CALCIUM & VITAMIN D INFORMATION SHEET

Developed by Andy Thompson MD FRCPC

What is Calcium?

Calcium is a mineral essential for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones.

Why am I taking Calcium?

Your doctor has prescribed Calcium supplements to help protect against osteoporosis or as a supplemental treatment for osteoporosis.

What is Elemental Calcium?

• Calcium supplements come in many different forms, such as liquids, tablets, and chewables.
• These supplements contain calcium salts of which a portion is Elemental Calcium. The table below outlines the amount of Elemental Calcium in the most common supplements.

• It is important to read labels carefully when you are choosing a supplement. For example, if the label says 1250 mg of Calcium Carbonate per tablet, you will actually only get 500 mg of Elemental Calcium per tablet.

How much Elemental Calcium do I need?

• The amount of Calcium you need depends on your age and sex. Patients taking steroids should take the maximum amount for their age group. The table below will provide a guide.

How often do I need to take Calcium?

• The body has some difficulty absorbing Calcium, therefore, only 500 mg of Elemental Calcium should be taken at a time. The usual dose is 500 mg two to three times a day.

Can I get my Calcium from food?

• Yes, your recommended daily intake of Elemental Calcium can come from a combination of food and supplements. Some examples are listed below.

What are the side-effects of Calcium?

• Some patients may experience bloating and constipation which may be temporary as the body adjusts to the effects of the daily Calcium supplement.

How can I help to minimize the side-effects of Calcium?

• Take your Calcium as directed by your doctor.
• Take your Calcium with food.
• Try to obtain some of your daily intake of Calcium from foods.
• Switching to a different Calcium supplement may also help to reduce side-effects.

Who should NOT take supplemental Calcium?

• Patients who have high Calcium levels in the blood.

VITAMIN D INFORMATION

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an important vitamin also necessary for the maintenance of healthy bones. It helps your body to absorb the calcium you have eaten.

Why am I taking Vitamin D?

Your doctor has prescribed Vitamin D supplements to help protect against osteoporosis or as a supplemental treatment for osteoporosis.

How much Vitamin D do I need?

• The amount of Vitamin D needed depends on your age. Doses of Vitamin D are measured in International Units (IU).
• The Osteoporosis Society of Canada recommends the following doses:

Where do I get Vitamin D?

• The easiest and most natural way to get Vitamin D is from exposure to sunlight which causes the body to make its own Vitamin D in the skin!
• There are a few food sources of Vitamin D including milk fortified with Vitamin D.
• Vitamin D supplements are available at your local pharmacy.

How often do I need to take Vitamin D?

• Take your Vitamin D supplement once daily.

What are the side-effects of Vitamin D?

When taken properly in the appropriate doses, Vitamin D is virtually free of side-effects. Taking too much Vitamin D can result in abnormally high concentrations of calcium in the blood. This may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst, and increased urination.