Why You Should Stop Taking Calcium Supplements

In this video, I review the research on calcium supplements and explain why you probably shouldn’t be taking one. I also give you some tips and resources on what you should do to improve your bone health INSTEAD OF supplementing with calcium.
Research & Relevant Articles:
› Calcium intake and hip fracture risk in men and women: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials: academic.oup.com/ajcn/article...
› Calcium intake and bone mineral density: systematic review and meta-analysis: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
› Association Between Calcium or Vitamin D Supplementation and Fracture Incidence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29279...
› Vitamin D, Calcium, or Combined Supplementation for the Primary Prevention of Fractures in Community-Dwelling Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29677...
› Calcium supplements: bad for the heart?: heart.bmj.com/content/98/12/8...
› Associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with myocardial infarction and stroke risk and overall cardiovascular mortality in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study (EPIC-Heidelberg): heart.bmj.com/content/98/12/9...
› Effect of calcium supplements on risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events: meta-analysis: www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c...
› Comparison of dietary calcium with supplemental calcium and other nutrients as factors affecting the risk for kidney stones in women: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9092314/
› Dairy products, calcium, and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25527...
› The risk of kidney stone formation: the form of calcium matters: academic.oup.com/ajcn/article...
› Long term calcium intake and rates of all cause and cardiovascular mortality: community based prospective longitudinal cohort study: www.bmj.com/content/346/bmj.f228
› Calcium and Bone Health Supplements Review (Including Vitamins D & K, Magnesium and Boron): www.consumerlab.com/reviews/b...
› Choices for achieving adequate dietary calcium with a vegetarian diet: academic.oup.com/ajcn/article...
› Does Dairy Cause Osteoporosis?: chriskresser.com/does-dairy-c...
› How to Keep Your Bones Healthy on a Paleo Diet: chriskresser.com/how-to-keep-...
› Adapt Naturals: adaptnaturals.com/

[@caitlinann1708]

Great video. As a dietitian working in long term care over 10 years ago, the nurse practitioner and I were busy, recommending many of the elderly patients discontinue their high dose supplemental calcium due to lack of efficacy for preventing fractures, and concerns with increased risk of soft tissue calcification. It takes a long time for evidence to be translated into common knowledge

[@PontoLyone]

what should a person do who's lactose-intolerant and allergic to fish do to get enough calcium?

[@caitlinann1708]

@@PontoLyone Good question, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, tahini/sesame seed butter, almonds, blackstrap molasses, navy beans, lactose-free dairy, and hard cheeses (if tolerated) are all sources of calcium.

[@user-p6-3561]

​@@PontoLyone Fermented goat milk.

[@godisgr8466]

@@PontoLyone good question. I fall in this category. From where and how do I get my calcium now?

[@janenls1066]

​@@PontoLyonebone broth is the solution. Bone slow boil for long hours, least 6 hours.

[@gloriagolemboski4515]

Doctor had me on 2000 with Prolia Shots twice year. Was on it two years. Never an improvement but he kept me on it. Then last test it got worse so did cAt scan and X-rays. It went to my main aorta in my heart causing a 4.1 aneurism that I need to have checked and worry about. Can you believe dr. Got mad that I went off it.

[@user-zh5hy1zg8b]

You mean you got calcification in your aorta ?

[@carmonk9243]

Doctors are not knowledgable about calcium not getting to the bones without d3 and k2. And they act like we are stupid. 🤨 i just keep in mind that nutrition is not a requirement for doctors, even though it is the root of everything, and you dont have to be an A student to graduate as well. 🤔

[@classy4ever63]

​​@@user-zh5hy1zg8bI think my husband got calcification in vessel on right side of his brain They said it's called " narrowing of vessel". One of the side affects on the calcium supplements is " narrowing of vessel. He had his first mini stroke in 2021. He gets multiple mini strokes throughout the year. Surgery is too risky

[@ComicCardSpider-Man2099]

Hello Gloria

[@gloriareszler4196]

Sorry to hear that. Prolia as I am learning about its tremendous poor side effects is not be well known But dentist see the impacts of Prolia on our teeth and our jaw bone!!!

[@jeannielong4713]

I have just run across your site. Very impressed. I think it is very wonderful of you to take time to reply to people's comments and questions. Means so much because it is not usually done

[@07698alexander]

Thank you, Chris, this is a bit of an eye opener for me. At 82 and still thinking old school.

