can be a wheat derivative and contain traces of gluten so I see these supplements in a negative manner and my body does not like them.
I eat myself healthy and don't need supplements and I also have plenty of load bearing exercise which's very important for maintaining good bone density.
I was diagnosed with osteopenia shortly after my coeliac diagnosis and have been on it for over 15 years and have never had a problem.. And will continue to do so - but may have a discussion with my GP when I see her next ...
Hi Nomorebeer (good name...). As Panel mentions, I posted few days ago on the calcium/osteopenia query as well. I had my first dexa scan about 10 years ago (requested it after breaking a wrist and toe in the space of a few months). Have never had coeliac diagnosis (no biopsy, and blood test negative) but believe the bone density is as a result of coeliac and follow GF diet to varying degrees of success/non success.
I was prescribed Adcal with D3 by GP. They have never reviewed that, but I stopped taking it a few years back out of concern of hearing calcium not well absorbed in supplement form, and reverted to getting mines through fortified soy milk. I had another dexa about 4 years ago and no increase in bone density (or obvious decrease). My reason for posting was that I have been to a dietitian and she recommends no soy, so confused as to now where to get calcium from. The dietitian has recommended a calcium magnesium citrate supplement from Allergy Research Group, and to take with a vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3 supplement. As others posted on my post, you need magnesium and vitamin K2 to absorb calcium, in addition to vitamin D. Otherwise calcium collects in the arteries/elsewhere and does not go where it needs. GPs in my experience never tell you that. On my post it had also been mentioned that calcium carbonate does not absorb well, and that calcium citrate is better.
Panel mentions weight bearing exercise - that is essential for bone density. Most bone density is built as children, with decline from age 30 onwards. To get density back into bones you need to create impact and weight resistance - walking, running, weight training at gym. The calcium/supplements on their own need that additional effort for the bone to build. Caffeine apparently very bad for bones/calcium, as are fizzy drinks, sugar, smoking, alcohol and too much red meat.
I'm not sure how much ground can be gained in building density, but I'm hopeful, given the right diet and exercise it can be improved - like everything on here it's having a dedicated plan, the right information and sticking to the end goal of better health and a better quality bone density.
Have you been offered/had a bone dexa scan by doctor/NHS?
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Should have stated also that good folk have left really good info on the post I made on calcium sources, and lots of really good dietary advice on natural sources of calcium which I'm embracing. Worth a read.
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Also, if you live near a gym/are a member - there is research that vibroplate is really good for building muscle and bone density, particularly if you have mobility issues that prevent exercise. It basically, if you haven't seen one, is a vibrating platform. It's a weird sensation, but seems to have good reviews independent.co.uk/life-styl...
Hi, we saw a dietician a couple of days ago. The gist of her advice was that whilst you are in the recovery phase of coeliac disease, when you are not absorbing nutrients as you should then the supplements are valuable as it helps prevent your body drawing calcium from your bones instead , but once your gut is reasonably healthy you should be able to get your calcium from your diet.
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