50+ Do you take a supplement? Calcium?

[ChocolateCherry]

Just wondering if I should be taking something and if so what?

Both my parents (70's) are experiencing long term back problems. My mum has had problems for years due to various injuries from falls and operations to correct. My dad more recently and worryingly appears to have suffered a sudden compression fracture and is in agony (mri pending so not 100% confirmed).

All this is making me wonder about calcium specifically for strong bones and other supplements generally.

Any advice/suggestions welcome. Thanks

I'm 63 & occasionally take calcium/Vit D, plus vit C, omega 3 & an over-50 multivit (but often go several weeks without, I'm a bit disorganised)

I think I've read that of all the 'normal' supplements Vit D is one of the most useful & effective

Yes, 800mgs a day of Osteocare. But I was diagnosed with osteopenia at 47 ( no special risk factors just had a scan out of curiosity.)

If you are at risk from osteoporosis then you need to do more than just take calcium. Ideally you ought to have a bone scan (DEXA) given your family history.

Then depending on the result you ought to either increase your exercise- must be the right sort- ideally lifting weights and walking - eating calcium rich foods, taking Vit D as well as calcium, and possibly HRT. You also need to avoid alcohol and fizzy drinks.

Best source of advice -online or by phone- is the national osteoporosis society.

Vit D is the most beneficial according to this (& this is from America where milk & other food products have it added anyway)

www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/five-vitamins-and-supplements-are-actually-worth-taking-180949735/

I have a couple of bone density scans over the past 6 years or so as my mother had severe osteoporosis and I want to do as much as I can to avoid the disease. I requested one and my GP was very helpful in organising both. I would suggest you ask for one and then you can go from there with any treatment etc. It is always better to know what you need to do rather than guess I think.

Thanks Smile . I feel I should but am also disorganised about these things. I always forget!

Seeing my parents atm though makes me realise that without mobility (which I confess I take for granted and shouldn't) life becomes very difficult

It's not quite so simple as that though re Vit D. some studies show that it only benefits the over-60s in terms of fractures, and that it doesn't make much difference to younger people. You still need it to absorb calcium so I'd take it anyway- but don't take it and assume that the whole thing is sorted, because you need a personal 'plan' which could include other treatment.

Most bone loss is in the first 3 years after the menopause- can be 3% a year- so that's worth thinking about.

Gosh I hadn't thought about a bone density scan for me. Surprisingly given her history my mother hasn't had one to date but her doctor has just decided to send her for one.

I'm not sure whether osteoporosis is part of the problem or not with my parents, but thinking back other family members, aunts mainly, I do recall hearing talk of bones problems in the past. Think I might have a chat with the doctor.

Thank you everyone.