Question:
Multi-Vitamin and Calcium Citrate.........

Did I read somewhere that we should not be taking these two vitamins at the same time? Why is that? Also, should post-ops be taking any other kind of vitamins other than these two, except in the cases where there is anemia, etc.? So a multi and the calcium citrate is all we need post op?    — blank first name B. (posted on December 23, 2001)

December 23, 2001
I have never heard of the no multi-calcium mixture. But, I have arranged a wonderful vitamin schedule thanks to my PCP and the vitalady. I buy all my vitamins via her website at www.vitalady.com This is what I have worked out. 8am: multi, 50mg cheleated zinc, Dry Vitamin E, Dry Vitamin A&D. That's 4 pills in the morning and I take them with breakfast (which is usually orange juice). At Noon, I take 2 ELEMENTAL irons and 1 chewable Vitamin C (500 mgs). With this, I have a non-dairy light meal. I don't have any caffiene, dairy or medicines (ie., pepcid, antibiotics) within 4 hours of taking these vitamins. Then at 5pm I take 1 500 mg caplet of calcium (aka super calcium) and then I take one more at 8 and one more at 11pm. My dr's have signed off on this vitamin regimen, and although it took some time to get used to, I'm feeling much better. One thing though! I usually only have orange juice with the vitamins for 2 reasons. The mult-vitamin tastes like dog food with water. O.J. covers the taste. And, all these vitamins upset my stomach with food or just water. I don't know what it is about O.J., but it really seems to help ME. Obviously, you should talk to your PCP or surgeon before starting such a vitamin regimen; but at the very least, look at the Q&A's about vitamins at www.vitalady.com Best of luck!
   — Kristin R.

December 23, 2001
Iron interferes with calcium absorption, so if you are taking a mulitivite with iron and your calcium you aren't getting as much calcium as you would taking them spread out. Synthroid also interferes with calcium absorption, if you happen to be on it (it's for hypothyroidism) Vit c increases the absorption of iron, so a little juice or vit c pill with the iron helps. Vit d helps calcium absorption, several calcium citrate pills come with vit d. Also I have read one can't absorb more than 500 mg of calcium at a time, so it's better to spread out the calcium pills during the course of the day. Good luck
   — Becky K.

December 23, 2001
Only thing I would add: You also need B12, either sublingual (every other day), or a monthly shot. I think there's also a nasal spray. Ugh. I'd go with the sublingual: no pain, easy, etc. Good luck!
   — Mary Ellen W.