Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium, but you don't need to take it at the same time as a calcium supplement. If you need help choosing a vitamin D supplement, ask your healthcare provider to recommend one. It's also a good idea to take calcium supplements at a different time than taking a multivitamin supplement or an iron-rich meal. Calcium can affect how the body absorbs iron, zinc, and magnesium. Calcium can also decrease the absorption of some medications, such as osteoporosis medications, thyroid medications, and some antibiotics.
Ask your doctor if your medications can interact with calcium, or to be on the safe side, just don't take them at the same time. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements along with thiazide diuretics may increase the chance of developing kidney stones. Vitamin D is important for children and adults, playing a role in protecting bones and helping to maintain muscles. Without adequate levels of vitamin D, you're at greater risk of fracturing your bones as you age, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Kopecky said that many of the studies that have looked at the use of vitamin D and calcium supplements are based on follow-up data that lacks precision. If a study participant died before the data were collected, for example, their family member ended up filling out a questionnaire about the health of their deceased relative.
The questionnaires are, of course, subject to human error. Kopecky said that studies that weren't based on questionnaires later found that using calcium and vitamin D supplements didn't increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack. That has no correlation, said Dr. However, several factors can increase the risk of having a stroke, such as being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, and not getting enough exercise. Kopecky added that if your healthcare provider has told you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements, you shouldn't stop taking them. However, if you've been taking your supplements on someone else's advice, you might want to reevaluate them.
I would talk to a caregiver or a primary care provider. Say, “Do I really need these things?” To reiterate, you should not stop taking supplements recommended by your healthcare provider. But if you're concerned about your intake of calcium and vitamin D, and you're not currently taking any of the supplements, try to get the recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D through lifestyle changes instead of pills, said Dr. Vitamin D is available as a supplement in multivitamins, in combination with calcium in many calcium supplements and only in vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can be stored by the body. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider about how you can get the vitamin D you need to strengthen your bones. Kopecky explained that you shouldn't panic if you've been taking vitamin D and calcium supplements together.
Small amounts of vitamin D are added to all milk and to some types of non-dairy beverages and other foods. More than half of Americans take some type of dietary supplement, and calcium and vitamin D are among the most common. Check the food labels for almonds, coconut, rice and soy, as well as those on juices, yogurt, cheese and nutrition bars to find out if they contain vitamin D. It is not necessary to take it in combination with calcium as long as you get the recommended amount of vitamin D each day. If you take a supplement that also contains vitamin D, it will help your body absorb calcium more efficiently. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and overall health; however, it is important to understand when it is necessary to take it with other vitamins or minerals. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about how much vitamin D you need each day.
They can help determine if taking it with other vitamins or minerals is necessary for optimal health. Additionally, they can provide guidance on which type of supplement is best for your individual needs. In conclusion, while it is not necessary to take vitamin D with calcium supplements in order for your body to absorb them properly; however it may be beneficial depending on your individual needs. Talk with your healthcare provider about what type of supplement is best for you.