Calcium/Vitamin D

[Scotian]

After my most recent bloodwork, the clinic nutritionist suggested I take a Calcium and Vitamin D supplement. I think mostly because of the long term effects of meds ?- not a current dificency.
She says 1500 mg of calcium  and 800IU of Vit D  daily.  Is there a combo type dose you can take or do you have to take it a cpl times a day  --  seperate pill for Vit D  seperate for calcium?
Also, I heard it was better to take calcium 'citrate'  not carbonate? Any feedback on this appreciated.

[J.R.E.]

After my most recent bloodwork, the clinic nutritionist suggested I take a Calcium and Vitamin D supplement. I think mostly because of the long term effects of meds ?-

Is one of your meds Viread ?  My doctor also suggested I take it.  I take caltrate. Suggested use: Take one tablet, twice daily with food , or as directed by your doctor. Each tablet contains : ( I take one per day)

Vitamin D 400 IU
Calcuim 600mg
Magnesium 50
Zinc 7.5mg
Copper 1mg
Manganese 1.8 mg
Boron 250mcg


Ray

[Miss Philicia]

carbonate, 1200mg calcium/1600 IU vit D daily

I've only heard this suggested for those of us on viread (or truvada as viread is a component)

[Scotian]

thanks for the info...i am on  truvada/norvir/reyataz ...just started 3 months ago. i do eat well and take a multi vitamin...i've read alot of good things about  getting extra Vit D-- especially in the winter ( i live in canada) so not as much sunlight

[MitchMiller]

You can do your own research on this, but I've read and heard it stated by TV docs on Oprah, etc., that you should not rely on Vitamin D in a multivitamin tablet. The multivitamin formulation cannot be as well absorbed as a separate Vitamin D tablet.
Most likely your doc requested you take these based on studies, one of which a summary had been published on aidsmeds, that HIV and/or HIV meds lower bone density.  I'm surprised she didn't explain that to you before just telling you to go take some pills.

[edfu]

The difference between calcium citrate and calcium carbonate is that citrate does not need stomach acid to be broken down; it can be taken on an empty stomach, at any time, with or without food.  Carbonate MUST be taken with food to be effective.  If you take antacids, or you are middle-aged, when stomach acid normally decreases, citrate is recommended.  In the U.S. (I don't know about Canada) there is a non-prescription medication called Citracal, which combines calcium citrate and Vitamin D in one tablet. 

As Mitch has already mentioned, you should research "osteopenia" on the main board here.  This is a weakening of the bones that is a potential precursor to osteoporosis, which can be a normal occcurrence in old age.  However, recent research indicates that bone weakening may be a result of long-time HIV infection and/or unknown HAART medications.  I have been diagnosed with osteopenia, based on a bone-densitometry test (like an X-ray).  My doctor says this could be due to my age (66), smoking, long-time infection with HIV (over 20 years), or my HIV medications.  No one knows for certain.   He recommended I take Citracal.   

[madbrain]

Hey,

After my most recent bloodwork, the clinic nutritionist suggested I take a Calcium and Vitamin D supplement. I think mostly because of the long term effects of meds ?- not a current dificency.
She says 1500 mg of calcium  and 800IU of Vit D  daily.  Is there a combo type dose you can take or do you have to take it a cpl times a day  --  seperate pill for Vit D  seperate for calcium?
Also, I heard it was better to take calcium 'citrate'  not carbonate? Any feedback on this appreciated.

To determine the right amount of vitamin D to take, the best way is to get your level measured regularly by blood test.

I take several meds that deplete vitamin D . Not HIV meds , mind you, but psych meds and meds for acid reflux.  I don't go out in the sun much.

Through several blood tests and experimenting with different supplementation levels, I determined that the correct dose of vitamin D for me to take to maintain my level in the normal range is upwards of 5,000 IU per day. And a bit more in the winter. I am on 6500 right now.

I think the RDA for vitamin D (400 IU) is grossly underestimated, even for people who don't take meds that deplete it.

[pozhealthy]

just wanted to say that some of the calciums bind with antibiotics you might be prescribed at some point in your care--so be aware of this. Also, the calciums that contain magnesium can cause loose stools in some people---calcium itself can be binding and cause constipation ( which in my case is a good thing---lol) so they add magnesium to it. So if your meds cause diarrhea you should probably look for a magnesium free brand of calcium. Additionally some calcium formulas can cause a lot of gas.
I have not had any problems with Citrical brand and to save money i buy the Target brand which is the same formula but a lot cheaper.
Good luck

[pozhealthy]

to clarify---the calcium binds with the antibioitic which then cannot get out into your blood stream where its needed and you pass it through you out to the toilet. This is why some of the antibioitics say on the bottles to avoid dairy products when taking.

[edfu]

the calciums that contain magnesium can cause loose stools in some people

Good point.  Anyone who is having problems with diarrhea should avoid magnesium completely.  Check your multi-vitamin or supplements.