Calcium and Vitamin D

[Ullswater]

I have vitamin D deficiency. The calcium + Vit D tablets prescribed by GP either upset my stomach (dissolvable) or non dissolvable ( chewable ! ) aggravate my gums. Can anyone please recommend alternatives that aren't hugely difficult to swallow ? Also what mg is recommended. I'm aware that perhaps some of my aches and pains are probably not attributable to PMR !

[piglette]

You could get a liquid alternative. You could try other manufacturers’ tablets too.

[Bcol]

I have a feeling that there is a spray version which may be better.

[carlat in reply to Bcol]

I use a spray as I can't take the tablets either and it's been fine.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you are deficient then you need a high dose boost to start with. You will find the NHS recommended regimen on p3 here:

mm.wirral.nhs.uk/document_u...

The loading dose is usually a special liquid dose from the GP just to be taken once a week.

It is also possible to buy vit D tablets which are small and easy to swallow or spray versions - ask the pharmacist at your local pharmacy for suggestions. I can't help with specific brands as I don't live in the UK

It always helps to take vit D with food - less effect on your stomach.

[Ullswater in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for the link, it provides very useful information .

[Boss302Fan in reply to PMRpro]

Also Vit D(3) is fat soluble and better metabolized with fat containing foods (eg. Milk or Lactaid Milk).

[Seacat30]

Vitabiotics D3 pills are very small and come in various doses.

[Maisie1958]

vit D oral spray is vg- lots to choose from

[SnazzyD]

I couldn’t get on with Calcichew because the high calcium gave me indigestion and cystitis. The GP gave me some smooth capsules that were red, I can’t remember their name. I bought my own calcium and took a lower dose that was tolerable. This was while I was on high doses and after that I relied on diet for calcium.

[HeronNS]

I take Vitamin D3 which comes in a clear liquid-filled capsule. It's separate from my calcium supplement, and it sounds like calcium carbonate doesn't agree with you. Calcium citrate is supposed to be easier on the stomach, and I've also read that taking any calcium supplement with citrus and/or yogurt, helps with absorption. My calcium supplement is calcium hydroxyapatite which is supposed to be better absorbed by people on pred. Of course none of my supplements are covered by any kind of insurance so I'm free to spend a fortune on my own choice!

[Blackcat1M in reply to HeronNS]

could I as please what dose do you take of your calcium 🌼

[HeronNS in reply to Blackcat1M]

The bottle tells me to take 2 capsules three times a day, which adds up to total 900 mg daily. But I only take it twice a day, lunch or teatime, and near bedtime, which is 600 mg. I consume dairy and lots of leafy greens so I get plenty of dietary calcium also.

I should perhaps add that I tend to run a high Vitamin D reading (caused by having otherwise non-symptomatic sarcoidosis) so I only take one D capsule every second day, 1000 IU.

[Blackcat1M in reply to HeronNS]

thank you I have a good diet as well yogurts and greens .

I take 4000IU Vit D every day, as well as K2 .

I will start to take Calcium supplements, I did think of Glucosamine as well anything that will help .

I spoke to my Rheumatologist secretary this morning as he is on holiday and she said he will get in touch with me, she was surprised my doctor had not been in touch with me regarding the letter he sent to her (nothing new there)

Thank you for your help it is appreciated very much.

[HeronNS in reply to Blackcat1M]

Glucosamine for osteoarthritis, not osteoporosis!

[Blackcat1M in reply to HeronNS]

thank you

[Koalajane]

I take AccreteD3 which I find okay but not sure if it is strong enough for you, I take 1 twice a day and add a 1,000 unit d3 once a day in the winter

[Sharitone]

You can get the Vitabiotics Vit D that Seacat mentions from most supermarkets. A box of 96 tablets (1x daily) costs £5. they come in 1000 IU, 2000 IU, and another stronger one.

The calcium tablets only have 400 IU Vit D. If your GP has identified a deficiency, I'm surprised you haven't been prescribed something a bit stronger.

[Ullswater in reply to Sharitone]

Its really difficult to get to talk to my GP these days...they are so time limited. I have been given various effervescent and chewable, all give unpleasant side effects. I've come to the conclusion that this is probably something I can sort for myself, with a bit of knowledge! Everyone is so helpful on this site, thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ullswater]

I don't take calcium supplements - just lots in diet. I do take 4000 IU vit D separately though - any less and my blood level falls slowly.

[Sharitone in reply to Ullswater]

Yes, effervescent meds are brutal to the stomach!

[Ullswater in reply to Sharitone]

Absolutely!! Argh...brutal!

