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Q.

I have osteopenia. I take Prevacid and my doctor recommended 1500 mg of calcium daily. Should I take them together?

Related Topics: Calcium, Osteopenia
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Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Susan Allison, RNC, BSN, MPASusan Allison, RNC, BSN, MPASUCCESS!
Susan Allison, RNC, BSN, MPA
Nurse Educator, Osteoporosis
National Osteoporosis Foundation
6 Answers
570 Helpful Votes
48 Followers
A.

If Prevacid was the drug prescribed for your reflux/heartburn, and it was helping your symptoms, you shouldn't stop unless advised by your doctor. Since calcium citrate (as in Citracal) doesn't require acid in the stomach for absorption, this is your supplement of choice. Tums are made from calcium carbonate, as is Caltrate; they may not be totally absorbed while on an acid-reducing medication.

The current standard recommendation for daily calcium intake is 1200 mg every day. Remember that this number includes calcium from food. Most people who eat a well-balanced diet, get about 300 mg of calcium without even trying! If you include dairy products or calcium-fortified foods in your daily diet, you can reduce or even eliminate the amount needed from supplements. To help estimate your daily calcium intake, contact NOF [National Osteoporosis Foundation] and request a calcium-calculator handout.

Note: You shouldn't take your Prevacid and calcium supplements together. Check with your doctor about the appropriate timing of the medication in relationship to your calcium citrate.

Vitamin D3 comes in several strengths over-the-counter, so you should easily be able to find the amount you need.

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