Calcium

[gussmithy]

Hello. I have osteoporosis as well as paindromic RA and a few other things. I do not take Alendronic Acid and try to take calcium-rich foods (eg skimmed milk). I'm wondering if anyone has experience/knowledge of over-the-counter medication for boosting calcium levels. Any advice would be gratefully received.

[medway-lady]

I don’t think it works like that, and there are alternatives to AA. My mum had Osteoporosis it was awful and I’d take anything to avoid that. She had spinal fractures and so much pain. Have you considered an alternative?

[zen4]

Hello There I have osteopenia so I have to ensure I eat lots of. calcium rich food too but you also need Vit D so that you can absorb the calcium. You can buy that in the pharmacy or get the GP to prescribe it Also might be wise to get your calcium levels checked to ensure you do have enough. Your GP can request a blood test to check it

[Chester1975]

Ask GP for Adcal- D3. They have a little bit of vitamin K in too which helps the bones absorb the calcium. They are chewable tablets. One or two daily. I take one. I refused to take A Acid. I was taking my own calcium supplements which weren’t sitting well on my tummy. So I am now prescribed these chewable tablets instead.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Chester1975]

Hi Chester1975, I too was diagnosed with Osteoporosis over 10 years ago. I don't take any meds! And I've not been given a clinic app to manage the Osteoporosis, I have mainly in my back. GP is not treating as urgent and hospital have turned down my clinic app and asked that my GP treats me. This is recent rules now! Shocking! I was talking Biocalth for years, but too expenstive since I am now retired. I take Vit D3 1000mg a day from Pharma Nord and Higher Nature Sea Calcium. I also take calcium rich foods. Pure Omega 3 fish oil from Bare Biology and I started taking BioCare Collagen capsules, one a day and one a day of BioCareMenopause Nutrients. A healthy balanced diet too. I weigh under 7 stone, but I think this is not to do with the Osteo problem, but most of my family are slight, especially after the age of 50. I am 66 now. All of the above are not high doses. I was diagnosed at 50 and I am hoping to have less pain when the Osteo problem kicks in But I have heard just a simple carrying of heavy stuff or a fall can fracture!

[Chester1975]

Just make sure you take vitamin k so that the calcium is absorbed into the bone and doesn’t go into the arteries. Yes push with the GP for regular check ups and yearly bone density scans x