Calcium supplement

[Countrykitten]

I have been told to take a calcium supplement following my latest DXA scan. Can anyone suggest a good one? I don't need one with vit D as I already take that.. (My calcium levels are low and I have Osteopenia. I am aware of needing to take supplement well away from Levothyroxine)

[greygoose]

I'm afraid your doctor doesn't know much about nutrients. Just throwing calcium at 'osteopenia' - if such a thing really exists - is not going to help. Bones need a variety of nutrients to be healthy, and calcium is more associated with the break-down of bones, not strengthening bones, I believe.

You may have low levels, but taking vit d is going to increase your absorption of calcium from food - which is probably all you need to raise your levels - but you must take vit K2 with it to make sure the extra calcium gets into the teeth and bones, and doesn't build up in the soft tissues, which can cause things like kidney stones and heart attacks. And, taking calcium supplements would increase that risk - it's like swallowing rocks!

Why not have a read on the Bone Health forum on HU?

healthunlocked.com/bonehealth

[Countrykitten in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for your reply Greygoose. However, I only asked for recommendations for a good brand of supplement, I did not ask for your opinion on whether Osteopenia really exists. With respect, I do not know what qualifications you have to assume you know better than the Clinicians at the Osteoporosis Clinic, but I choose to accept their diagnosis and recommendations. I now have their suggested supplement, the efficacy of which will be determined by my next scan.

[greygoose in reply to Countrykitten]

So sweet.

[Marz in reply to Countrykitten]

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Osteopo...

You may find the above link to Dr Myhills suggestions on supplements/lifestyle for healthy bones - confirming the point greygoose was making about there being more than calcium in bone formation. There is also an excellent book called - VitK2 and The Calcium Paradox - by Kate Rheaume-Bleue.