Calcium problems?

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  • Okay...I've started trying to take calcium supplements, but they are causing me some major "bathroom" problems...if you know what I mean. Has anybody had this problem? Is this normal and does it last long? My doctor wants me to use 1200mg per day along with 800mg of vitamin D. I've only taken one 500mg Oscal today (with breakfast) and its causing me some problems.
  • I take the same calcium supplements 2x a day and have zero problems. (and I also take a multi-vitamin for women, 500 mg vitamin C, 400 mg magnesium, and 1200 mg fish oil - maybe because I take all those, it doesn't affect me ??)
  • Dr. Oz on Oprah yesterday said that if you have bathroom problems with your calcium you should take 600 - 800 milligrams of magnesium with the calcium. Perhaps do some research on that and see if you agree.
  • I guess I wouldn't know, I have IBS and EVERYTHING causes me "bathroom problems". My mom is a pharmacist though, and when I asked her she said that side effects are pretty rare from calcium but you might want to change the type of calcium to see if you get some relief. So if you are taking calcium carbonate right now, switch to calcium citrate and see if that helps or vice versa.
  • ***** I am fairly sure OsCal is a carbonate, you can try Citrucal if you want a Citrate
  • For best calcium absorption you need to be taking calcium citrate and NOT calcium carbonate. Also, magnesium is a MUST when taking a calcium supplement. Otherwise, you'll tend toward constipation...YUCK!
  • You need to take magnesium with the calcium, or you'll be constipated.

    Remember Milk of Magnesia? It was good for constipation. Magnesium offsets the constipating effects of calcium.

    Jay
  • Thanks, Everyone. I'll be switching to Citracal. Also, I'm actually having the opposite of constipation....so, I'm thinking the calcium is not the culprit. Either way, I got some great advice here.....as always!
  • Rhonda, I saw Dr. Oz on Oprah yesterday and he certainly got it in my head that I need to start taking calcium. Thanks for starting this thread.

    I just got off the phone and made an appointment for a full physical on Monday morning. I will run it by her. I am sure she will only confirm what you wise women have just said here. Ya know what, you guys probably just gave me more info then she will. But I'm keeping that appointment. I can't wait to see her. Or should I say, I can't wait til she sees me . I can't wait to get my cholesterol and blood pressure and weight and blood work checked. Wait a minute, did I just say all those things? Who is this person I've become?
  • Quote: Dr. Oz on Oprah yesterday said that if you have bathroom problems with your calcium you should take 600 - 800 milligrams of magnesium with the calcium. Perhaps do some research on that and see if you agree.
    Was just gonna say that! Thanks Pita!!
  • My doctor has suggested that instead of taking a calcium supplement, I should take a Tums with every meal. He says that the calcium is absorbed better when taken with food. I have to admit, though, that I don't follow his instructions. Instead, I take all my vitamins (multi vitamin, Fish oil, calcium and 1000 Vitamin D) at night when I brush my teeth. I can't take a multi vitamin in the morning because it makes my tummy hurt regardless of whether or not I eat with it. At night, I guess I just sleep it off!
  • Allison, one thing to keep in mind, we can only absorb 500mg at one time. I found this information on the osteoporosis website.
  • Something else that Dr. Oz mentioned was that calcium is important because it helps suppress some hormone (sorry, I can't remember the name, but I think it started with a "pa" ) that causes your body to have trouble breaking down fat. So since you're taking extra calcium and you didn't add in extra magnesium it sorta makes sense that the calcium is breaking down the fat and you know that fat has to go somewhere....
  • Also, be aware that if you take calcium along with an iron pill, the calcium will block the absorption of iron. The nurse at the blood bank told me this. I take quite a bit of calcium, and haven't been able to donate blood the last five times I've tried because my iron was low (not bad low, but too low to donate).

    Additionally, if you take synthetic thyroid (e.g., synthroid, levoxyl), be sure and take the calcium several hours after you take your thyroid medication. The thyroid medication blocks the absorption of calcium. I've developed osteopenia (and osteoporosis in one vertabra) because of this issue so beware! Too many rules, I know!!
  • Quote: Instead, I take all my vitamins (multi vitamin, Fish oil, calcium and 1000 Vitamin D) at night when I brush my teeth.
    I would suggest moving your fish oil in the AM. Fish oil (well, ANY dose of oil) can cause other things NOT to be absorbed... in other words, they'll pass right through you.