Why does calcium supplements cause constipation

Although it has helped my symptoms, I have gained 25 pounds in the past six months. The increase in appetite is very difficult to control. I even wake up at night with hunger pains. Is there anything to counteract this so I can lose the excess weight? Previously, I was in good health and walked briskly 2 miles daily. The neuropathy prevents that now. A: Some people are susceptible to significant weight gain while taking pregabalin Lyrica.

You might ask your doctor if there are other options for your nerve pain. Q: I love grapefruit, the whole fruit. I used to eat it often, but I have gone without for several years now. Individuals reach peak bone mass around their early 20s, after which bone mass is lost faster than it is created. If age is a nonmodifiable risk factor, what can an individual do to prevent osteoporosis? A couple of weeks ago, I encountered a prescription for a calcium supplement and a prescription for a constipation medication.

One of the adverse effects of calcium supplements is constipation, so I instantly knew that the calcium supplement was most likely causing the constipation. These patients have low stomach acid, which is an issue for calcium carbonate because it relies on stomach acid for absorption.

Although not the cheapest calcium supplement option, calcium citrate is recommended for these patients. If over 51, they need 1, mg of calcium. They also need mg of magnesium which helps turn calcium into bone and 90 micrograms mcg of vitamin K which helps cells absorb calcium.

But not all supplements are created equal. Always check with your doctor before starting a supplement regimen and to determine the right dosage for you. Here, we asked nutrition experts to recommend the best calcium supplement for women of every age.

Calcium citrate Calcium citrate is the most easily absorbed form of calcium. Calcium citrate comes in capsules or chewable wafers and includes formulations free of corn, lactose, milk, soy, sugar, wheat and yeast — ideal for women with food allergies.

Who should take it: This is the best calcium supplement for women who have trouble absorbing other types of calcium. These include women over 50 with low stomach acid a natural part of aging , says registered dietitian Dee Sandquist, M. Watch out: Calcium citrate contains half the elemental calcium as the more commonly available calcium carbonate. And you may still need to take vitamin D supplements to meet the recommended daily dosage of IU.

Calcium carbonate Calcium carbonate — found in antacids like TUMS or Rolaids — has the highest amount of elemental calcium, according to the Mayo Clinic. Who should take it: This is the best calcium supplement for women under 50 looking for an inexpensive calcium supplement.

Certain medications, stress and not eating enough fiber-rich foods can have negative effects on your gastrointestinal bacteria. Solution: Gut bacteria thrive on foods naturally rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains.

Consume probiotic healthy bacteria foods and beverages such as kefir, yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha and homemade shrubs. Take a probiotic supplement. A common side effect of several medications is constipation. Always read the information that comes with your medications to see if constipation is a common side effect. The list of medications that can cause constipation is lengthy, but some of the top offenders are opioids, NSAIDs, antihistamines, antacids, blood pressure medications and diuretics.

Eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet full of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes and whole grains. Additionally, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep. Dehydration wreaks havoc on the human body, including the digestive tract. Solution: Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. All fluids count in fluid consumption, but not all beverages are created equal. Limit caffeine consumption to 2 to 3 cups of caffeinated beverages a day or under the mg mark.

Magnesium is needed to relax muscles, including those of the gastrointestinal tract. Magnesium is also an electrolyte that affects water balance. Low magnesium intake causes a host of health problems, including constipation. It is also needed to properly absorb and utilize calcium. Solution: Makes sure to eat a variety of magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts and beans throughout the day, every day. Keep in mind that calcium and magnesium work together.

The proper ratio is 2 parts calcium to every part magnesium so make sure you find a calcium supplement with the same ratio. Consider switching supplementing with a higher quality calcium. Not doing so puts you at risk for constipation and other health-related issues. Make sure your calcium supplement contains magnesium to prevent constipation, provide bone health benefits, as well as maintain water balance. Instead of masking the problems from your current calcium supplement, try a natural, plant-based calcium supplement providing you with all the nutrients your bones need.

AlgaeCal Plus is the only calcium supplement clinically supported to increase bone density in 6 months — at any age!