Calcium

[Mazen]

Is it absolutely important for us with Crohn's to take Calcium supplements? Does your doctor say so?

I've been readinga lot about this lately, and most recommend that people with CD should take Calcium supplements even if they can eat dairy like me...

 

[Dekar]

not absolutely important, but i don't see anything wrong with having something thats good for you, it can't hurt, but i don't think its that necessary either. I just have a banana or oranges to take care of that

 

[ccarp001]

I take it. its especially important since long-term Pred use depletes bones.

 

[Farley]

I've taken it in the past. Not on it at the moment but like ccarp said pred can reduce bone density so I think its just used as a precaution.

 

[Kev]

Think it's more than a precaution due to pred use. Think it's fairly common for people with IBD not to properly absorb calcium, and to be on diets fairly low in calcium... (and also because of a relationship between inflamation N calcium). This last part is pretty vague, but I seem to recall that inflamation not only blocks calcium absorption, but it also depletes calcium. Anyone with the whole story care to pop in here, add to this, correct me?

 

[Guest]

i was diagnosed with premature borderline osteoporosis about 2 years ago, have had 2 bone density scans and it hadnt changed in the 12 months between the scans. initially, i was told that the condition of my bones was due to having crohns disease for so many years, and particularly during my teens when bones should be getting stronger through dietary calcium absorbtion. however, it was later found that my two siblings also had early osteoporosis, and therefore mine is probably a mixture of genetic and crohns factors.

however, it does mean that the medical profession recognise crohns as a cause of calcium depletion, quite possibly the same would apply to any long-standing debilitating illness.

i never had steroid treatment back then, so that can be discounted, in my case.

dingbat.

 

[Mazen]

I had a Bone Mass Density test and it showed normal for Hip and spine and low normal for forearm. The doctor said that I should supplement with Calcium and vitamin D. And if later I have to take steroids, I have to take a medicine to prevent any further bone loss.

 

[Guest]

yep, mazen, thats why i'm loathe to start the steroid treatment myself.

by the way, i know calcium can often cause constipation - i found that taking it in liquid form didnt block things up quite so much and was quite ok to take long term. in the uk, it seems that liquid calcium is only available on prescription though.

 

[TammySue62]

i was diagnosed with premature borderline osteoporosis about 2 years ago, have had 2 bone density scans and it hadnt changed in the 12 months between the scans. initially, i was told that the condition of my bones was due to having crohns disease for so many years, and particularly during my teens when bones should be getting stronger through dietary calcium absorbtion. however, it was later found that my two siblings also had early osteoporosis, and therefore mine is probably a mixture of genetic and crohns factors.

however, it does mean that the medical profession recognise crohns as a cause of calcium depletion, quite possibly the same would apply to any long-standing debilitating illness.

i never had steroid treatment back then, so that can be discounted, in my case.

dingbat.

My bones were pretty brittle to from years being on pred.but I cant take calcium because it makes my CD worse with really watery poop.

There is a drug that u can get called ALCLASTA to improve the bones and make them healthier. I had the infusion about 6 weeks ago and I have noticed a major improvement with my body in general.They dont ache as much almost zero back aches .This infusion lasts for a whole year.

Ask your Dr. or GI about this drug. It really works

TAMMY

 

[minnie winnie]

My gp has just put me on calcichew tabs, due to the fact i have been on steroids for 2 years now with no break. I have been getting alot of pain in my joints lately, especially my neck, but i'm putting that down to muscle, as i have my camels hump.does anyone else have the camel hump.

 

[Gemma]

i have never been told to take calcium apart from when i was feeding my son,

 

[Mazen]

Try Calcium Citrate. It's easier on the body, and shouldn't cause constipation. Also try to find one at health food stores which is free of starch, sugar, gluten and lactose if possible It works for me....... I use Calcium Citrate + Vitamin D from Solgar; GNC also has one but without vitamin D...

 

[Shoeless]

When I take Calcium it tends to constitpate me