Talk to physician about restarting calcium supplement

December 6, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: After having a parathyroid gland removed, I was told by an internist to stop taking calcium supplements. My thinking is that since the offending gland was removed and is no longer causing a high blood calcium level (which was 13+), shouldn’t I be back to normal and now able to resume taking the supplements? I am a 71-year-old white female with osteopenia, 10 pounds overweight, in good health. I don’t “work out” but keep fairly active with walking, gardening and housework.

DEAR READER: Based on your brief note, I believe you had hyperparathyroidism. This occurs when at least one of the four parathyroid glands becomes hyperactive and secretes too much parathyroid hormone.
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Calcium plus D helps osteoporosis for some

September 9, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and am presently taking two calcium tablets and one multivitamin for mature adults. Would this help my condition?

DEAR READER: Osteoporosis occurs when the normal buildup and breakdown of minerals in healthy bones falls out of balance. The condition is difficult to detect in its early stages, but the first clue is often a bone fracture, loss of height, back pain, stooped shoulders or through a routine bone density (X-ray) study.

There are a number of prescription medications; however, as you may be aware, several can lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw and other serious complications.
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Hawthorn berries for RLS

February 6, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have just become aware of your newspaper column, where reference was made to restless legs syndrome. I have suffered for several years with this frustrating condition and have tried numerous remedies, including prescription drugs. Because of side effects, I cannot use the prescriptions and have not had success with the other remedies.
Unfortunately, I did not see your original article recommending the use of hawthorn berries. I have read the testimonials of those who were helped by the product and am interested in trying it. Could you please reprint the article? I have also been taking 250 milligrams of magnesium at bedtime.
DEAR READER: Because I have received so many letters regarding this topic, I have decided to share the information again. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

May 14, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have read and enjoyed your column for many years. I have also successfully tried most of your home remedies.

I have a question that I cannot seem to find an answer to. Can calcium and fish oil be taken at the same time? I find it easier to remember if I take all my pills at once but worry that I am not getting all the possible benefits.

DEAR READER:
As far as I know, there is no problem taking fish oil and calcium together. The benefits should not be adversely affected. If you are worried about taking medications together, I suggest you speak to your pharmacist who will be able to help. He or she should know of any possible dangers or complications that may occur between two or more medications taken at the same time.

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Daily Column

April 29, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
A friend of mine who is a nurse told me that our bodies can only absorb 300 units of calcium at a time and anything more will be wasted. As a result, she cuts her 600 mg tablet in half and takes four halves at different times during the day. Is she correct, and if so, why can’t we buy 300 mg tablets? I don’t believe I have seen that low a dosage on the market.

DEAR READER:
I am unaware of any authority that states only 300 mg of calcium can be absorbed at a time. However, I see no harm in your friend’s practice.

I am unfamiliar with any calcium marketed in a lower dose than 600 mg. This is probably due to the fact that the daily recommended daily dose is 1200 mg. Most people would prefer to take one or two pills rather than three or four every day.

I also recommend you to take a calcium supplement with vitamin D added. This vitamin is important for the body’s absorption of calcium. The daily recommended dosage is 400 international for those 51-70 and 600 international units for those over 71. This amount can often be achieved by taking two calcium plus D supplement pills.

If you still have concerns, speak with your primary care physician or gynecologist.

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Should reader use calcium, vitamin D supplements?

February 18, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 47-year-old, pre-menopausal woman who has never had children. My gynecologist recently recommended that I take calcium supplements (500-600 mg of calcium with vitamin D per day), saying that I am a good candidate for osteoporosis because I’m petite (5’ 1 ½” and 97 pounds).

Is it possible for me to get enough calcium from my diet without taking the over-the-counter kind? I enjoy all kinds of vegetables and dairy products. I run and take aerobics classes (which includes weights) about three times per week.
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Dentist won’t pull tooth of woman on Fosamax

February 9, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I was diagnosed by my gynecologist, through a bone scan, as having osteoporosis. I have been taking Fosamax for about 5 years. I take one tablet once weekly.

My dentist has now warned me that he would never pull a tooth because of the Fosamax. He says he would do a root canal and cap the tooth however. Could you give me any advice regarding this medication? My gynecologist told me that there were no bad side effects unless the Fosamax were given by injection. Thank you.
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