Good morning!
Three recent studies you may find interesting:
1. A large study of almost 162,000 women over age 50 (Women's Health Initiative) has found that daily multivitamin/mineral pills do NOT reduce the risk of heart disease or cancer or prolong life.
2. An analysis of 12 different studies that appeared recently in the Am. J. of Clinical Nutrition concluded that calcium intake (whether from food or supplements) had no effect on the incidence of hip fractures in men and women. The same researchers (from Harvard and Sweden) also analyzed the findings of 5 clinical trials of calcium supplements and unexpectedly found a possible INCREASED risk of fractures in people taking calcium supplements. In one study, women who took calcium supplements were 65% MORE likely to suffer a broken hip than women not taking the supplements. The conclusion is that the result may reflect the fact that calcium can't do it alone.....that vitamin D and minerals like phosphorus and magnesium are also needed for strong bones.
The most popular formulations of calcium (calcium carbonate or citrate) can cause phosphorus defiencies in older people and actually trigger bone loss. The researchers wonder if a calcium phosphate supplement may be best. Calcium-phosphate supplements with vitamin D include Puritan's Pride, Enzymatic Therapy, and Posture-D.
3. Boston researchers have found no connection between long-term coffee consumption (reg. or decaf) and the development of high blood pressure among 30,000 women in the Nurses' Health Study. However, COLA consumption (regular and diet) WAS associated with a significantly increased risk. Thus, it's not the caffeine that is the culprit.....it's some other unidentified component.
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My take on all of the above..............Those with active MC and malabsorption should probably continune taking daily multivitamins. Those in remission could probably skip them (assuming you eat a healthful, varied diet). We need to pay attention to all minerals needed for bone health - not just calcium. Don't stop taking calcium......just be sure to watch out for the other minerals too. Coffee still reigns supreme!!!!
Love,
Polly
More research on multivitamin/mineral pills and calcium
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
More research on multivitamin/mineral pills and calcium
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Polly,
Thanks for providing this info. I had an appt with my GP this a.m. due to severe muscle pains. I told him I had added Vit D after my bone density (since I continue to lose a little more each scan). He congratulated me on doing that and went into some of the same points as you posted.
Jan
Thanks for providing this info. I had an appt with my GP this a.m. due to severe muscle pains. I told him I had added Vit D after my bone density (since I continue to lose a little more each scan). He congratulated me on doing that and went into some of the same points as you posted.
Jan
While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart. - Saint Francis of Assisi
Polly,
I totally agree with the comments you made, especially since we definitely do not have normal digestive systems, (along with, or possibly due to, abnormal immune systems). IMO, one reason why the researchers found women who take calcium supplements more likely to suffer fractures, is because those individuals were very likely taking the calcium supplements for a reason - they are more likely to be at risk of fractures in the first place, whether they take calcium supplements or not. That does not mean that the calcium supplements actually caused more fractures.
As we all know, researchers have a tendency to "prove" the things that they set out to prove, and sometimes they either "overlook" certain parameters that should not be overlooked, or they are not even aware of certain influences that take a more dominant role in any given issue. One has to properly define a problem, before attempting a solution, else the solution may be either incorrect, or irrelevant.
Love,
Tex
I totally agree with the comments you made, especially since we definitely do not have normal digestive systems, (along with, or possibly due to, abnormal immune systems). IMO, one reason why the researchers found women who take calcium supplements more likely to suffer fractures, is because those individuals were very likely taking the calcium supplements for a reason - they are more likely to be at risk of fractures in the first place, whether they take calcium supplements or not. That does not mean that the calcium supplements actually caused more fractures.
As we all know, researchers have a tendency to "prove" the things that they set out to prove, and sometimes they either "overlook" certain parameters that should not be overlooked, or they are not even aware of certain influences that take a more dominant role in any given issue. One has to properly define a problem, before attempting a solution, else the solution may be either incorrect, or irrelevant.
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Sooooo, do we take the calcium citrate or just the vitamin D..
Cripe, you get to a point where you just let all this just go right over your head.. First it is beneficial, then it's not beneficial. Take this, No don't take it.....
Eat this, no don't eat it!!!!
I'm just going to continue to do "my" own thing!!!!!
Love
Dee~~~
Cripe, you get to a point where you just let all this just go right over your head.. First it is beneficial, then it's not beneficial. Take this, No don't take it.....
Eat this, no don't eat it!!!!
I'm just going to continue to do "my" own thing!!!!!
Love
Dee~~~
"What the heart gives away is never gone ... It is kept in the hearts of others."
Dee,
I hear you. The best policy may be, (as the song goes), "if it feels right, do it".
