adcal d3

[lennysmummy]

Hi. Is there anyone that could help me. I have been trying the Adcal d3 for a couple of weeks. I make sure I only take with water. Mid pm so as not to upset my stomach. As soon as I eat in the evening within an hour diarrhoea. I’ve seen if a day that if I don’t take it then my stomach is fine. I’ve even tried just breaking in half but still upset stomach. What else can I do?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Get yourself some vitamin D and make sure your diet is good for calcium. Actually, calcium/vit D supplements are better taken with a meal which is supposed to reduce GI effects.

[lennysmummy in reply to PMRpro]

Hi. I eat mainly fish and white meat. Porridge every am with blueberries. I never eat red meat and can’t stand it. I live on salads, have done for years. I thought at first it was because when I first took one I didn’t realise you weren’t supposed to have hot tea so now only water. I’m just not understanding any of these side effects. Thank you for that advice PMPpro 🙏❤️

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to lennysmummy]

You mean hot tea to wash it down? What AdCal were you given?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

What Adcal was going to be my question too…

[lennysmummy in reply to DorsetLady]

😂😆

[lennysmummy in reply to PMRpro]

It’s Adcal -D3 chewable Tablets.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to lennysmummy]

similar to these ? If so, should be taken twice daily - and can be taken with food so long as it’s not rich in oxalis acid - such as spinach, rhubarb, bran or whole cereals… if so, you need to. leave a 2 hour gap.

Have you read patient information leaflet? Are you allergic to soya?.

Adcal D3

[lennysmummy in reply to DorsetLady]

yes I read the leaflet. They are the ones. I would have no idea if I’m allergic to soya. I tried soya milk and couldn’t get on with it.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to lennysmummy]

Might be that then, there may be other options - just had a quick look at this one - can’t see anything about soya in the PIL - so maybe have a think about it…although all do have similar side effects -

Calcichew-D3 

Also just seen theiCal-D3 - so maybe have a look online for other brands…

[lennysmummy in reply to DorsetLady]

🙏 Thank you as always.

[SnazzyD]

I stopped mine for the same reason plus it gave me cystitis. I bought my own lower dose calcium and separate vitamin D and later on just relied on diet for the calcium.

[lennysmummy in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you. Yes the pred is also causing a bit of cystitis so it probably will add to it. Do you know of any good makes of vitamins that maybe gentler on the stomach? I’ve never been able to take fish oil capsules in the past either… just think I have a weak stomach. 🙏

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to lennysmummy]

Fish oil capsules aren't all they claim either. Just as well off without.

[lennysmummy in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I agree.

[Nextoneplease]

I had a similar problem to you, and like others, I buy my own vitamin D (higher dose than AdCal ) and rely on a good diet for calcium. I have regular blood tests for vitamin D and calcium levels, and touch wood, alls been fine up to now.

So I think, maybe get a lower dose calcium supplement and some Vit D and see how you go? Good luck and do get some blood tests to ensure you are not deficient x

[lennysmummy in reply to Nextoneplease]

Thank you. I will try and arrange a test. 🤞

[lennysmummy in reply to lennysmummy]

I’m surprised they don’t do that with all the bloods taken every 4 weeks. 🙈

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to lennysmummy]

Calcium will be done regularly but not frequently - but it isn't as informative as you might think. Your blood calcium level will remain steady in a relatively narrow range because low or high calcium is dangerous and the body is set up to avoid that. If it goes low, the body scavenges from the bones which is what causes osteoporosis. Vit D is not done routinely in the UK because it is perceived to be unnecessary and expensive because it has to go to specialist labs. A baseline test at diagnosis is sensible since vit D deficiency can cause similar symptoms to PMR and if deficiency is detected a course of high dose vit D makes sense plus a check that the deficiency has been rectified a few months later. After that, annual checks should be enough if you are on enough vit D supplement - at least 2000 IU usually. The bit in the combined supplements is NOT adequate.

[Nextoneplease in reply to lennysmummy]

I am lucky enough to have blood tests every six months as I have denosumab injections for osteoporosis (which I had before I got PMR) .

However you should be able to get them just because you’re on pred. I usually send in a request to the surgery to take bloods for ESR and CRP and calcium/ Vit D, amongst other things, all at the same time. Ido try to be efficient with resources…doesn’t always work out though 😉x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Nextoneplease]

I think the current problem stems back to the dreaded C-19 when it was nigh impossible to get blood tests for anything other than than, and we ran short of syringes and lab resources.. In the aftermath, in many areas service has not returned to anything like normal.

