Adcal thoughts please

[CornishChick]

I just wondered what the experts thoughts are on taking Adcal when you don’t have thyroid problems?

My 80 year old mother broke her hip 3 years ago, had a Dexa scan which was fine, although was subsequently told they’re pointless for someone of her age.

I’ve got her on higher dose vitamin D and K2, but would really appreciate some advice on the Adcal please. She has a very healthy diet full of meat, dairy, green veg etc.

Many thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

CornishChick

I can't advise on Adcal but it's not really anything to do with whether or not you have a thyroid problem.

Adcal, from what I can see, comes in two strengths

1500mg calcium with 400iu D3

750mg calcium with 200iu D3

So it's mainly to provide a lot of calcium with a small amount of D3.

Calcium shouldn't be taken unless tested and it's showing a need to supplement. Similarly Vit D should be tested before taking a D3 supplement because it's vital to know the existing level to work out how much, if at all, D3 to take.

So is her GP thinking of prescribing Adcal or are you thinking she might benefit from supplementing? Either way calcium would need testing.

[CornishChick in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you SeasideSusie . My mothers GP has prescribed calcium because she had a fall. As far as I know, her calcium hasn’t been checked. I doubt her surgery will test her Vitamin D on request as they do the absolute bare minimum, and only then if you’re on your knees.

I live miles away so can’t do her a private test, and she’s not capable at 80. Do you think I should tell her to stop her calcium and D?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to CornishChick]

CornishChick

My mothers GP has prescribed calcium because she had a fall.

Just because she had a fall? Presumably she didn't break a bone then? I'm amazed that a doctor would prescribe calcium just because someone had a fall without checking their level.

Do you think I should tell her to stop her calcium and D?

I think you should try to explain to her that if she hasn't had calcium tested then the GP doesn't know what her calcium level is, and if it is good then taking calcium supplements is the wrong thing to do and we should only take calcium if a test shows we need it.

[CornishChick in reply to SeasideSusie]

Sorry I didn’t elaborate fully, yes she did break a bone with the fall. Thank you, I will do that.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to CornishChick]

It would be worth trying to find out if, at any point during her treatment for her broken bone, her calcium was tested and has she been prescribed Adcal due to her level being low.

Can you speak to her doctor? My son speaks to my doctor but I had to give written consent for this which was placed on my record.

[CornishChick in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes thank you, I do have authority so will ring and ask the question. I’ve also set her up on patient access to view everything online, I checked but the GP hasn’t loaded any blood test results which is most unhelpful!

[greygoose]

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

greenmedinfo.com/blog/calci...

A couple of articles about calcium supplements.

Are you given her magnesium with her vit D? The two work together so need to be taken together. Also, magnesium is far more important for bones than calcium. And most people are deficient in magnesium because soils are depeleted. And far less risky that calcium because excess is excreted.

[CornishChick in reply to greygoose]

Hi yes thank you, I have got her magnesium to take alongside the vitamin D 👍🏼

[greygoose in reply to CornishChick]

Good.

[Hedgeree]

Hi CornishChick,

Sorry I'm no expert but am in agreement with SeasideSusie.

I'm currently being tested for parathyroid issues. From what I've read and what the endo has told me, you have to be careful with calcium supplements. So it would be best to check your mother's calcium levels before supplementing. The same goes for vitamin D too.

Edited to add:

I've also just had a dexa scan.

Best wishes