Calcium supplementation

Hi -

I'm finally on an introductory dose of Levothyroxine as I have Hashis, and after a few weeks am starting to see some improvement. I supplement with methylated B12 and folate, vitamin D, selenium and iron (Floravital and an oral spray). My absorption is poor probably due to the Hashis but I'm also in the process of trying to heal a damaged intestinal lining, confirmed after a few endoscopies. I have atrophic gastritis and a small hiatal hernia.

I was advised to take Esomeprazole to deal with the resulting heartburn, reflux etc. but am coping OK with Rantitidine, as I feel a H2 antagonist is the lesser of two evils and would rather avoid using a PPI unless absolutely necessary. I do all the stuff I should in terms of avoiding 'bad' foods, not eating within 3 hours of going to bed etc.

But I'm concerned as I know anything which reduces stomach acid yet further will make my poor absorption even worse. I take an enzyme without HCL to help with digestion - particularly when eating meat (it doesn't really seem to work) but I'm wondering if I should be supplementing with calcium. I avoid dairy and gluten due to food sensitivities and Hashis, but seem to think I read something here which advised against taking calcium supplements. Any suggestions - I know that trying to get all my nutrients through diet (even though mine is very healthy and as varied as I can make it) isn't an option as I seem to struggle with absorbing the good stuff and have previously tested as deficient in B12, vitamin D, folate and iron?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

I would discuss this with your GP and ask for calcium to be tested, it would be unwise to supplement with calcium unless you know you need it.

[Hidden in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Susie,

Thanks for your reply. My GP is incredibly dismissive and was far from impressed with my presenting him with my recent Medicheck results. My iron levels were through the floor but he said plenty of women of menstruating age ‘get by’ perfectly well like this.

I’ll avoid supplementing and see if I can address it - even in a small way - through diet

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

A lot of veggies are high in calcium, too. It's not just dairy:

healthline.com/nutrition/15...

But, are you sure you need to be dairy-free? Just because you have Hashi's doesn't mean you absolutely have to be gluten- and dairy-free, only if that makes you feel better.

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I keep trying to follow the autoimmune protocol but it’s incredibly restrictive and requires eating a lot of meat, which I struggle with. I have a few autoimmune conditions and do feel some improvement in terms of allergy symptoms (runny nose, burning eyes, rhinitis) when I follow the plan but it’s not a long term solution. It’s very low carb and I don’t do well on that - plays havoc with my digestion!

Dairy can make me feel quite nauseous. Maybe if I try and fix my gut - I truly believe this is where my problems began - I’ll start to tolerate things a bit better. Apparently tinned salmon with bones is a good option for adding calcium.

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it's not always a good idea to have a very restrictive diet, you can miss out on some nutrients. And, low carb just isn't good for hypos. It can negatively impact your conversion.

OK, so dairy doesn't agree with you at the moment. Have you tried bone broth to heal your gut?

Tinned salmon is good for adding calcium - and delicious with cucumber!