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Can Calcium Citrate Be Consumed For Reduced Bone Density In Back?
I am 65 and been been menopausal since 38. I took ERT for the first 11 years and the Sodium Alendronate For the next 13 years. My doctor now has me on nothing but my last bone density was not very good. It had decreased in my back. I do NOT have a dowager s situation with my back. I have never broken a bone. I take 500 mg. of calcium daily in the form of a calcium chew with D. Also consume raw leafy vegetables daily In kale and arugula. Try to walk about a mile several times a week. Should I take Calcium Citrate or Carbonate and in what dosage? Thank you.please CANCEL this request. I did not think there would be a $15 fee involved!
posted on
Wed, 10 Jun 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 21 Feb 2021
Answered on
Mon, 22 Feb 2021
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Calcium citrate and calcium carbonate have almost similar results, when taken in equal doses orally. However, calcium carbonate acts better in acidic media, hence it is advised to be taken with food. Where as calcium citrate is not-dependent on acid for its action, hence can be taken any time. Some patients find calcium carbonate as constipating while no such complaint is seen with calcium citrate.
Also, strength of calcium carbonate per pill is more as compared to calcium citrate, hence no. of pills required per day is more with calcium citrate as compared to calcium carbonate, which some patients do not find comfortable. Daily dose of calcium supplements is about 1000 mg per day. Increased dosage of 1200 mg may be needed for postmenopausal osteoporotic patients. However, though calcium supplement definitely increase bone density, but this increase is very small. This increase is in the range of 0.7% to 1.8% if at least used for 1 year.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
Calcium citrate and calcium carbonate have almost similar results, when taken in equal doses orally. However, calcium carbonate acts better in acidic media, hence it is advised to be taken with food. Where as calcium citrate is not-dependent on acid for its action, hence can be taken any time. Some patients find calcium carbonate as constipating while no such complaint is seen with calcium citrate.
Also, strength of calcium carbonate per pill is more as compared to calcium citrate, hence no. of pills required per day is more with calcium citrate as compared to calcium carbonate, which some patients do not find comfortable. Daily dose of calcium supplements is about 1000 mg per day. Increased dosage of 1200 mg may be needed for postmenopausal osteoporotic patients. However, though calcium supplement definitely increase bone density, but this increase is very small. This increase is in the range of 0.7% to 1.8% if at least used for 1 year.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
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