Too much calcium

I've had cancer and high blood calcium levels can be a sign of secondary cancer. I don't really understand the processes involved, but I know that a high blood calcium level is a red flag. I take hormone blockers to minimise the recurrence of secondary cancer, which unfortunately can affect bone density, which is why I also have DEXA scans. The oncologist told me that calcium supplementation was unnecessary, but I should take a normal dose of Vitamin D (as should most north Europeans in the Winter months). My understanding is that the Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, which in my case is adequate from dietary sources. I have consciously been doing more resistance exercises, so it will be interesting to see from my next DEXA scan whether there's been any effect on my bones.

Interesting 👍

My understanding is that the dentist is correct. It's the same with healthy bones, which are determined at a young age and inevitably become less dense with age. No amount of supplementation with calcium will make up for the process, although it is thought supplements will slow it down if there's a deficiency. The general advice is that most people have an adequate calcium intake, if they drink milk and have a diet with dairy, green veg and fish such as sardines, where you eat the bones.

If you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, it's important to do weight-bearing and strength exercises, which can help strengthen the bones and develop muscle, so falls and fractures are less likely. Even chair exercises will help.

The reason people aren't referred for DEXA scans past the late 70s is because osteoporosis is so common. All the scan would do would confirm less dense bones. The important thing is the treatment. Blood tests for calcium are different because they're cheap and don't require expensive equipment. The problem is they don't tell people very much. High blood calcium should be investigated and supplements stopped. If the level remains high, there should be further investigations to find out why calcium is maybe being leached from the bones.

I trust my dentist.

When I said that I'd been advised to take calcium tablets and perhaps they would strengthen my teeth too, she said no, they would not.

The NHS website states that calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth. However, my dentist said that calcium intake makes no difference to the health of teeth, as this is determined in the womb and afterwards by proper dental hygiene.
This is worrying where two professional bodies give conflicting advice! There doesn’t seem to be any joined-up thinking!

MayBee70

I’m sure I read that they realised it was the VitD in Adcal that was strengthening bones not the calcium? You should take VitD3 with K but not if you’re on blood thinners.

Calcium and Vitamin D work together; calcium needs Vitamin D to enable it to be absorbed.

The NHS website states that calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth. However, my dentist said that calcium intake makes no difference to the health of teeth, as this is determined in the womb and afterwards by proper dental hygiene.

I’m sure I read that they realised it was the VitD in Adcal that was strengthening bones not the calcium? You should take VitD3 with K but not if you’re on blood thinners.

I have had two DEXA scans (due a third in the Autumn) and have confirmed osteopenia.

I've also had a bone profile blood test, which shows that my blood calcium level is normal. As far as I know, there is no test for showing how much calcium is retained by your bones, teeth, etc. A high blood calcium level could show that calcium isn't getting into the bones or it could be for another reason.

It hasn't been recommended that I take any supplement or medicine, apart from the normal dose of Vitamin D, which everybody is recommended to take in the Winter months. I was told that my calcium intake should be adequate, as my diet includes dairy, green leafy veg and sardines.

The reason I'm mentioning this is because I have had the tests and osteopenia confirmed, so not just guesswork. Even so, supplements haven't been recommended. Mind you, I agree with Gran22boys that, in general, GPs and other medical staff seem poorly informed about nutrition, including vitamins. I've been told different things by staff in the same practice and I often think they rely on "old wive's tales". The NHS site isn't very good either, although I find some of the information sheets from trusts and hospitals quite informative. Ignore anything issued by anybody selling anything (supplements, books, private consultations) like the plague.

I really don’t think doctors have a clue about vitamins etc. I have been taking calcium for osteoporosis only to read that it can be dangerous without vitamin D but no doctor has ever mentioned this. Also it seems that we also need vitamin K taken with D. I am totally confused. It seems we have to do our own research. I was refused a DEXA scan after taking Risedronate for 2 years. I have no clue as to the current state of my bones and never have I had any tests for calcium levels. I don’t know where to go with it.

Yes, I've heard of this, Franbern.
It can cause many problems, some serious.

Last year I had an unexplained fracture and I was sent for a Dexa scan. Apparently I do not have osteoporosis but was advised to take over-the-counter calcium tablets.
I did ask about the risk of high calcium levels but was advised by a nurse this would be no problem from these tablets.

However, as my Vitamin D levels were only 50%, which the GP said was absolutely fine 🤔 I take cod liver oil tablets and now it is about 90%. I eat cheese, yogurt, greens etc.

No-one ever suggested I should take Adcal or Alendronic Acid and I don't think they are normally recommended without a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

NotAGran55

Too much calcium in the blood can be a symptom of hyperparathyroidism and usually requires an operation.

Whatever the cause it needs careful monitoring as it can have serious consequences.

Franbern has been taking a supplement containing calcium. Hopefully, once that's stopped her level will be normal.

PS. I think Franbern means osteoporosis rather than osteoarthritis.

Too much calcium in the blood can be a symptom of hyperparathyroidism and usually requires an operation.

Whatever the cause it needs careful monitoring as it can have serious consequences.