Question:
What if calcium citrate constipates you?

I was taking Viactiv like my surgeon told me to do when I read the postings on here regarding carbonate vs. citrate. I stopped taking the Viactiv and started taking Citracal Calcium Citrate (1260mg per day) and started having severe constipation (which also caused me to plateau). I called my surgeon and everything they put me on wouldn't help my problem. She was going to put me on a prescription called Maralax for the constipation... this is crazy. I didn't want more meds. She told me to go back to the Viactiv. I don't know what to do.    — Tonda (posted on October 21, 2003)

October 21, 2003
i don't know the answer to the constipation but i would not go back to the carbonate. I would run some of the research off the site here about it and fax it to her. She is sure not up on wls needs. Of course, i guess it is better than nothing.
   — Delores S.

October 21, 2003
Tonda: I take 6 Citracal Calcium Citrate tablets per DAY (each 2 with a serving of my protein shake, 3 times per day). These tablets have never caused me constipation. I only experience constipation when I don't get enough water in. I drink a gallon a day now, and since I started drinking a minimum of 64 oz. a day (obviously, 128 oz. is even better), I've had no problems with constipation. Mind you, before I upped my water intake, constipation was a HUGE problem for me...try increasing your water & keep taking your citrate. I would never go back to carbonate. The risks are too high!
   — Amy A.

October 21, 2003
I can't answer your question but I had to respond because it is so rare to see someone with my name. I spell mine different but it sounds the same. I have only met 2 others with our name and one spelled it like yours and the other like mine.
   — Tawnda C.

April 19, 2004
I am having the same problem. My doctor wants me completely off calcium for six weeks. Then we will do labs. I was so severely constipated. I ended up in ER last week. I was given citrate magnesium, and it totally cleaned me out. I lost eight pounds!! Are there any alternatives to calcium citrate? I was taking Citrical. 4 a day. Thanks for your input. I am two years post op.
   — Allison M.

April 19, 2004
you know, im a dissenting voice, and i go with what my doctor and my research says , any calcium is better than none , the bioavailability of ALL calcium , is roughly 1/2 the amount on the label , therefore , as a post op, its safe to assume that its actually 1/3 of the amount, menaing , as a woman , needing 1200 mg a day , i should make sure i am intaking at least 2400 mg , from supplements and the rest from my diet. bioavailability of calcium from natural sources is even suspect, but not as well debated as the form of calcium directly from my surgeon , and the ABS information I have, there has yet been *any* study ~conclusively~ proving the absobability of any type of calcium versus any other. Viactive is better than no calcium, because of fear of constipation, but if you up your liquid intake, constipation should be less of a worry for you .
   — bethlaf

April 19, 2004
I had the same problem when I took Twinlabs Calcium Citrate capsules. I usually take their chewables. I ran out and went back to the capsules and got constipated big time. As soon as I went back to my chewables everything worked fine.
   — Morna B.