[mHettyR]

Hi, I have had similar issues with Adcal making my system much more active - although not quite diarrhoea - and making my stomach hurt when I took a whole pill. I decided to restrict the Adcal tablet to usually 2 or 3 half tablets a day. When I changed from taking a whole tablet in one go to taking a half tablet my stomach didn’t hurt and although my system is more active than normal it is tolerable. I think you should try a quarter tablet at a time and take at intervals during the day, maybe a total of 1whole tablet only to start with and see if that helps. You could then increase to a total of 1 and a half tablets in quarters when appropriate. I also calculated the calcium going into my body via Adcal + diet just to check I would get enough via 1 tablet or 1.5 tablets. Hope this helps.

[lennysmummy in reply to mHettyR]

yes I’ve tried quarter, after having no luck with half… still the same.

[mHettyR in reply to lennysmummy]

oh dear, maybe there is soya in it which doesn’t agree with you? I did try Floradix Saludynam for a while which doesn’t have soya I think, it had calcium and magnesium and vit d and didn’t upset my stomach, but it is expensive. Hope you can sort it. X

[Thelmarina in reply to lennysmummy]

I have soluble Adcal, taken in a glass of water. I find this easy on the stomach.

[Broseley]

Hi, I have found taking Psyllium capsules daily has virtually stopped my diarrhoea. Its a soluble fibre and prebiotic.

Photo of psyllium husks capsule bottle

[lennysmummy in reply to Broseley]

🙏

[ImC_]

I take Adcal-D3 Dissolve - 1500 mg/ 400 I.U. These are soluble effervescent tablets, so I drink it. Might be a less aggravating way of getting the dose? I have a good diet, lots of dairy and some meat and fish, but my doctor prescribed them as I have osteopenia and would rather not get osteoporosis.

[Karenjaninaz]

I never took calcium, while taking pred, because it always upset my gut- any type of preparation.

I follow a study protocol which reversed my osteoporosis to osteopenia. COMB micronutrients study.

I get calcium from my diet only and take other nutrients like strontium citrate(NOT ranelate) and other stuff.

It’s said that strontium makes the Dexa look better but statistically there were less fractures.

[sennetta]

Imo you should forget about Adcal and read Lara Pizzorno's book “Your Bones: How You Can Prevent Osteoporosis and Have Strong Bones for Life – Naturally." Magnesium + vits D3 and K2 do the job much better. Calcium Carbonate (aka blackboard chalk) will do tiddley squat!

[Ullswater]

This was just one of my problems with this supplement. Ive received alot of valuable information from the good folk on this site. Now taking separate D3 supplement and K2. I've increased calcium in my diet and wow ...the difference has been amazing. Just back from a couple of days away with friends. Early starts each day...no issues....my history is to be scared to leave home,( never mind hotel room) til probably 12 pm !! Talk to your GP, see my posts, try advice from others, its been life changing for me.

[lennysmummy in reply to Ullswater]

Thank you. ❤️

[HeronNS]

Calcium is better absorbed with something like yoghurt, or possibly with citrus fruit. Calcium carbonate is the worst for the stomach. Calcium citrate is better. Definitely don't take calcium supplements on an empty stomach with only water.

[Nextoneplease in reply to HeronNS]

I know I’ve asked you this before - but can I take Vits D and K2 alongside other meds? Thanks x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Nextoneplease]

see this-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Nextoneplease]

Lots of people do. K2 isn't the primary K vitamin in blood clotting but providing you take it regularly, it isn't a problem even on warfarin as the dose is adjusted to give the correct INR value. The problem comes if you don't take it on a regular basis.

[Poshcards]

Tell your GP/Rheumy you don't want them, I did and felt much better x

[Nextoneplease]

Okay I already take Vit D with other meds on waking - I could add K2 to that? Then I have breakfast and then take omeprazole, Vit B and pred.

Guess I should take the omeprazole before breakfast even though it would then be very close to other meds?🤔x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Nextoneplease]

Don't think it matters if you are taking it regularly as the effect lasts 24 hours and builds over time. It is probably more important if you are taking it occasionally as required.

[Nextoneplease in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you 😊