Another supplement question (calcium)

I was told it's ok to dissolve my calcium citrate in an ounce or two of water and then drink it.  I also was told I don't have to worry about getting the sludgy icky stuff at the bottom of the glass, but can just drink the calcium water... Is this ok?  Many of my surgeon's patients are doing this, and I just want to make sure that I'm getting enough calcium this way... Also... I am bruising SO easily!  I don't even know what happens, maybe my husband is beating me in my sleep, cause I usually wake up with another bruise that I don't have a CLUE where it came from. Is there something I should take for that?  I currently take two chewable multivitamins, B12, and calcium. I don't menstruate because of an IUD, so I was told I don't have to take the Vitron C... THANKS SO MUCH for taking the time to answer our questions!

Hi, It is OK to dissolve your calcium in water and drink it, no problem. As for the icky stuff on the bottom of the glass -- I'd say drink that too -- some of the calcium may sink to the bottom so I'd worry you won't be getting all the calcium you think you are getting. Is there a reason why you are dissolving it and not chewing it? There are a lot of chewable calcium citrate supplements. Is the one you are taking special? Bruising -- well, I can't totally explain it. Sometimes bruising can be related to a bromine deficiency - in which case we tell our clients to drink pineapple juice - or eat pineapple. But if you are taking a regular multivitamin, you should be getting enough bromine. Bruising is from bleeding under the skin. Some people have a lower vitamin K after WLS, which can cause you to bleed more --- humm.... interesting question. I'm going to punt this to Danielle, she always has a way of knowing uncommon nutrition facts. Those are the only two things I can think of regarding bruising -- aside from your husband kicking you in your sleep, of course. Regarding the iron. I have to disagree with who ever told you not to take it. After WLS you have impaired absorption of iron, so even if you are not having monthly blood loss, you still are not absorbing the dietary iron well. I would recommend you take iron. We recommend men take iron because of the lack of absorption --- and, obviously, they don't menstruate either. Danielle is really good about answering questions on this forum. I bet she'll add to this today. :)

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!  The only reason I'm taking the pills dissolved is I am a HORRIBLE pill taker, terrible gag reflex.  Even the petites are a chore...  the chewable calcium either has too many calories (citrical creamy bites) or you have to take like 10 of the a day, and I just don't have the time or the memory to remember to take them all.  If I can do this calcium thing by drinking the "calcium citrate water" that they are dissolved in, it will make my life MUCH easier!!! THANKS again for your response... I'll tune in for Danielle's answer too!

I sent you a personal message ....

How many MG are you shooting for?  I take two Bariatric Advantage chewables a day.

Here I am - I hope I can offer a little something. Bruising is often associated with vitamin C deficiency.  Vitamin C works in the body to assist collagen in forming good bonds.  Collagen forms the structure of your tissue (especially skin).  Strong bonds in your tissue means more strength - weak bonds means less tissue strength... so bruises happen when the tissue is weak. Most WLS procedures result in reduced vitamin C absorption.  Vit C helps your body absorb iron, acts as a re-charger for vitamin E in the battle against free radicals (oxidation in your body - this is the same process iron goes through when rust forms, so you have an example).   Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin - and it comes in yummy chewables for those with pill swallowing problems.  The chewables are the best in my opinion - your body can only absorb 65 - 200 mg at a a time and most chewables are aroung 100 mg each.  So you pop one of those throughout the day. There are people who use the 1000 or 2500 mg tablets, if they are timed release that might be okay, but it's better to spread a smaller dose out over a day.  Vitamin C or ascorbic acid can cause stomach upset, usually in higher doses.