Question:
What is the daily dose of calcium citrate?

I want to switch from the carbonate plus vit d my dr recommends. As I am worried about my health although my tests are all normal. I want to keep them that way for life. Thanks you all.    — Tammy P. (posted on October 17, 2003)

October 17, 2003
I'm glad you're switching to the citrate. Research is definitely pointing to it as the best form for us post-ops. My doctor recommends at least 1000 mg per day. Some people find they need to take more - it might depend on how much of your intestine has been bypassed. I like the one I'm taking - I got it from vitalady.com, and it is in capsule form, dissolves really quickly, and has caused me no problems so far.
   — Carlita

October 17, 2003
I also take 1000 mg a day of CITRATE in capsules (2 a day) that I get from vitalady.com, but many others take 1500 as the standard (I know some distals that take even more). If you have not had a baseline bone scan yet, get one NOW. And continue to get bone scans once a year from now on. It is the only way to gage whether the calcium you are supplementing is reaching the bones and whether you need adjustments in the amount you are taking. Blood tests are NOT a good indicator of how well the body is absorbing calcium.
   — Cindy R.

October 17, 2003
My surgeon recommends 1000 mg pre-menopausal and 1500 for post-menopausal.
   — Delores S.

October 17, 2003
I was told 1200 mg a day. Take 2 Citracal +D twice a day.
   — Morna B.

October 17, 2003
1500mg per day is what I take on my doctor's recommendation. I am 27.
   — Kelly B.

October 19, 2003
I take 2 Viactiv's a day. eachis 500 +D + K
   — Beverly S.

October 19, 2003
I take 1500 mg a day over three doses (a normal human body can absorb only 500 mg at a time; I suspect we absorb even less, so be careful to space out your calcium throughout the day). Also, note that the Viactiv recommended by a previous poster is calcium carbonate, not citrate, so avoid it.
   — Vespa R.