Found primarily in the bones and teeth, calcium is vital for health. If you regularly take calcium supplements and prescription or over-the-counter medications, talk to your health care provider about any interaction that may occur. Foods and medications do not destroy calcium but can block absorption, preventing the body from utilizing this essential mineral. Understanding food and drug combinations is essential to make sure you derive the most benefit from both.
Foods
Food and drug interactions occur when one or the other impedes absorption or metabolism. This interaction can also increase or decrease calcium's potency or stop its effect entirely. Avoid eating high-fiber foods such as whole grain breakfast cereals for at least one hour before or after taking a calcium supplement, because the fiber can bind with the calcium, decreasing its absorption. Antacids, which are primarily calcium, are less effective when you take one immediately before or after eating a high-fiber meal. Avoid drinking tea for one hour before or after taking a calcium supplement because the oxalates can also bind with calcium, decreasing absorption.
Steroids
Synthetic steroids are called glucocorticoids and include cortisone, prednisone and hydrocortisone. Steroids are taken for ailments such as asthma, lupus, arthritis, inflammatory conditions and numerous other medical problems. Glucocorticoids tend to break down bone cells faster than the body can replace them, so if you take any type of steroid medication, talk to your health care provider about scheduling a bone density test. If you are a long-term steroid user, ask about a calcium and vitamin D supplement to offset your bone loss.
Thyroid Drugs
When you don't produce enough thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland, you need to take a drug called Synthroid or levothyroxine sodium or a similar medication. However, this type of medication can cause bone loss or a decrease in bone density because it blocks the absorption of calcium. Taking calcium supplements can also decrease the absorption of this medication. Your health care provider can explain how to take thyroid medication and calcium supplements.
High Cholesterol
Drugs used to treat high cholesterol can also block the absorption of calcium, fat and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin K. Calcium and vitamin D work together to keep your calcium level normal; vitamin D helps your bones both obtain and retain this mineral.
References
- "Oregon State University"; Linus Pauling Institute; Calcium; Jane Higdon; April 2003
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
- National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Calcium
- Synthroid: Use and Important Safety Information You Should Know About Synthroid
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