Adcal-D3

[tgca]

I have been taking 2x750mg (200 I U) per day for the past few years and my gp wants to reduce it to 1x750 mgs per day and I would be very grateful for thoughts on the matter.

[PMR2011]

I take 1000 units per day. Did your GP provide a rationale? You can have a D level drawn to see if you’re deficient. There is also evidence that D reduces Covid symptoms. Sometimes D is in other supplements. For instance I take an omega and that has a small amount of D in it. It’s nice it’s moving to the time of year where we get more naturally!

[TheMoaningViolet]

I didn't really like Adcal-D3 that much, so I halved the dose myself, but I took a separate Calcium (Citrate) supplement (500mg) and D3 (4000iu) as well until I used up the supplements I was prescribed. Halving the dose got rid of persistent symptoms of cystitis and I was much happier as a result.I assume your GP would like to reduce the calcium part of the supplement rather than D3?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Why? Did they give a reason?

I probably would (I don't take the calcium part anyway to reduce cystitis effects) but I take 4000 IU of vit D every day all year anyway since the amount in Adcal is derisory and I obviously don't make any in the skin factory as the level falls steadily without a supplement and even at 4000 IU just stays in range over the winter. The making of vit D in skin at our age is theoretical really - at 60 we make a quarter of what we did at 20.

[altywhite in reply to PMRpro]

I take 2 Adcal a day...giving me 800 iu of vit D, the calcium part is calcium carbonate....is this the correct form of calcium? Or should I take separate supplements? I've been on Adcal for more than 5 years now! 😂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to altywhite]

It's what most people get but it isn't the best - it's the cheapest! It causes grit to form in the kidneys in some patients and that can cause cystitis and it can cause deposits in the gall bladder leading to gall stones and in joints which can cause psuedogout! If you are OK, it's fine but there are other forms although I doubt they come on the NHS! I don't take them any more but I do take vit D religiously and last dexascan was fine.

[tgca in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your advice. I’ll check out other forms of vit D

[altywhite in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro, I am ok but it's almost 3 years now since I had a DEXA scan and there's zero chance of getting another any time soon. I'm still on 5mg pred. It seems the rheumatology department is hibernating!! I think I'll look into alternatives myself.

[Ellsberry in reply to altywhite]

Can I ask what you drink before and after adcal like teacoffee?

[altywhite in reply to Ellsberry]

Hi Ellsberry, I just used to randomly take my Adcal twice a day, making sure it was at least 2 hours after my pred. Then I read on here that it was best with a milky drink and tea would do, so now I make a brew, take my tablet then enjoy my tea. 😊

[Ellsberry in reply to altywhite]

Thanks altywhite I will now have my cuppa again.

[Ellsberry in reply to altywhite]

Best to ask Gp ask for a blood test. We are dammed if we do or don't.

[tgca in reply to PMRpro]

So presumably, at 70+, levels are even lower!! With your recommendation, I’ll find my own and thanks PMRpro.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tgca]

One assumes yes!!

[altywhite in reply to tgca]

Think I will too Tizzie!!😀xx