Calcium Absorption

I know we've gone over this a million times, but is it true that we can only absorb 500mg of calcium at one time?? I am asking b/c I'm taking UpCal D (powder 500mg per scoop) from Vitalady and I love it, but I have  a hard time taking it at 4 different times during the day. I know its probably my laziness. I can remember 3x's, but seem to always lack taking it the 4th time so at night I usually double up one dose so that I can get the full 2000mg in per day. I'm thinking that last 500mg scoop is probably getting wasted b/c I won't be absorbing it?? right??

Hi, Tracy.  I don't know the answer, but perhaps one of the staff dieticians can help you if you repost this entry in the Diet and Nutrition forum.   Kellie

My surgeon says we can only absorb between 300 something and 500 mg of calcium at a time.  I only take between 1000 and 1200 mgs a day.  Is there a reason why you take 2000? Sally

Hi Sally. That's the dosage that was recommended to me, but I will do some research today and see if that is too much?? Hopefully Michelle (Vitalady) or Kathy will spot this and shed some light for me. Thanks for your response!

I've found every surgeon has a different protocal--and even that needs to be adjusted to each person--especially for things like iron and calcium.   I found this on the web-- The amount of calcium that a woman should get per day ranges from 1000mg-1500mg, depending her age group, and hormonal state. a) Ages 11-24 (adolescents and young adults): 1200-1500 mg b) Ages 25-50: 1000 mg c) Pregnant and nursing: 1200-1500 mg d) Older than 50 (postmenopausal):           -- on estrogens: 1000 mg           -- not on estrogens: 1500 mg e) Older than 65: 1500 mg http://www.estronaut.com/a/calcium_woman.htm   It seems to be consistent with other sources.   Sally

Thanks for the info!

The only problem with that chart is it is intended for normal people with normal stomachs.  If you have had gastric bypass you don't fit that criteria.  I have upped my elemental calcium (calcium citrate form) from 2500 to 3000 mg because my bone density is going down each year that I have a dexascan.   My original research almost 4 years ago also spelled out that the absorption range (for normies) was 400-600 mg at a time.   The other most important thing to monitor with regard to your bone density is Vitamin D (D, 25 hydroxy test).  You want your levels between 50-100.  I have had to add in a significant amount of dry D3 to achieve this goal and now to monitor to see what I need to maintain it. 

Thank you so much for the info. I'll be looking into adding the dry D3 too!!!!

Hi, I was told to take 2000mg a day because I do have ostroperosis in the hip and ostropernia in the spine.  I am having a hard time with the medicine for it. I go for a bone density test this month to see how i'm doing.  I am not well educated in this but do all you can to keep your bones healthy. Cha

Oh wow, I certainly don't want to run into that problem, so I guess I better figure out how to get this into me daily! Thanks for the info and I hope that things go well for you!