Calcium supplements

[Koalajane]

Hi,

Before being diagnosed with PMR last year I was diagnosed with vitamin d deficiency and given d3 which I take daily for life. I have been wondering lately if I should be taking calcium supplements as well. I eat a fair bit of cheese, yoghurt and cream. Any thoughts please

[HeronNS]

I'd add leafy greens and a few other calcium sources. Unless you have been diagnosed with low bone mass (osteopenia) or osteoporosis I doubt supplements are really necessary if your diet is providing a good variety. Many of us concerned about our bone density are also now taking Vitamin K2.

[Koalajane in reply to HeronNS]

Thanks for that. I do take K2 as well.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

A study found that using calcium/vit D supplements prevented/reduced bone density loss in patients on pred. So I would say it wouldn't be a bad idea unless your daily dietary intake is high. Dietary is better - but supplements are better if the dietary level is low.

[scarlettanne]

Yes and a tablet that locks in the calcium and vit D.A once weekly.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I, on the other hand, do NOT think the bisphosphonates should be taken without very good reason: osteoporosis (or near to) proven with a dexascan. They should not be used "just in case".

[piglette]

Were you told why you needed vit D for life? I know we are all supposed to take it in the winter in UK, also we should take it while we are on pred with calcium.

[Koalajane in reply to piglette]

When prescribed it for vit d deficiency I asked my doctor how long I would need to take it and she said forever

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Koalajane]

Hmmm - possibly. But not without checks of your blood level.

[Koalajane in reply to PMRpro]

It would be interesting to see if my doctor will do a vitamin d blood test when I come off prednisolone as my husband with osteoporosis asked for a blood test and was refused

[piglette in reply to Koalajane]

For some unknown reason doctors don’t like doing vit D tests, all I can think is that they are worried about costs.

[HeronNS in reply to piglette]

It's strange isn't it? I think what happened a few years ago everyone suddenly wanted to have their Vitamin D level tested. And it does cost more than peanuts to run these tests. So now even those of us at risk are being penalized because of the test having become so fashionable. I am only allowed to be tested once a year, and that is reluctantly and only because I have sarcoidosis. If I didn't have that risk factor I'm sure after one test I would have been refused ever after.

[Longtimer in reply to piglette]

My sister has RA and about a year ago had terrible fatigue/dizzy head, I told her to get a VitD test done, she battled with the doctor....it was off the scale her results when it was done....doctor prescribed high dose to boost quickly....but she then buys her own....lately very fatigued again, and yesterday doctor agreed another test.(she has RA)..some people I suppose cannot sustain VitD….rheumy told me all people all year should take basic dose, even in hot sunny countries.....mine was done recently with a barrage of other tests, it was 65...(50-120 it says is the scale)….

The costs could be more to doctor`s if they ignore it and patient gets very unwell....another battle we could do without....

[piglette in reply to Longtimer]

Out of interest does your sister take statins? They have some nasty side effects including dizziness although we are told they have virtually none.

[Longtimer in reply to piglette]

No she doesn't...but she is on a DMARD for her RA so maybe that is some of it.....but fatigue is her worst problem....

I know of people who have taken statins but too much muscle pain (especially with the cheaper ones) and they have had to stop....

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Then they need to get the correct information: for the number they need to do the maximum cost would be about £25. Which doesn't strike me as megabucks for the good it can do.

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

I know, this is why I cannot understand their worry, there must be a thought it is going to cost somehow or perhaps they think loads of people will want it which means more work as well as cost. I am just surmising and am muddled as to their thinking.

[SianFinch]

After starting the prednisolone I was given Adcal-D3 supplements to take twice a day along with alendronic acid (70mg) one a week. I think you can buy them (or equivalent) at the pharmacy which may be cheaper than paying for the prescription charge. I take two of these chew-able tablets daily.