Confused About Calcium

I met with my dietician today because I had some questions(not about calcium).We talked about my progress.She said that at this point,it's standard to be put on Viactiv(specifically this brand) for calcium supplementation.I am confused because when I went to the store to buy Viactiv,it is made with calcium carbonate,not calcium citrate(which I thought we were supposed to use) Can someone help shed the light on this? Thanks, Paula

I also was told like you to take calcium citrate...but I have been on the GNC brand of calcium chews for the past 3-4 months. I have had blood tests done and my levels are fine...I did tell my doc about using the chews and he said it was o.k. I had a hard time with the large calcium pills. Karry 311/183/167 goal

My nutritionist said specifically NOT to use Viactiv because it's the wrong kind of calcium. We can only use calcium citrate. They had incorrectly put Viactiv in their paperwork that they hand out and had to make a correction. It is confusing I know but it's calcium citrate that you need to look for. Hope this helps to clear things up! Deb

My doctors recommendations are that we should have calcium citrate post-op which is better absorbed by us. But they suggest an occasional Viactiv as a sweet treat. The other problem with Viactiv is that is adds a lot of carbs if its your only source of Calcium. This is extrememly important...the end result of too little calcium does not show up until several years later and can mean osteoporosis. Take care, Jo

Paula- Hate to say it but your dietician is WRONG! We need calcium citrate. Viactiv while tastes good, has very little calcium that we can absorb. You will get more bang for your buck so to speak by using calcium citrate. Even better is the ones that have magnesium for easier absorption. Janet

I just recently switched to Citracal. It is a calcium citrate. I've been using Viactiv and Caltrate D., which are calcium carbonate and my blood tests were fine. I switched anyway. I learned on this site and at my support meetings that Calcium Citrate is better. God Bless, ~Angel 255/222/144/118