Increasing Calcium does not prevent fractures In elderly

[minkeygirl]

"Auckland University-led studies have cast doubt on the value to older people of boosting calcium intake through supplements or food."



http://i.stuff.co.nz/life-style/wel...kely-to-prevent-fractures-new-studies-suggest

 

[barbc56]

I can't take calcium supplements because I tend to get kidney stones.

However, ingesting foods high in calcium does not increase the risks of kidney stones.

Thanks for the article. I have it bookmarked.

Barb

 

[minkeygirl]

I have osteopenia so have been taking it along with s bunch of other stuff

I get kidney stones too but not from calcium that I know of. I don't remember if they did an autopsy on the 8 cm one I had 10 years ago. Ouch!

What foods?

 

[Sushi]

There are studies, though, that indicate that taking strontium rather than calcium helps prevent fractures. Don't ask me to quote them though as I don't have time to look them up!

 

[IreneF]

Strangely enough, calcium from food and calcium from supplements are digested differently. I found this out after my husband had his third kidney stone. He is supposed to eat foods that are high in calcium but not take supplements.

Dairy foods are good sources, as are fish canned with their bones (e.g. salmon). You have to eat the bones, of course. Dark leafy greens are good, plus they have plenty of vitamin K.

 

[Toxed]

Calcium, magnesium and potassium need to be balanced for strong bones and teeth. Most of the population is deficient in magnesium. The numbers vary from paper to paper. One paper said that supplement ratios of cal/mag shoukd be reversed. Twice as much mag as calcium. I agree with the others. Most supplemental calcium isn't bio-available. Its just ground "rock" or shell.

 

[minkeygirl]

@Sushi. I also take strontium, selenium,k, D3, and a trace mineral complex. Probably more I can't remember.

My cal/mag is 2:1.

There are calciums that are better, not just crushed rock. Don't and me which. Lol.

Just one less thing for me to take.

 

[barbc56]

@minkeygirl

Eight? Just reading your post makes me hurt. I take it that you had it removed? Stones that large tend to not pass. If you passed it, you have my sympathies.

I don't pass mine because of their location and unfortunately the stones are in a place where they are painful.. I didn't know that you can be in pain from internal stones. There are other locations in the kidney, where you don't feel them and they can become hugh. It really helps to have a urologist who has also passed stones.

I have just been diagnosed with secondary hyperparathyroidism . My low vitamin D causes the parathyroid to produce too much PTH. Right now I'm getting vitamin D but you have to be careful as vitamin D can cause heart problems.

Developing the kidney stones, as well as the fact that I'd never had them befoe a year ago, means I may get the procedure to remove most of the tissue in the four parathyroid glands. It only takes about fifteen minutes and it's done with local anesthesia. I have read that this simple operation can turn your life around as far as the symptons.

Have you had your PTH checked? There are usually other tests that are abnormal with hyperparathyroidism so don't go by what I say and consult your physician.

Here is a resource about hyperparathyroidism.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperparathyroidism/basics/definition/con-20022086

Barb

 

[barbc56]

@Toxed

What a coincidence. I just had my magnesium level checked and it's normal. AFAIK, I've never had the test.

Barn

 

[minkeygirl]

@barbc56 I had lithotripsy to remove that one and 2 4 cm ones. One that passed had me on the floor.

That was in 2010 after I flew cross country and haven't had one since. I doubt it had anything to do with my parathyroid.

If a simple procedure can fix something so huge, I'd go for it.

 

[IreneF]

Kidney stones are one of the most painful things that can happen. My husband was writhing on the floor screaming. I was wondering how I was going to get him in the car for the 10 min. trip to the hospital.

Apparently the ER people can recognize them when they come in. There was another kidney stone patient that night--middle-aged man in PJs and slippers, shuffling along, partly bent forward.

 

[Sasha]

Argh... I have osteopenia and also some food problems including tyramine-induced migraines so pretty much any food with calcium is off the menu for me so my doctor recommended calcium supplementation.

Wondering what I should do now...

 

[Sean]

Strangely enough, calcium from food and calcium from supplements are digested differently. I found this out after my husband had his third kidney stone. He is supposed to eat foods that are high in calcium but not take supplements.

Dairy foods are good sources, as are fish canned with their bones (e.g. salmon). You have to eat the bones, of course. Dark leafy greens are good, plus they have plenty of vitamin K.

Almonds, Brazil nuts, and sunflower and sesame seeds, are good sources too. I have about two spoons of almond meal a day, works with a wide range of dishes/recipes, or just on its own. Plus at least a decent handful (1/2 cup?) of a mix of pine nuts, and sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Going to get some sesame seeds next time I go shopping to add in the mix.

Blackstrap molasses has some calcium in it, plus other minerals, trace elements, and B group vitamins. A teaspoon a day used to be a standard dietary supplement for kids. Just rinse your mouth with water straight after to wash the sugars off your teeth.

My favourite calcium food is figs. Though too many makes for quick visits to the toilet.

 

[IreneF]

More info on calcium in foods:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/calcium#sources
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002412.htm

 

[Little Bluestem]

Bones need a lot more than calcium and D3. When I was diagnosed with osteopenia, my doctor recommended a supplement with 13 ingredients.

Right now I'm getting vitamin D but you have to be careful as vitamin D can cause heart problems.

What sort of heart problems does Vitamin D cause?

 

[barbc56]

@Little Bluestem

There might be different recommendations for those who have osteopenia. I think the heart problems are when you take excessive amounts.

In my case, taking Vitamin D3 in a short period of time may have caused my kidney stones. Emphasis on may. I forgot to mention kidney stones.

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/45325473/...tamin-d-warning-too-much-can-harm-your-heart/