Calcium is essential for the growth and health of your bones, as well as your heart, nerves and muscles. While calcium is in a variety of foods, you may not get enough calcium from your diet and your physician may advise you to take a calcium supplement. When choosing a calcium supplement, find one that provides the correct dosage and one you take at a frequency you can remember each day.
Calcium Supplement Interactions
Make sure your physician knows all medical conditions and medications you take, as it may affect the dosage he suggests. Many medications can affect the levels of calcium in your body and could cause a deficiency. If you have chronic inflammation or a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, you may be prescribed corticosteroids. This medication, especially if taken long term, can deplete your calcium levels. Certain cholesterol medications, diuretics and anti-seizure medications can also lower your calcium levels.
Appropriate Supplement Dose
Check with your physician to determine the calcium dose you need to take. Go over your regular diet with your physician so he can gauge how much dietary calcium you get in your diet and adjust your supplement amount by that. The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board has set a daily recommended daily allowance of 1,000 mg for adults between 19 and 50 years of age and an upper intake level of 2,500 mg. You should not exceed 2,500 mg between your supplement and your dietary intake, unless your doctor recommends it.
Test for Vitamin D Deficiency
Before taking calcium supplements, have your physician test your serum vitamin D levels. Calcium is regulated in your body by vitamin D, so it is essential that your vitamin D level be in an adequate range. Unfortunately, many people do not have adequate levels of vitamin D. According to a study published in the March 2009 "Archives of Internal Medicine," 77 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient. If you are deficient, he will prescribe a supplement plan for both the vitamin D deficiency and your calcium needs. Many supplements available over the counter contain vitamin D and calcium together, but if you are deficient in vitamin D you may need more than this.
Considerations
Take calcium supplements only if your physician advises you to. Too much calcium from supplements may lead to a condition known as hypercalcemia, so it is important that you have your supplement dosage set at an appropriate level. Calcium supplements can also affect how your body responds to certain medications such as antibiotics, blood pressure medications and certain antacids. Make sure you discuss calcium supplements and all medications with your physician before he writes a prescription for a new medication. If you have any questions regarding potential interactions, ask your physician or pharmacist.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Demographic Differences and Trends of Vitamin D Insufficiency in the US Population, 1988-2004; Adit A. Ginde, et al.; March 2009
- NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center: Calcium Supplements: What to Look For
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calcium
- MedlinePlus: Calcium
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Possible Interactions With Calcium
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