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To Calcium Supplement or To Not Calcium Supplement?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/26/2018 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
I have taken calcium with vitamin D faithfully for all the years I have had Ulcerative Colitis and even a few years prior to having it. Now there is all this new talk about calcium supplementation being problematic. My Rheumatologist just told me I should consider not supplementing with it. I'm so tired of the "experts" always changing their stance on foods/vitamins/drugs etc. I have been on high doses of prednisone twice for months at a time for flare ups and Uceris and steroid enemas as well. And although I hope it will be the last I see of those drugs, I know it won't be. I have never considered NOT taking it because I don't want to experience bone loss/osteoporosis. Now they say it doesn't prevent it which I'm not convinced about that since some of our members have had reversal of bone density.

Where does this leave people like us?
Posted 3/26/2018 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
It's a dilemma, that's for certain. I've been hearing the same things about calcium supplementation. From what I understand, calcium from food is very helpful, but taking a supplement causes problems. "They" do not know exactly why.

There was another forum member, Chiron, just recently asking about how to obtain calcium from food. The best source is dairy, next up are various types of vegetables, certain nuts like almonds, and fish like salmon and sardines. Many UCers, especially when flaring, are unable to consume dairy or vegetables. But if you are able to, then I would say try to up your consumption of food high in calcium.
Posted 3/26/2018 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
I just read about calcium yet again because things keep changing. First a study linked increased heart attacks, esp. in men, then another later study found no correlation to calcium and bad health. Reminds me of eggs, first they were very bad then they were back to being OK.

I take only one supp. and it ain't calcium (it's Ginkgold). I have genetically dense bones so calcium is not a concern in that regard for me. No vitamins taken either. My opinion is that eating a balanced diet with as many veggies as I can stand is my best way to good health (even though I can't eat a lot of insol. fiber due to cranky gut).

Rocker Girl: have you had a bone density test yet? that could give you a heads up and allay worry a bit.
BTW eating a lot of dairy makes calcium leave (leach) out of your bones unless you also eat a corresponding amount of leafy green. That's what I've read and that's my plan.
Posted 3/26/2018 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Imagardener2 - yeah, I've had 2 bone density tests done. One back in 2008 after I was on the 2 rounds of pred & one last year because of some pain that has since been dx'd as trochanter bursitis. Thankfully the bone densities are all normal.

The diet thing is tough. I love all veggies and do eat green ones, but I have to cook the hell out of them or else they iritate me (my gut is cranky with fiber too). By then they are mush and all the vitamins probably leached out. Raw and I don't agree since the UC. Dairy is tough too. I have issues with lactose. I can eat hard cheeses and I do. I have coconut milk with my smoothies. Yogurt, ice cream, soft cheeses are out of the question or else I pay big time.

It really is so frustrating that these studies change regularly. And the new thing I heard is that if you drink bottled water you are consuming tons of plastic particles. Seems we are doomed no matter what we do.
Posted 3/26/2018 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Rocker Girl: have you had a bone density test yet? that could give you a heads up and allay worry a bit

If you need to strengthen your bones then don't just take calcium alone. Vitamin D strengthens bones along with calcium and according to the Vitamin D Council vitamin D will make it less likely to get kidney stones from calcium alone. Same with magnesium.

As for calcium and heart disease there is some research indicating that calcium will less likely form plaque in your arteries if you take vitamin K2 along with it. K2 removes calcium from your soft tissues and places it into your bones. Supplementing with boron will also strengthen your bones.

Since your rheumatologist advises not to take calcium then don't take it. But if another doctor recommends supplementing with calcium to strengthen your bones then ask him about balancing the calcium with magnesium, vitamin D, K2, and boron.
Posted 3/27/2018 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
I take Vitamin D and calcium. I had the bone density test and it was normal. I started feeling better...started skipping the calcium and vitamin D and all heck broke out....had second test and it didn't turn out as well. My GI and Internalist called the rheumatologist and they agreed that for me it does make a difference and I need to take it. So now I take it. Just had 3rd test and bone density is back to being ok....so I dunno...

Maybe your GI and rheumatologist can get together? Just a thought...

Clo
Posted 3/27/2018 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
My gastro & OBGYN have always recommended calcium. I see my GI soon so I'll see if his opinion has changed. I do supplement with vit D and magnesium along with the calcium. I do not take vitamin K, but maybe it's something I should consider. I believe there are different forms of K and the K-2 is the one to take.
Posted 3/27/2018 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
RockerGirl, about a year ago there was a member in another forum that was supplementing calcium at a hefty dose. She started getting sick, labs showed very high numbers & it ended up she developed kidney stones from taking too high of a dose over time. Taking a high dose of calcium can result in bone loss & some other issues. The Mayo Clinic has a great article on high levels of calcium. Keep in mind these people were self supplementing at very high doses for a rather lengthy time.

Take care.
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