Do Vitamin D3 And Calcium Supplements Affect The Bone Density?

Posted on Wed, 5 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 5 Mar 2014 Answered on

Wed, 2 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have taken Forteo for 2 years. I went for a DEXA bone density and inadvertently took 600mg calcium/500IU Vt D3 supplement on the day of the test or before. The results showed left 1.5. right 7.5 and spine 13.0. Does anyone know what the possible effect of taking the supplement was? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Won't effect the results Detailed Answer: Dear Friend. Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I have read your query in detail. I understand your concern. Bone density scanning won't be affected by taking vitamin D3 and calcium supplements a day before as building up bone density is a long term process. The supplementation of a day can't just improve your bone density. It takes months to show improvement with supplements. You definitely have Osteoporosis. You should take treatment for it with no second thought. Trust me mam a dose of these supplements can't effect your results of bone density. Yes if it is about serum calcium and vitamin d3 levels it can affect. I hope I am able to solve your query and give you a relief , still if you have any query please ask me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (2 hours later)

Thank you. I looked over the request sheet which was given 4-6 months ago. There are requests for many possible radiological and/or ultrasound studies. There are no requests for blood work. On the top the front of the 1 page is a rubber stamped in red, "no calcium supplements or vitamins day of test". It probably is similar to the usual, 'no food or drink after midnight' no matter what or when was ordered. My wife worries too much. Thank you.Sorry, now she tells me that she had 'blood work' in the physician's office on Monday 2 days ago. This does not appear on the sheet she gave me, She had the DEXA? scan 1 day ago or yesterday. I agree with you that in that case the supplement can effect the serum Calcium and Vitamin D level and repeating the blood work before adjusting treatment might be prudent. Am I on the correct path? I do read the general literature and usually successfully complete the tests but... it is not my field and few know everything. Thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (10 hours later)

Brief Answer: She has osteoporosis. Detailed Answer: Dear Friend. See since she has osteoporosis on the bone mineral density So she has it. Taking supplementation on or day before bone density testing in any case is not going to CAUSE osteoporosis. I hope you are getting what i mean to say. Share with me her blood work reports when they are available. I will help you in interpretation. Good Luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (12 hours later)

She seems to have forgotten. About 1 year ago there was talk about large dose of oral calcium 600-12-00mg, would temporarily raise serum calcium which is/was thought to be deleterious to the heart. I see that some formulations now are sustained release....the Vit. D??? Thank you. Great service.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Get her cardiac evaluation Detailed Answer: Dear Friend. Don't worry. Those studies are not full proved. Moreover at present she requires treatment for Osteoporosis. So , as a part of old age get her following investigations : 1. ECG 2. Lipid profile 3. kidney function test 4. Hemogram. 5. Liver Function test. Start her on treatment as advised by your physician. Let's evaluate her cardiac status through these investigations. I hope i am helpful. Do rate me when you close your query. Still if you have any query i am always here to help you. Stay Healthy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar