*C*A*L*C*I*U*M* - Menopause Message Board

MrsKramden · 05-25-2003, 06:27 AM

RE:Post Menopause, My visit with my gyne yesterday entailed a discussion about calcium. He wants me to take 1000 mgs. per day.I am wondering what everyone else takes -mgs per day and brands/types.

Also, I have tested for being in Menopause but haven't skipped 12 periods yet.

I want to take the good calcium/magnesium-the one that is absorbed well.Thanks in advance

[This message has been edited by MrsKramden (edited 05-25-2003).]

Karianne · 05-25-2003, 09:10 AM

Mrs. Kramden,

As a midwife I recommend a certain brand, and take that myself. I have done experiments in disolving to determine the best calcium/magnisium that disolves quickly. What I found after this research, which included speaking with many other midwives around Texas, is a brand called "KAL" brand. You can get it at a whole foods type store, a GNC type store may not have this brand. Here in Texas I must go to a whole foods market like Sun Harvest, I don't know if you have them there.
Anyway, these softgel caps have 1000mg calcium/500mg magnisium, and also contain Zinc & D. I personally take 3 a day, 1 in the am (calcium can make you drowsy, it relaxes muscles too, so it can help with pain) and 2 at night. That is just me, 1000mg really isn't enough even for someone who is not going through menopause, just my opinion of course

. I know pregnant women need the extra dose, so theoritcally, menopauseal women who are also hormonally comprimised do as well. By the way, this is the reccomended dose by my mentor midwives.

As I mentioned they are softgels, so the absorbtion rate is just incredibly fast! I can actually feel them going to work for me. Last year is when I started this regimin and at that time I was suffering from excrutiating hip joint pain, after just 2 weeks, this pain had reduced by more than half, and then as more time went by it reduced even further. With the potential bone density loss menopause can bring, taking this regularly will help so much. Also, you will gain other benifits, it has helped somewhat with my hair loss and nail growth.

I hope this helps, I am glad your going to get on this supplement, to me if I was going to make sure I didn't skip one supplement, as the most important one needed it would be my KAL brand calcium/magnisium Zinc & D. It's not any more expensive either.

Ok, now that I sound like a sales rep for them...... I just really believe in this one from experiences with it!!

Kari Anne

MrsKramden · 05-25-2003, 12:42 PM

I trust your testing and experience.

Is there a Kal with just the calcium and Magnesium -minus the D and Zinc ?

I do not really want to take zinc or D. My blood levels are normal, other than the menopause.

What is your opinion on drinkable Calcium ? I don't have sweats or pains. I do have some back pain which feels like a dull ache, but not in the bones.

I hope calcum doesn't make me feel drowsey-that's the last thing I need - LOL !

What if a person takes it three times a week instead of 7 days a week ? Just your opinions, I know.Also, I forget - does one take calcium with or without food, at night or in morning ?

I have a natural food store and the woman there has always been extremely helpful -I just haven't gone there in a long time (my boyfriend goes a lot for me).I will be going there soon about this, however.

I wrote notes on the about post you wrote so when I go I will see if they have that brand. Thanks .

Karianne · 05-25-2003, 01:21 PM

Mrs. Kramden~
you wrote
Is there a Kal with just the calcium and Magnesium -minus the D and Zinc ?

I do not really want to take zinc or D. My blood levels are normal, other than the menopause.

I can't remember if there is in the KAL brand. But, you might want to do some research on zinc and D, cause they will greatly benifit other aspects of your nutrition.

you wrote
What is your opinion on drinkable Calcium ?
Drinkable calicium can be equal, one main goal with it is to make it more digestable, but with gelcaps that isn't an issue, the digest quickly. I guess it depends on why you prefer a liquid over a solid supplement, so tht is a personal preference.

you wrote
What if a person takes it three times a week instead of 7 days a week ? Just your opinions
I feel that a daily dose is better. Your body can only hold so much and use so much, and with this particular supplement it is a lot, so you would have to take too much at one time with a weekly, or twice weekly type dose, in order to get the right amount. Plus you will require the supplement in your system each day, so going a few days without sort of will push you ahead and then you will fall back (nutritionally) so, with a daily dose it is consistently taken in. I started out with 1 a day, and then increased it, because I wanted to see if it would further improve my pain levels and energy levels, and it has. Calcium is at the root of many body functions, not just bones and so forth, so inadequate calcium is perhaps one of the worst to be short on, in my opinion, lol. I only get drowsy if I take more than 1 prior to bed time, so I save the double dose for bedtime.

Good luck with your calcium experiments.

Kari Anne

Halcyon · 05-26-2003, 04:45 PM

Hello,

I just wanted to say thankyou for the Calcium info!

This month in particular I have been suffering from leg/hip ache/pain and I didn't realise it might be connected to my calcium levels.
I am going to try and find the KAL brand you recommended, however that might be tricky living in Australia!
If I can't get hold of that one I'll find an equivalent.
I am looking forward to starting this supplement and hopefully experiencing some relief!

Lately I have been really feeling at a loss to alleviate my various symptoms! I know on a daily basis my partner thinks "what next?"
(as patient and understanding as he is! LOL)

So it always feel good to be able to try something else to help myself through this very challenging time!

Your experience and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Rain