Quote Originally Posted by cassiesmom View Post
Dear PT, can anyone help me with calcium supplements? After I broke my ankle my doctor told me to go get a bone scan. Yesterday I got a call from the nurse that the bone scan showed moderate osteopenia. I am to take 1.2 grams of calcium per day and 400 IU of vitamin D. She didn't say if I should use Tums or Rolaids, Citracal, Os-Cal, Caltrate or specifically what type of calcium I should buy. I found a multivitamin with iron that contains 400 IU of vitamin D, which is 100% of the U.S. recommended daily allowance. If I improve my diet do I still need to take calcium? I really don't want this to progress to osteoporosis.

I am also to start weight-bearing exercise. I can't wait till the weather gets better so I can walk outside. For now I guess I'll be walking at the mall.


Thanks,
Elyse

Well, I goofed. I am to take 1.2 grams of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D (not 400 IU). I have mint-flavored Tums on hand, 400mg each, so I'm just going to use those up first. They have a terrible after-taste but I hate to rush out and purchase another calcium when I have this on hand. I'll ask the pharmacist about the vitamin D. Thank you, everyone for helping me sort this out!