Question:
How many mg of calcium should I be taking a day?

I'm ten months post op. I'm currently taking 1500 mg of calcium citrate a day. Is this enough? How much calcium should I take? Leigh    — Leigh P. (posted on January 16, 2003)

January 16, 2003
Women who menustrate should take 1000mg in two doses because we can only absorb 500mg calcuim at a time. Women who are post menopausal should take 1500 mg per day in three doses. Hope this helps. Oh btw, make sure you are taking calcuim citrate not calcuim carbonate
   — Delores S.

January 16, 2003
My surgeon just told me Yesterday that after my surgery i will need 1000mg of calcium per day he suggested tums or rolaids.Hope this helped :)
   — skyeyez26

January 16, 2003
This is to Michelle (previous responder)... careful with the tums and rolaids. I believe they contain calcium carbonate, NOT calcium citrate. Even doctors don't always know that gastric bypass patients can't absorb calcium carbonate because they lack the stomach acid to break it down. Check your tums/rolaids packs... if they contain calcium carbonate, change to a calcium citrate (plus Vit D. preferably) supplement.
   — Patricia E.

January 16, 2003
Leigh - I have a fabulous PCP and he recommends 1500 mg of calcium citrate per day. I am a 37 yo female. My physical therapist recommends the same dosage. The book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis & James Balch is an excellent resource for anyone interested in nutrition.
   — jnc