Previous advice on phosphorus, (for example, from the National Institutes of Health, Office Of Dietary Supplements), claims that:
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp
Almost all of the popular soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, so if phosphorus is the key, then a lot of us should be getting plenty of it. For example, I never developed a fondness for coffee, so I get my caffeine from cola type soft drinks.
Love,
Tex
I hear you. The best policy may be, (as the song goes), "if it feels right, do it".
Previous advice on phosphorus, (for example, from the National Institutes of Health, Office Of Dietary Supplements), claims that:
Note that the authors assume that drinking milk is a good thing. A lot of us are not convinced that's true, since the societies that drink the most milk, have the highest rates of osteoporosis. Hmmmmmm. The quote above, is from this site:The effect of dietary phosphorus on calcium is minimal. Some researchers speculate that the detrimental effects of consuming foods high in phosphate such as carbonated soft drinks is due to the replacement of milk with soda rather than the phosphate level itself [19,20].
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp
Almost all of the popular soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, so if phosphorus is the key, then a lot of us should be getting plenty of it. For example, I never developed a fondness for coffee, so I get my caffeine from cola type soft drinks.
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Dee,
It IS confusing......the jury is still out on so many nutritional topics. Just wait a year and the opposite recommendations wil;l be made.
LOL! I'm sure one reason for this is that , as we well know, any study has people with different genetic makeups (and we know how different our nutrition has to be because of our genes).
Gotta run. Have another thought for later based upon something Tex said.
Love,
Polly
It IS confusing......the jury is still out on so many nutritional topics. Just wait a year and the opposite recommendations wil;l be made.
LOL! I'm sure one reason for this is that , as we well know, any study has people with different genetic makeups (and we know how different our nutrition has to be because of our genes). Gotta run. Have another thought for later based upon something Tex said.
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
I thought I'd mention something I recently tried. I decided to take apart my calcium citrate/magnesium/vitamin D capsules and add the powder to my homemade rice milk. I get so tired of taking pills and I thought it might be easier if I just added the supplement to the milk.
I added the powder while I was making the milk, so the liquid was still very hot. It didn't dissolve. Then I poured it back into the blender and blended it for a minute. It was better, but a lot still floated on the top of the milk. I put it in the refrigerator and figured it would dissolve eventually. It took probably 3 days before I felt it was reasonably dissolved. I finished one container yesterday, and there was still about 1/2 tsp. of undissolved powder on the bottom.
It makes me wonder how much my body actually gets from the calcium supplements. DH seems to think that the calcium dissolves more effectively once my stomach acid works on it.
I can't blame my osteoporosis on the ineffectiveness of calcium supplements, however. I was extremely conscientious about getting enough calcium in my diet before I got MC.
Gloria
I added the powder while I was making the milk, so the liquid was still very hot. It didn't dissolve. Then I poured it back into the blender and blended it for a minute. It was better, but a lot still floated on the top of the milk. I put it in the refrigerator and figured it would dissolve eventually. It took probably 3 days before I felt it was reasonably dissolved. I finished one container yesterday, and there was still about 1/2 tsp. of undissolved powder on the bottom.
It makes me wonder how much my body actually gets from the calcium supplements. DH seems to think that the calcium dissolves more effectively once my stomach acid works on it.
I can't blame my osteoporosis on the ineffectiveness of calcium supplements, however. I was extremely conscientious about getting enough calcium in my diet before I got MC.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Gloria,
I believe that stomach acid is indeed a factor in calcium solubility, because patients who undergo weight loss surgery, (who are usually deficient in stomach acid, after the surgery), are advised to use calcium citrate lozenges, which can be chewed, or allowed to dissolve in the mouth, in order to increase the solubility. Also, calcium is fat soluble. IOW, your rice milk may not contain enough fat to allow the ingredients to go completely into solution.
Tex
I believe that stomach acid is indeed a factor in calcium solubility, because patients who undergo weight loss surgery, (who are usually deficient in stomach acid, after the surgery), are advised to use calcium citrate lozenges, which can be chewed, or allowed to dissolve in the mouth, in order to increase the solubility. Also, calcium is fat soluble. IOW, your rice milk may not contain enough fat to allow the ingredients to go completely into solution.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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fifthofanickel
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2005 2:56 pm
- Location: Kind of Central Wisconsin
re; calcium supplements
Hi all;
Just visiting your site today, & saw Polly's comment on Calcium supplements. I have taken Calcium Carbonate w/600mg. of D (chew tabs) 3 times daily for about 2 or so yrs. now. I feel the chew tabs digest more readily in the stomach. At least it hasn't bothered my GERD, so that's a plus. When I had my last bone density last fall, my density was in fact a tad better. So that's another plus. I do have to watch my trigger foods however.
