adcal vs D3K2mk7

[Racer2024]

What are the thoughts of those in the know about the idea of taking vitamin D plus K2 instead of Adcal.

I’m concerned that calcium might be building up in my blood.

A dexa scan showed my bone density as normal with WHO Tscore -1.

As a PMR sufferer of 13 months I’m down to 7mg of prednisolone.

I’m generally fit and eat healthily.

I’ve discussed with my doctor the wish to drop Aladronic acid when I’m down to 5mg and she’s happy with that idea.

I’ve been led to believe that Vit D with K2mk7 is a ‘better’ way of absorbing calcium, but it’s not recommended by the authorities.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If calcium is building up in your blood a simple blood test would tell you - however, AA actually directs the calcium to the bones, that is its purpose. When you are on bisphosphonates and the like it is recommended you take a calcium supplement to ensure enough calcium is present so that the sequestration of calcium to the bones does not leave your blood level too low - because that is as dangerous as too high. Vit D is required for calcium absorption and vit K2 is supposed to direct the calcium to the bones - something AA does by its very nature. But all of them depend on there being enough calcium in your diet.

The body is quite clever - if you have too much calcium around, it just pees or poos it out and doesn't absorb it, but if your diet is lacking calcium the only thing it can do is take it back from the bones to keep the blood calcium level within the range it must be for the body to function properly and that can eventually lead to osteoporosis.

All that said - with a dexascan result like that I wouldn't continue with the AA even now although a dexascan doesn't tell the whole truth. After 15 years on pred, no AA, my dexascan still looked fine but a spinal x-ray detected a possible compression fracture. It isn't JUST bone density, bone quality is also a factor. tangocharlie has a similar though worse tale to tell about a dexascan that looked fine but she still developed spinal fractures.

[Racer2024 in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks for that info. Most informative

I think I will stop the aladronic acid.

So having said that calcium is important for bone health what are your thoughts on not continuing with adcal (or Evacal D3 as supplied now) and just taking D3+K2mk7 instead? Or are you suggesting a blood test would be advisable before making that decision?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Racer2024]

Depends on your diet - if you have plenty of calcium, then the calcium part of the supplement may be redundant. But if your diet is average - you may still need SOME extra calcium. Only you can work that out - diet diary and work out how much calcium you take regularly.

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

Are there any studies comparing the effectiveness of AA with other bisphosphonate options? IF Tim Spector and Cyrus Cooper are right in saying calcium supplements like Adcal are pointless then I'm wondering if AA is any better? People on it say their DEXA scans improved but I've lost faith in DEXA scans given my experience. What a minefield

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

You MUST remember that TS and CC are aiming at a HEALTHY and probably YOUNGER target audience. We are neither and there are other cohorts who need a decent level of calcium. Diet varies and the vegans or low animal intake diets can be very low in calcium unless they are careful - and most aren't. You can't compare Adcal with AA, two utterly different things that are needed in sync.

A bisphosphonate is a bisphosphonate, the mechanism is similar. Studies have shown that they do result in a reduced incidence of fractures.

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

I'm relieved to hear that (fewer fractures with bisphosphonates). The talk I'm thinking of was about avoiding osteoporosis in post-menopausal women but also for younger ages planning ahead before then and building bones in your peak years

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

But I'm confused, I thought you didn't rate Fosamax?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

I have a lot of objections to how it was tested and marketed, But it does have a place when used in the right way. You have to look at the whole picture.

[Koalajane]

I take Accrete d3 plus k2 mark 7

[Broseley]

I would continue taking the calcium if you're going to take the D and K. My DEXA results were T -1.1 and that was designated as osteopenia by the lab which sent the results.

BTW taking extra calcium for 3 years has other benefits: my nails are now so strong I can grow them really long!

An interesting study investigating any link between calcium, zinc and magnesium content of nails with osteopenia/ osteoporosis. I was hoping my strong nails might mean strong bones, but it seems inconclusive. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl...

[Oh-my]

If you don't like the idea of taking Adcal - I didn't, and luckily my GP isn't keen on supplements either and gave me a diet sheet on calcium instead - it is possible to get what you need from diet alone. I sat down and worked out what my minimum daily intake was, confirmed it with my GP and she was happy. Like you I have been adviced to take Alendronic Acid until I reach 5mg of Pred. I'm really looking forward to that day!

[Bcol]

I've never taken the calcium supplements, as I think I get all I need from my diet, but I do take Vit D and K2.