Calcium reminders --

Just a friendly reminder --

Tums, Optisource, Rolaids, Viactiv, and Caltrate are calcium carbonate.

Calcium carbonate is not bioavailable in pH-neutral environments, and is 21% more bioavailable in folks without designer stomachs and intestines.

We want to take calcium citrate -- available as Citracal (but not the Bone Density Builder stuff -- that's mostly carbonate), some house branded calcium supplements, and a few specialty companies that make chewable and liquid versions.

Also, be leery of anything that claims a full dose of calcium (500mg +) in a small quantity, such as a 2g scoop or a teaspoon.  Calcium citrate is a very large molecule, and of that molecule only 24% is actual calcum.  Unfortunately, there are some companies that list 500mg of calcium citrate versus 500mgs of calcium from calcium citrate.  It's a subtle difference -- but if it seems too good to be true, then it most likely is.

Take calcium 2 hours away from iron -- otherwise the iron becomes worthless.

Calcium should be taken in doses around 500mg -- while this is not a steadfast number, it is the recommended amount to guarantee absorption.  Some folks may absorb 600 at a time, others 450.  Shoot for 500 to be safe.

The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons recommend the following amounts of calcium:
Gastric Bypass: 1500-2000mg per day
Gastric Bands (and I'd assume VSG as well): 1500mg per day
DS: 1800-2400mg per day

And finally, for those taking citracal -- it *does* dissolve nicely in a glass of crystal light without changing the flavor.  If the pills seem too large, try doing this instead.


This message is brought to you by the color Aqua:

Andrea,
Thanks for this reminder.  When I went to the nutritionist in October she said I should get extra calcium to take.  It's like it went in one ear and out the other.  I WILL pick up my calcium supplements TODAY. 

She had chewable calcium from WalMart.  Do you know anything about them? 

Doubtful you will find a chewable citrate at WalMart.  Vitamin World yes, WalMart, GNC, Target, CVS no.

Ok.  Grab a crayon and color me stupid.................  I'm sitting here with my bottle of Citracal and it says that a serving size is 2 caplets and the amt. per serving is 630mg.  So does that mean that I should be taking 2 caplets 2 times a day or 1 caplet 2 times a day (this is what I've been doing - and I have a band)

I'm not normally so dense.  I must have rattled my brains the other night when Bambi tried to commit suicide by hitting my car!!!!  My girls and I are fine but my poor beloved van (10 yrs old) is probably totaled due to the 2 honking dents in the side!!  Took a peek at different types of new ones last night and I'm still reeling................  I'm sorry but I really, really don't need heated seats or ones that can be positioned 8 different ways.  OOPS!!!  This isn't the rant board.  Maybe I should post this over there

Each caplet is 315mg.  Does that help?

Good luck on the car -- it sucks when you have to look for a new one!

yes
Thank you.  Forgot to mention earlier how cute the pictures of your kids are   I wish I could scrunch my girls and my son back down to that size/age. 

My nutrionist recommends taking the last dose of calcium right before bed. She said we absorb better while we are sleeping. I didn't think to ask why..

I now take iron 2-3 times a day and calcium 3 times a day. I almost need an alarm clock or spread sheet to stay on my dosing schedule.

I use the chewable orange cream calcium from building blocks. They are pretty tasty.

Belinda