The cal.carb. has kept my MCC in check. I have more difficulties w/fibro/cfs than the MCC at this point. Esp. in my abdomen. But that's a whole different topic.
I'm just sooooooo happy to see the sun shining today & s'pose to be in the mid 60's. It's been a long, difficult winter for most of us. Great to get out in the yard some. I can't do much outside w/the fibro/cfs, but do get out when I feel ok. Hope you all are having a good one...
Blessings;
fifth
Just visiting your site today, & saw Polly's comment on Calcium supplements. I have taken Calcium Carbonate w/600mg. of D (chew tabs) 3 times daily for about 2 or so yrs. now. I feel the chew tabs digest more readily in the stomach. At least it hasn't bothered my GERD, so that's a plus. When I had my last bone density last fall, my density was in fact a tad better. So that's another plus. I do have to watch my trigger foods however.
The cal.carb. has kept my MCC in check. I have more difficulties w/fibro/cfs than the MCC at this point. Esp. in my abdomen. But that's a whole different topic.
I'm just sooooooo happy to see the sun shining today & s'pose to be in the mid 60's. It's been a long, difficult winter for most of us. Great to get out in the yard some. I can't do much outside w/the fibro/cfs, but do get out when I feel ok. Hope you all are having a good one...
Blessings;
fifth
Hi Penny,
It's good to hear that you may be finally breaking out of winter up there. I certainly agree with you that the chewables may allow the calcium to be more absorbable than the other forms. We appreciate the insight on how it helps with your MC, also.
Thanks for the update, and I hope you see a lot of sunshine in the coming weeks.
Tex
It's good to hear that you may be finally breaking out of winter up there. I certainly agree with you that the chewables may allow the calcium to be more absorbable than the other forms. We appreciate the insight on how it helps with your MC, also.
Thanks for the update, and I hope you see a lot of sunshine in the coming weeks.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
PENNY!!!!!!!
Great to see your post! I think of you often and wonder how you are doing. I think you and I were two of the first folks here to have multiple food sensitivities. Do you still have to avoid numerous foods?
Love,
Polly
Great to see your post! I think of you often and wonder how you are doing. I think you and I were two of the first folks here to have multiple food sensitivities. Do you still have to avoid numerous foods?
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
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kate_ce1995
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1321
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 5:53 pm
- Location: Vermont
I've given up on supplements...I got tired of popping pills. I still have to take my antidepressant and allergy meds in the morning, but 2 pills a day, I can handle.
My niece who in gluten intolerant, has the celiac gene, but didn't test positive for celiac just found out she has a serious Vitamin D deficiency. test results at 18,000 when they should be 30,000 - 50,000. Makes you wonder if she really does have celiac, or if there are other unidentified absorption issues.
Katy
My niece who in gluten intolerant, has the celiac gene, but didn't test positive for celiac just found out she has a serious Vitamin D deficiency. test results at 18,000 when they should be 30,000 - 50,000. Makes you wonder if she really does have celiac, or if there are other unidentified absorption issues.
Katy
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fifthofanickel
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2005 2:56 pm
- Location: Kind of Central Wisconsin
Food sensitivities....
Hi Polly!!!!
I do have many types of foods I avoid...Esp. w/the GERD thing. I can only eat cooked peas & carrots, small amt's of broccoli & well spaced apart..lol..I drink the Almond breeze & use it for baking, cooking, etc. I find I musn't overload my stomach or I pay w/cramping & bloat. I graze most of the day, a small bowl of peas & carrots w/rice, cereal, that type of eating..It agrees w/me much better than filling my face...lol
Mostly bland foods as intake. Sometimes I get brave & have a piece of pizza. If it's a small piece & I eat it slowly, I can get away w/it...However having gluten back in my life is wonderful...I don't have to order those expensive products anymore. But if it had to be, I would do it again..... Being on a more or less bland diet, & not eating that much anymore, I don't gorge w/the gluten...No lettuce, so no need for dressing, things like that.
Are you still so sensitive to foods? I hope you were able to introduce some foods back into your life. I think I read somewhere along the line you were on the hunter gatherer diet...I know that's not the name of it, but that's all I could come up w/for now...lol...Senior moment....
