Calcium question!

[JDTM]

Hey everyone!

So, quick update and then a question. Had a follow-up with my doctor, who basically confirmed my diagnosis of mild Crohn's in the ileum; blood looks good, nutrient levels such as iron and B12 are good. My primary care physician told me that my vitamin D levels were really low, so I'm currently supplementing for that as well. Since I seem to be tolerating budesonide (Entocort) much better than when I was first diagnosed, I was given the green light to go back on the full dose of 9mg and probably start tapering in a month. Between low vitamin D levels and corticosteroids, I asked about whether he thought I should start supplementing calcium as well, and he said that would be fine.

The question is, how much is a good amount for supplementation?

(Because I asked him about it, my doctor actually ordered up a bone scan test... it might not be totally necessary, but it'd be good to know.)

Any and all advice is welcome -- thanks in advance!

 

[Beach]

Since you are supplementing with vitamin D, your calcium needs will probably be less. As I've read, probably 600mgs or less of calcium is all that is needed. Taking more calcium than that can sometimes lead to the condition of hypercalcemia.

Thought this a nice article about supplementing with vitamin D3 and calcium needs.

Another supplement you might look at is vitamin K2. Vitamin D3 helps absorb calcium from foods eaten, while K2 is thought to help direct where the calcium goes in the body - in general. I guess it is more complicated than that, but that is the general gist.

I suspect the K2 helps with my gut health also.

"Increased blood calcium and vitamin D"

http://blog.trackyourplaque.com/2010/06/increased-blood-calcium-and-vitamin-d.html

 

[CLynn]

Thanks for the update, glad to hear you are doing well! I will probably drive my specialist crazy, wanting extra tests on blood. I know I should have the bone density test as well, after all the years of Crohn's, prednisone and other risk factors for osteoporosis. Sort of frightens me to have the test, lol! If my teeth are any indication, oh my gosh!

 

[JDTM]

Yep, that's what got me thinking about it Cheryl -- just went to the dentist this past weekend and I definitely have a cavity! :/