Tums for Calcium versus Viactiv Chews - Vitamins & Supplements Message Board

sunshine0806 · 11-24-2007, 06:44 PM

I usually take a multivitamin that has calcium in it. However, I'm going to substitute my multi for GNC UltraNourishair, which is like a multivitamin with things that help the hair. UN doesn't contain calcium though, and I'm afraid taking UN and my multi will be too much. So, I need a calcium supplement. Osteoporosis runs in my family and I'm slightly underweight; a nurse practictioner actually suggested a few years ago that I take Tums daily for calcium. From what I've read, there are no probs taking Tums long-term, though I don't like the idea of taking an antacid every day. When you NEED an antacid, how is it going to help when your body is already used to it? Viactiv's price is a bit high, though. My grandma actually took them and thought they gave her bowel problems. I'm going to ask if she kept them - at least I could try them to see if they work for me. Which in your opinion should I go with?

thylantyr · 11-26-2007, 04:14 PM

Biotin can improve hair and nails. Since you can buy Biotin in
the 5 mg per pill dose, try 5 mg - 15 mg daily to see how it affects you.

If you are worried about osteoporosis, then try about 1000 mg
of calcium daily with vitamin D in a dose ranging from 400 IU
to 800 IU daily as you also need vitamin D with the calcium.

The brand I use is from Costco, the Kirkland brand, called Calcium+D as each pill is
500 mg calcium + 400 IU vitamin D + 40 mcg of vitamin K. It cost under 10 bucks
for a bottle of 600 pills, very good price!

Another source of vitamin D is expose to sunlight which is good for you.
In addition to pills, get some sunlight daily on your skin.

Eating tums one time per day shouldn't cause problems, I've been
doing this for 20 years. The effects of tums on stomach acid is
a short term effect.