I guess we have to do what we have to do, right? This winter I had so much pain w/my fibro...I was more or less laid up w/that for about 2 1/2mos. Hopefully the summer will be better for me...I'm more or less housebound as I can't ride in our vehicle for long distances anymore..boo hoo...So can't visit my dd in IA either..My dh has neuropathy in both legs, poly, & RA so he can't travel either..What a pair we are...We do our grocery shopping, visit w/friends at a coffee place a couple times a week, go to church, fold bulletins for church, & that's about all we can handle. Thankfully he can keep up the yardwork doing it in half hr. increments. But at least we are upright & walking...lol
It's another gorgeous day here, our last one for awhile..To get some rain tonite & tomorrow..We need it as it's sooooooo dry here...
Have a great weekend, & it was so good hearing from you & Tex.
Blessings;
fifth
I do have many types of foods I avoid...Esp. w/the GERD thing. I can only eat cooked peas & carrots, small amt's of broccoli & well spaced apart..lol..I drink the Almond breeze & use it for baking, cooking, etc. I find I musn't overload my stomach or I pay w/cramping & bloat. I graze most of the day, a small bowl of peas & carrots w/rice, cereal, that type of eating..It agrees w/me much better than filling my face...lol
Mostly bland foods as intake. Sometimes I get brave & have a piece of pizza. If it's a small piece & I eat it slowly, I can get away w/it...However having gluten back in my life is wonderful...I don't have to order those expensive products anymore. But if it had to be, I would do it again..... Being on a more or less bland diet, & not eating that much anymore, I don't gorge w/the gluten...No lettuce, so no need for dressing, things like that.
Are you still so sensitive to foods? I hope you were able to introduce some foods back into your life. I think I read somewhere along the line you were on the hunter gatherer diet...I know that's not the name of it, but that's all I could come up w/for now...lol...Senior moment....
I guess we have to do what we have to do, right? This winter I had so much pain w/my fibro...I was more or less laid up w/that for about 2 1/2mos. Hopefully the summer will be better for me...I'm more or less housebound as I can't ride in our vehicle for long distances anymore..boo hoo...So can't visit my dd in IA either..My dh has neuropathy in both legs, poly, & RA so he can't travel either..What a pair we are...We do our grocery shopping, visit w/friends at a coffee place a couple times a week, go to church, fold bulletins for church, & that's about all we can handle. Thankfully he can keep up the yardwork doing it in half hr. increments. But at least we are upright & walking...lol
It's another gorgeous day here, our last one for awhile..To get some rain tonite & tomorrow..We need it as it's sooooooo dry here...
Have a great weekend, & it was so good hearing from you & Tex.
Blessings;
fifth
This is a great day, because you are part of it.
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fifthofanickel
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2005 2:56 pm
- Location: Kind of Central Wisconsin
Hi JoAnn;
I buy mine at Wal-Mart, it's the value size bottle, 155tabs, & has the name Caltrate in bold lettering on it. No brand name really...It doesn't have much Magnesium in it, 40mg., so it's ok for me to use w/o causing the big "D"...They are chewable. I started out w/ a half tab 2times daily for a week, then 3 halves for a week, then a full tab 3times daily..You can tweak it to meet your needs.
Some folks have trouble downing that much calcium at once as it causes them a gaseous condition...lol...And it did for me. I had a flare of MCC for about 7mos. & was frantic for a "cure" of the immediate situation & downed all 3 tabs in one day & boy did I pay for that. So did as the board recommended after that little episode. The board I was on wasn't this one. And it worked beautifully for me.
The idea is to keep it in your system for 24/7...It's recommended to take it at least 4-5hrs apart..I take mine around 8Am, 1:30 or so pm..& the last one around 9pm...That carries me thru the morning when I used to have my most difficulty w/the MCC & IBS....Some spread them out even more than I do. You can adjust w/your bodies needs....Forgot to mention, take w/food...I sometimes take them w/a granola bar, crackers, cookies or something along those lines.. Or w/a meal...Can cause stomach upset...
Love & Hugs & good luck if you choose to go this route....
Blessings;
fifth
Some folks have trouble downing that much calcium at once as it causes them a gaseous condition...lol...And it did for me. I had a flare of MCC for about 7mos. & was frantic for a "cure" of the immediate situation & downed all 3 tabs in one day & boy did I pay for that. So did as the board recommended after that little episode. The board I was on wasn't this one. And it worked beautifully for me.
The idea is to keep it in your system for 24/7...It's recommended to take it at least 4-5hrs apart..I take mine around 8Am, 1:30 or so pm..& the last one around 9pm...That carries me thru the morning when I used to have my most difficulty w/the MCC & IBS....Some spread them out even more than I do. You can adjust w/your bodies needs....Forgot to mention, take w/food...I sometimes take them w/a granola bar, crackers, cookies or something along those lines.. Or w/a meal...Can cause stomach upset...
Love & Hugs & good luck if you choose to go this route....
Blessings;
fifth