[Ullswater in reply to Sharitone]

Exactly my thinking..about the 400 IU... I don't think its enough yet its all the GP has prescribed. My consultant ( who clearly IS monitoring my blood tests) keeps advising me of the deficiency, hence my deciding to understand and pursue options.Everyone here has been a massive help. Thank you 😊 xx

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ullswater]

400 IU (actually its 800 IU since you take 2 calcium tablets) is possibly enough IF you are replete to start with but if you aren't it will never catch up. They aren't that expensive if you shop around.

[agingfeminist]

Take them separately. (I managed to boost calcium just through diet...calcium is much more readily bioavailable than any tablet form) Make sure you buy vit D3 (not just vitD). It is fat soluble so best to have it an oil-filled capsule. Take early in the day so it doesn't affect sleep. There is sometimes a recommendation to take D3 with calcium-rich food.

[Pawscat11]

I have a liquid oil glass phial to break and take once every 15 days with food and have been ok with that. The tablets upset my stomach too. It is Hidroferol 0.266mg capsules in Spain.

[jaycee444]

Try Calcium Citrate. Is more expensive but easier on the stomach

[Missus835]

Presently taking Vitamin D3 liqui-gels. I take 3 1000 mg. gel caps, plus Vitamin K2 to help the D3 along (not K or K1). My stomach is not affected. Also taking 1000 mg of chewable Calcium, amongst other supplements.

[discoballs]

I use effervescent tabs from Boots. They are in a tube and lovely with cold water and an ice cube. Refreshing.

I use Vitamin C and Zinc

Amazon have most effervescent tabs.

David

[mHettyR]

Have you tried taking it in smaller doses? I have to snap my Adcal tablets into to 2 pieces and i take 2 or 3 half tablets daily, when i eat during the day. Taking whole tablets gives me a stomach ache, and taking 2 whole tablets seems to act as a laxative. 2 or 3 half tablets suit me. If you have difficulty chewing maybe you could take the powder but in smaller more frequent doses? Hope this helps. Best wishes

[perceptual63]

In the US there is a brand called "Citracal Petites" which are smaller size tablets of calcium citrate. You take 2 tablets per serving.

I take these with no stomach issues.

Remember to also take Vitamin K2 when taking calcium supplements so that the calcium goes more into to your bones and not your arteries.

[Shiba64]

HiI work for Holland and Barrett and we do vitamin D in tablets (they are really small), liquid and spray - various strengths. Plus effervescent. Sometimes it's the other ingredients that will upset you and not the actual active eg. The vit D or Calcium - though rightly said the calcium citrate is kinder to your tummy. And effervescents plus the chewables (Calcium) vary on what sweeteners they put in them - which is often the cause of tummy upset.

Hope that helps xx

[Ullswater in reply to Shiba64]

That is really helpful, thank you.

[Shiba64 in reply to Ullswater]

You're welcome - I know that certain tablets give me acid and I'm convinced it's the 'other' ingredients not the 'active' as try another brand and I'm OK 😁 Hope you get it all sorted x

[Carrollee]

Hi. I get my D3 in olive oil. It’s 2,000 IU per drop. I take 2 drops per day. 😊

[Ullswater in reply to Carrollee]

This sounds interesting Carrollee, worth researching!

[Carrollee in reply to Ullswater]

It’s just a little bottle. Can’t seem to add the photo. Company is Nature’s Answer 😊

[Boss302Fan]

Have you tried Calcium as Calcium citrate?

[Logic]

I take Citracal Maximum Plus with D3. You do not have to take with food. They do not upset my stomach which is sensitive. They are big and I was apprehensive about that but they are easy swallow or I could not take them. Really great and also have zinc, copper and magnesium for bone health.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Logic]

You may not HAVE to take them with food - but vit D is absorbed better with a bit of fat in food.

[Predniso141]

I am in USA, South Carolina and i was unable to swallow the huge Calcium tablets. I take a Calcium Chew 500 mg called VIACTIV.

It also has 500 IU of Vitamin D.

[Twopies]

I take Thorne vitamin d drops, 1000 mg (2 drops) every other day. From Amazon. Most pure vitamin d I could find. Now for the first time ever my levels came back normal, a big shock to me.

[Ullswater in reply to Twopies]

Thats brilliant. Thank you. I'm now taking 2000 mg a day, but based on many comments and information provided on this site, I'm planning to increase this to about 5000mg. How long did it take for your levels to normalise? Were you deficit initially ?

[Twopies]

I was VERY deficient—9 at one point, then riding around 19 before using the drops. It didn’t take long to get my levels up—I would say a few months because I was hit or miss with the drops. Doc said to take 2000 daily but I managed to get to normal levels even with my sporadic dosing. Doc says to continue taking 2000 daily but I feel I’m fine where I am. Thorne drops are the cleanest I could find anywhere.