Blood tests show normal levels of calcium, should I now take extra given the pred.? Also how much Vit D and K vit, reading through I have managed to get confused.
Today decided not to take AA until I have a dexa scan, which many on here have advised.
Iron and VitB12 low (recently gone pescatarian, may be the reason) Trying with diet, leafy veg, salad, lots of fish, especially salmon but not good enough it seems.
Your blood calcium level is maintained in a narrow range by a quite complicated homeostatic set-up. If you persistently don't have enough in your diet then this set-up scavenges calcium from the bones to keep the blood level right since too high or too low levels are bad for muscles - including the heart, Pred tends to lower the amount you absorb and the rationale of taking calcium is there is more available so with a bit of luck, more is absorbed.
Iron: healthline.com/nutrition/ir...
B12 - the fall-back veggie/vegan source is marmite ... But for veggies, eggs and dairy such as cheese.
PS - salmon has loads of B12 so maybe you aren't absorbing it? Have you been checked for pernicious anaemia? It can be caused by low acid levels in the stomach - are you on a PPI? (Stomach protection meds ending in -azole)
Thanks PMRpro. Love Marmite so will give that a go. Am on Omeprazole which I now take (following advice on here!) 30 mins before pred and with food. I think I would know if I had pernicious anaemia? My guess is diet but no this has not been checked. I'll add more eggs and cheese. The levels were taken the day before I started the pred so should probably take a calcium supplement?
Just read this, very helpful. It may be the copious amounts of tea and coffee which are hampering absorption.
Did you mean to add a link?
No, the link you sent me!
PMRpro is the person to advise and follow. For me, I have taken D3 and K2 but no calcium since diagnosis just over three years ago and a recent blood test shows that my calcium levels are fine - I am wary of taking a supplement and I would be the same with potassium. My B12 and ferritin are high, but I know they tend to run that way so can't advise on that.
As PMR pro explains above calcium level in the blood is maintained at the expense of calcium in the bones so normal level is a false reassurance for osteoporosis risk.I have my potasium levels checked monthly because prednisolone reduces the level in the blood in some people. Potasium is very important for muscle functioning and stable heart rythm.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Vit K2 - mk7
Vit D levels 
