Tums for Calcium?

[Zac with no K]

Just found out I have low bone density. I have trouble swallowing pills so dr has me taking gummy vitamin F's and Tums for calcium.

Does anyone else take Tums for calcium only? I don't really have stomach pain since having surgery.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Tums should only be used for occasional heartburn. I personally don't think it should be used as a daily calcium supplement.

"tums provide calcium as calcium carbonate (chalk), which is not always easily absorbed by the body. I recommend using calcium citrate, a form that is better absorbed."

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400065/Tums-For-Calcium.html

There are also possible risks with too much consumption of antacids:

"There are side effects from taking too many antacids. The least important side effects are constipation (aluminum-containing antacids) or diarrhea (magnesium-containing antacids). Large amounts of calcium carbonate-containing antacids (for example, Tums) can affect the balances of calcium and acid in the body and damage the kidneys.

Calcium-containing antacids also can stimulate acid secretion even though initially they neutralize acid. (Stimulation of acid would not be good for the conditions usually treated with antacids.)

In patients with kidney problems, aluminum from aluminum-containing antacids can accumulate in the body. The accumulated aluminum may be toxic. Having said all this, occasional use, even daily use, of antacids generally is safe."
http://answers.webmd.com/answers/648674/can-it-be-harmful-to-take

 

[silverdiskdj]

My doctor has me on Tums for calcium supplement. It also helps a bit with the heartburn I occasionally get (I am on Prilosec for that, but the tums sort of help with that). I take two tablets, twice a day. To me, it is tastier than a calcium pill... and still gets me the calcium I need.

 

[Tesscorm]

I don't have crohns (my son does) but I did have a rare form of osteoporosis as a child. Although the osteoporosis had been treated and 'cured' for years by the time I was an adult, my GP referred me to a specialist as a preventative measure (not sure what 'type' of specialist??). The specialist recommended that I take Tums as a calcium supplement as my bone density was fairly close to the minimum level of the normal range. His words were that the calcium supplements were much more expensive and the Tums would do the same job. For years, I kept a bottle of tums in the car and would have 1-2 every day.

Having said that, I don't have crohns so I can't speak to the concerns nogutsnoglory has pointed out.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Well the sources I cited really apply to anyone crohn's or not. I personally would opt for a cleaner more natural and absorbable form but I understand doctors point us to the cheapest and most available options.