Calcium / Vitamin D supplements

[JOHNONE28]

Regarding Calcium / Vitamin D supplements do I still need to take the supplement when on very low doses of pred (below 2 mg ) I am presently taking 1 tablet of accrete d3 twice a day & I am aged 80 yrs.

[Hidden]

I think the general opinion I have seen here is yes, you should take them. But this should be a calculated decision based on your own dexa scan results.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

I still take them even though I’ve been off steroids for over 3 years.

Following my last DEXAscan - July last year - even though it was good - it was recommended to continue with them.

[Telian]

As already said depends on your dexa scan results. If you’re not suffering side effects then I would be inclined to take it as don’t want any nasty falls - prevention better than cure as we age.

[S4ndy]

I take them and I am on 3mg. I had been taking vitamin D before I was diagnosed for about 2 years as a blood test had come back as having very low vitamin D. When I was diagnosed I was given Calceous instead which has both vit D and Calcium. I am still taking these.

[maria40]

I think this is not the moment to stop Vitamin D,whatever your pred dose. I heard today that research seems to link low vitamin D levels with increased susceptibility to severe effects of Covid 19.

[Jackoh]

No harm in just continuing them I feel .

[nuigini]

I took calcium and Vitamin D supplements by choice several years before developing PMR. The quantity of both was increased due to being on prednisone. I will continue to take them even if I reach a point of remission based on the health benefits of these supplements, mainly bone health. Personal choice really.

[Cross-stitcher]

I have always taken a standard multivitamin, and extra vit D in the winter months, Since PMR diagnosis I also now take vit D/calcium and vit K2 and magnesium. I am on 4.5 mg Pred and both my last Dexa scans (5 years apart) were good, but my mother and sister both had severe osteoporosis so I am playing safe !! I also spend a lot of time out of doors gardening, so get plenty of sunshine.