Calcium deficiency?: On prednisolone for 9 months... - PMRGCAuk

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Calcium deficiency?

AnniesRyder5 profile image
16 Replies

On prednisolone for 9 months - does anyone know if it’s PMR or the pred which might cause calcium deficiency?

About 3 months ago a bit of a molar broke off and yesterday the same thing happened on the other side of my mouth. Plus my nails have become very soft and are splitting.

I can’t get in to see a dentist because I’m not an urgent case.

Has anyone else experienced these symptoms?

Thanking you in advance, 😷

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AnniesRyder5
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PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Pred makes you lose more calcium through the kidneys - which is why you should consider a calcium supplement unless your diet is very good.

However - once calcium is in the teeth it doesn't really leach out unless you have periodontal (gum) disease and very acid conditions leading to decay. Several people have complained about teeth breaking but for many it is more age-related, teeth have a hard life. A couple of mine have broken but they really were cases of there being more filling than tooth and it was amazing they'd lasted this long!

My nails were soft and split when I had PMR without pred but once I was on pred they were in the best condition of my life and I have heard of both versions from people on the forum.

AnniesRyder5 profile image
AnniesRyder5 in reply toPMRpro

Thanks for this. I forgot to add that I do take Adcal so maybe I’m looking for a problem that’s isn’t there!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toAnniesRyder5

No signs of reflux overnight? That can lead to teeth deteriorating too.

AnniesRyder5 profile image
AnniesRyder5 in reply toPMRpro

Yes overnight reflux is frequent😞

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toAnniesRyder5

I'd speak to the doctor and dentist - try and find a solution to the reflux. It isn't good for gullets either!

AnniesRyder5 profile image
AnniesRyder5 in reply toPMRpro

Im stuck with reflux and its long term treatment with esomeprazole unfortunately

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toAnniesRyder5

Ah, right - but that does mean it should be less of a problem unless the pred has made it worse and you maybe need more or a 2x daily dosing. Mostly you are looking for mealtime relief - but silent reflux at night may mean a change of approach is needed and many people need it just because of the pred.

AnniesRyder5 profile image
AnniesRyder5 in reply toPMRpro

thank you again. Actually my reflux did worsen and the GP prescribed halving my usual am dose into twice daily so although I still get reflux occasionally at night, its not nearly as often.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toAnniesRyder5

I suspect you may need a bit more ...

in reply toAnniesRyder5

D3 taken with K2 is better than Calcium. I take 3000 iu D3 daily with K2 MK 7 75 ug. Magnesium Malate, and Boron.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to

Neither D3 nor vit K2 will build bone - you need an adequate source of calcium as well.

in reply toPMRpro

Not according to my friend who has researched this with her medical group. She has told me that Adcal is terrible - low calcium levels are a result of low Vit D levels. To raise calcium one only needs Vit D (and co factor) Magnesium and Boron are more important. Calcium can deposit in soft tissues without D3 and K2 to ensure calcium goes to the bones and teeth. She's been studying this for yrs.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to

Good for her - but they are no use if you don't have a source of calcium ...

in reply toPMRpro

Been chatting with my friend this morning on facebook. What she evidently was saying was that there is no need for supplementation of Calcium if we all eat a good diet with it in. Calcium increases a lot if one takes D3 too and K2 of course.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to

Exactly - but there has to be enough and unless you eat a fair bit of dairy, you may well need some supplement.

in reply toPMRpro

Wish my nails were good. Both thumb and index finger bad dents, rest of finger nails are just ridged.

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