A combination of calcium and vitamin D is one of the most scientifically-proven treatments for osteoporosis. Although you can get both in pill form, it’s crucial to combine them with a healthy diet. Some people will even argue that a pill is not enough – that a combination of calcium and vitamin D is more efficient. Clinical trials on vitamin D3 and calcium indicate that they may prevent your risk of developing certain conditions related to aging. One clinical trial even found that when osteoarthritis patients took both calcium and vitamin D3 their pain was reduced significantly while their inflammation was also reduced.
Calcium and vitamin D combination
Should you take calcium and vitamin D supplements together?
Calcium helps in building bones and keeps them healthy. Apart from this, the mineral enables our blood to clot, helps our muscles to contract, and our heart to beat. About ninety-nine percent of the body’s calcium deposit can be found in the teeth and bones.We lose calcium every day in some amount through our skin, hair, nail, sweat, urine, and faeces. So, it is important to maintain the daily intake of calcium in the body. The best way to increase the intake is through the food we eat. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are high in calcium content. Apart from that, certain green vegetables, soymilk, and almonds are also rich in calcium content.
Vitamin D protects our bones and helps support our muscles. Apart from this, vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium in the body. In children, vitamin D is needed to build strong bones, and adults need it to keep the bones strong and healthy. The best source of Vitamin D is sunlight. When you step out in the sun, the sunlight reaches your skin and your body makes vitamin D from it. Spinach, okra, soybeans are other sources of vitamin D.What does the study say?
As per a recent study, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements together might increase the risk of having a stroke. The findings were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, which reviewed the effects of some supplements on human health.The research focused on the effects of 16 different nutritional supplements and eight dietary interventions on the cardiac health of an adult person. The end result suggested that combining calcium and vitamin D increase the risk of having a stroke by 17 percent.
What is calcium and vitamin D combination?
Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for many functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
Calcium and vitamin D combination is used to treat or prevent a calcium deficiency.
There are many brands and forms of calcium and vitamin D combination available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Calcium and vitamin D combination may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if calcium and vitamin D combination is safe to use if you have:
- kidney disease;
- kidney stones;
- heart disease;
- cancer;
- high levels of calcium in your blood;
- circulation problems; or
- a parathyroid gland disorder.
Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.
How should I take calcium and vitamin D combination?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take the regular tablet with a full glass of water.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
Calcium and vitamin D may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes dietary changes. Learn about the foods that contain calcium and vitamin D.
Your supplement dose may need to be adjusted as you make changes to your diet. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What should I avoid while taking calcium and vitamin D combination?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any multivitamins, mineral supplements, or antacids while you are taking calcium and vitamin D combination.
Calcium and vitamin D combination side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have signs of too much calcium in your body, such as:
- nausea, vomiting, constipation;
- increased thirst or urination;
- muscle weakness, bone pain; or
- confusion, lack of energy, or feeling tired.
Common side effects may include:
- an irregular heartbeat;
- weakness, drowsiness, headache;
- dry mouth, or a metallic taste in your mouth; or
- muscle or bone pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Calcium and vitamin D combination dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:
Calcium – General Range: 1000 mg to 1300 mg daily
Vitamin D – General Range: 200 international units to 800 international units daily
Note: While much larger vitamin D dosages have been recommended as a single agent, many calcium-vitamin D combination supplements will contain approximately 200 international units to 400 international units of vitamin D per dose.
Usual Adult Dose for Dietary Supplement:
Calcium – General Range: 1000 mg to 1300 mg daily
Vitamin D – General Range: 200 international units to 800 international units daily
Note: While much larger vitamin D dosages have been recommended as a single agent, many calcium-vitamin D combination supplements will contain approximately 200 international units to 400 international units of vitamin D per dose.
What other drugs will affect calcium and vitamin D combination?
Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb certain medicines, and some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin D. If you take other medications, take them at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after you take calcium and vitamin D combination.
Other drugs may affect calcium and vitamin D combination, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.