Advice on calcium

Can anyone tell me which calcium product is easiest on the stomach? I feel ive tried them all, but maybe not. Im trying to get the calcium thru food but worried i may not be getting enough still. What about Tums?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It really does depend on the person but I think the general opinion is that calcium citrate is good on the stomach if probably expensive.

If you are getting plenty from diet it possibly doesn't matter as much - in which case why not get vit D separately? Tums are only calcium carbonate - no vit D and that is just as important as the calcium.

everydayhealth.com/senior-h...

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Excellent article! Thanks so much.

[Rache]

I can only speak from my own experience. I find calcium carbonate, as in GP prescribed AdCal D3 and the majority of other preparations, is extremely constipating so struggle with taking it. Have recently bought calcium citrate with magnesium tablets which are meant to be easier to absorb. I also take K2 which is meant to ‘send’ the calcium to the bones. They are relatively expensive but I could not find any available on the NHS. They are also quite large tablets and several are needed per day to ensure adequate dosage.

[Rache]

Sorry - I should have said I also take separate vit D tablet

[Hidden in reply to Rache]

I take separate D also

[Navion]

My naturopath gave me a supplement called "Bone up". It is supposed to be the most absorbable without spiking blood calcium levels. I too was afraid of not getting enough calcium in my diet as I can't currently eat dairy.

[JakeSearcher in reply to Navion]

I have heard about Bone Up. What stores carry it? I'm in the US.

[Navion in reply to JakeSearcher]

I am also in the U.S. I'm not sure about stores as I bought it from my naturopath. It cost $29 for 240 capsules, which is a 40 day supply if you take the recommended 6 capsules a day.

[JakeSearcher in reply to Navion]

Ok, thanks.

[Navion in reply to JakeSearcher]

I took some pictures of the bottle but don't know how to attach them to a message

[Hidden in reply to Navion]

You can't add a photo apart from initial post. If they are online you can copy the link and then paste in a reply.

[Hidden in reply to Navion]

Is this the one navion?

jarrow.com/product/205/Bone-Up

[Navion in reply to Hidden]

Yes

[Hidden in reply to JakeSearcher]

Amazon has all forms of it.

[JakeSearcher in reply to Hidden]

Thanks.

[Fifegran]

I have taken Osteozin for the past year, it’s a complete Bone Formula, with calcium citrate, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D3 and K2. Also has some Boron in it. Have had no problems with this supplement. It is free from Gluten, wheat, soya, dairy, lactose and gelatin. It’s just over £14 for 90.

Maybe worth a look?

[Rache in reply to Fifegran]

To Fifegran, Osteozin sound good - convenient to have a complete formula like that. Had a look at the ingredients though and calcium is listed as both carbonate and citrate. Not sure what that means. Calcium carbonate causes constipation for me

[Hidden]

Wow! Both of these have everything you need in them. How convenient! Im so happy i asked. Thanks bunches!! I have learned so much on this site. Amazing how dumb i was!!

[Cross-stitcher]

Cheapest source in UK is Chemist Direct, currently only £8.79 for 90 tablets (one month's supply) but plenty of other outlets via Google. Ingredients are Calcium (calcium carbonate, calcium citrate), Magnesium (magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate), Zinc Citrate, Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), Vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-7), Sodium Borate, Anti-caking Agent (silica, magnesium stearate), Bulking agent [microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)], Stabiliser (croscarmellose). However, 3 tablets provide much less calcium and vit D3 than a single tablet of the 1000mg/880IU D3 theiCal-D3 tablets my GP has prescribed. It pays to read the labels carefully.

[HeronNS]

If it's any help, I've found that capsules containing a powder are easier on the stomach than solid tablets. I use both calcium citrate and also calcium hydroxyapatite, which I read was better absorbed by people on pred. The source of calcium hydroxyapatite is CJD-free New Zealand cattle, which could be a barrier for serious vegans or vegetarians. I always have calcium supplements with something more than water. A meal, at bedtime a small amount of plain full-fat yoghurt.

[Rosina1871]

My Doc prescribes Calci D . I’ve not had a problem with those

[ClarkB]

I take CalciumCitrate pure powder (Now Foods), alongside D3 complete (Barefoot Nutrition). Expensive, but alternative from GP was Adcal, calcium carbonate.

[Hidden in reply to ClarkB]

This would probably be best for me. Ive just had such bad luck with the tablets. Great idea. Thanks so much!

[ClarkB in reply to Hidden]

I have trouble swallowing tablets, hence getting the powder, + that it was the citrate. I take the D3 complete which is in capsule form, but have no problems swallowing them. The reviews for both were positive too. Of course everyone here has their own preferences and suggestions!

[Qubbie]

I'm doing doing a liquid calcium. Found at a whole food market

[Casia]

I agree with PMRpro that calcium citrate seems to be better for the tummy and it’s easy to swallow. I buy it and Vit K from JustVitamins and it’s packaged in envelopes that can easily be put through the letterbox. I also have a spray vitD which is easy to take and I get that at my local health shop.

[Longtimer]

I am sure you probably tried these via the doctor, but I had your problem but have been ok with the Adcal that dissolves in water (lemon flavoured)....twice daily.....

[Hellyowl]

I have never had a problem with calcium in the form of Adcal D3 on prescription. Even when I have taken them without food when I forget.

[OutdoorsyGal]

In the US, I’m taking Viactiv Calcium + D (and K). One yummy chew in am and one in pm. However it is calcium carbonate, D3 and K1 (not 2, for some reason).

The % of daily recommended values is Ca 50% (500 mg), D3 125% (500 IU), and K1 44% (40mcg).

Since I eat lots of dark leafy greens and cheese, AND I’m not on prednisone at this time, I’m assuming this is enough for me.

[Pippah45]

I just found this website about food and Calcium which is nice and easy to read. Might be useful as a starting point.

I don't recall getting an upset tummy on Solgar's Cal Mag - but we are of course all different.

[Pippah45 in reply to Pippah45]

sorry forgot the Link!

iofbonehealth.org/osteoporo...

[Hidden in reply to Pippah45]

This is a great chart! Thanks. Gosh so many great ideas!

[Hidden in reply to Pippah45]

My main problem with it is gas.

[Nanna71]

Personally, I find all calcium supplements easy on the stomach. It is a kind of stomach protector for me as in Tums etc. Tums has calcium carbonate, which is less usable for our bodies than calcium citrate if you need the supplement, so it is said. For my supplement I get the cal. citrate, plus vitamin D as per my doctor.

[yewtree]

I struggle with most calcium supplements but can cope with Solgar Ultimate Bone Support - 120 for £24 - up to 3 a day depending on your diet. I'm dairy free and have vitiligo (loss of skin pigment). I can cope with lacto-free milk so take 2 tablets a day.

Best of luck.