Question:
Does anyone take TUMS Calcium for Life

Is it allright to take TUMS Calcium for Life (chewable)? The calcium comes from carbonate in TUMS. I've noticed that most of you get your calcium from citrate. Does it really matter? I've had no problems with the TUMS--thanks    — barbara A. (posted on September 28, 2002)

September 28, 2002
YES - IT REALLY MATTERS!!! With the reduced stomach size, there is not nearly enough stomach acid to extract the calcium from the calcium carbonate compound. Remember, Tums is an antacid and it's purpose is to neutralize acid. <p> The TUMS may be OK for the first month or two (according to my nutritionist), but as a <b>long-term</b> supplement, calcium citrate is needed...JR (open RNY 07/17 -84 lbs)
   — John Rushton

September 28, 2002
Also, make sure your calcium disolves in water.....check it by just dropping it in luke warm water and it should start disolving right away....if not, throw them out! To help your body absorb calcium into the blood stream, you need 400 i.u. of vitamin D per day also. Carol Percel
   — Carol P.

September 28, 2002
It only matters to your bones. You can have great bloodwork for years using carbonate. We did. Of course, the blood will suck the bones until empty to maintain those blood levels. We found out the hard way. Too late for us, but perhaps not for you. I got my first dexascan and labwork done the same day. Labs said I had PLENTY of calcium on board. Scan said I was empty. I was not too darned please about that whole thing, which is why I'm so verbal about it now. Always remember that the WEIGHT LOSS ITSELF if the first trigger for osteoporosis. Our ability to get calcium on board is secondary, so regardless of other risk factors (gender, race, size), the massive wt loss will include some bone loss unless you take BOLD steps to prevent that from happening.
   — vitalady

September 28, 2002
You must take calcium citrate w/ vitamin D. Citracal makes one and there is also a generic
   — NATALIE A.