do i have to take more calcium?

Question

ok im taking a multi vitamin all in one. for daily purposes and trying to get in shape.

the thing is i have a family history of getting osteoporosis.
my mom and grandma has it already.

is 100mg [already in the multivitamin] of calcium enough per day?

OR, should i take another pill [500mg] of calcium??

how much of calcium should i take daily to prevent of getting osteoporosis. i dont want to get this at a young age or later in life.

Answer 1

i would take the extra calcium if i were you, just in case. it can't hurt.

Answer 2

That's about 10% of the RDA for calcium, but you need to factor in dietary calcium-start reading labels on obvious calcium sources, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt, and be aware that calcium is also present in certain vegetables-check it out.
But concern about bone mass involves more than just calcium intake-you need to make sure you're getting enough weight-bearing exercise...walking, jogging, aerobics, etc. The time to build bone density is now, before you have a problem. Gives you some insurance-the denser your bones, the longer it will take for osteoporosis to cause problems even if you do develop it.
I read where someone told you to go ahead and take it, it couldn't hurt. It might not, depending on how much you take in in your diet. But excess calcium is a problem-too much calcium in your system can lead to the development of kidney stones, as well as hardening of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and multi-infarct dementia.

Answer 3

You should definitely talk to your doctor so you don't take too much. I'm honestly not sure if there is a problem with too much calcium. Some people develop calcium kidney stones, but even if you have an excess of calcium from supplements it might not cause a problem.

I do know that some things like Vitamin C can cause problems if you have too much. If you're on a good basis with your PCP or his nurse, you could probably just call them and ask instead of having to waste an appointment and an office fee just to ask a question.

Just to be safe...in case it would make you be more likely to have a kidney stone with too much calcium. I've had two of them and I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy...they are horrible!!!