[@07698alexander]

I forgot to mention; I read lately that milk has more estrogen in it today compared to a 100 years ago. Not too good for men, especially older men who are losing their ability to produce testosterones.

[@chriskresser]

I understand! Old myths die hard. I've never seen convincing evidence that the level of estrogen in dairy products is problematic. The evidence on the cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of dairy products is strong. Here's an article summarizing that. chriskresser.com/dairy-food-of-the-gods-or-neolithic-agent-of-disease/ But, of course, individual tolerance to dairy varies a lot.

[@tracysmith245]

@@07698alexander different cows now then 100 years ago

[@violetallanos248]

Thanks for the great video Chris. Do you have any information on the best form of calcium supplementation post-thyroidectomy? I understand that ethically it would be difficult to create these studies but perhaps study groups of partial thyroidectomy patients can be examined.

[@charlenecausey105]

Great info! Thank you! What are your thoughts on food-based supplements that are completely sourced from organic foods?

[@lilydauber3147]

Weight-bearing aerobic activities Examples include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening. These types of exercise work directly on bones in the legs, hips and lower spine to slow bone loss. They also improve blood flow and are good for the heart.

[@barbs1298]

Vibration plates like Power Platform & others.

[@laurabond5767]

Chris Kresser always delivers the goods! Thank you so much for your exceptional research and great resources.

[@chriskresser]

Thanks Laura! So glad you're enjoying these videos!

[@slammer811]

Thanks for sharing this important information.

[@christinashawgo6510]

This video is packed with info. Thanks

[@dangcoppock7362]

Hi Chris I came to your channel by chance. And you were talking about calcium supplements, what about calcium and vitamin K2 ( MK-7) I am yet to take calcium supplement three days ago my care provider ( nurse practitioner) suggested I need to take calcium with D-3 for I have Osteoporosis at 73 y/o . Is k2 - mk7 helps put the calcium in to the bones..? What is your take on this? I like what I see ( hearing ) I’m subscribed thank you Doc..!

[@j.love_lee]

Thank you for this video! I was actually thinking of whether or not to supplement with Calcium. I have a question though does this also apply to getting calcium through egg shells? I read about this method using egg shells to supplement calcium carbonate through egg shells.

[@user-iz3vq4ex3w]

thanks for this video eye opening for me you saved my mother 74 with cardiovascular problems

[@Paul-cy9ej]

This is a really good video. Thanks!

[@madebydesignwithleanne6882]

Such a important topic.

[@Mando0236]

Hey Chris, would you be against supplementing MCHA after spinal fusion?

[@claudiasilvanacanova8475]

Thank you doctor. I used to take calcium supplements myself, until my analysis showed high levels of calcium in my blood. I eat some cheese every day now instead. I am 65 now.

[@TheKyleAye]

He's not a doctor. He's an acupuncturist. He sticks needles into people and thinks it heals them

[@nygilmurrell6814]

This is great information, thanks so much Chris. I was wondering about the calcium sulfate used to coagulate some tofus. Would this form of calcium also present the same risks as calcium supplements? Thanks again for such well-researched findings.

[@chriskresser]

I'm not sure what the amount of calcium sulfate used for this purpose is, but my guess is it's not substantial enough to make a difference (unless you're eating A LOT of tofu!).

[@nygilmurrell6814]

@@chriskresser Good point! I don't think my tofu intake is something to worry about :-) Thanks again!

[@learnuxid]

Great video, been following you for a few years. Respect from Pakistan

[@sousou2231]

Thank you Dr for talking about calcium.I took calcium every day Dr said I my hip had time Boone Look like I need to eat more vegetables then calcium thank again ❤️😊

[@simonvance8054]

Great video, thank you!

[@navd1488]

I am struggling from bone marrow edema with plantar fascitis in the heel. I have read that vitamin d3 and calcium supplements along with k2 supplements

[@paullucas898]

What do you think about ground egg shells as a calcium source?

[@coachpamtraining]

Thanks Chris! I've read having calcium with meals is good to help bind oxalates for removal from ones system. Obviously, if tolerated I'd suspect goat and sheep dairy products would be best, read calcium citrate is good for those intolerant to dairy. I would love your input on this.

[@wocket42]

The best is to avoid ALL high oxalate foods in the first place. They have no place in human nutrition. Like spinach, rhubarb, almonds, etc

[@_7.8.6]

It is good. I’m lactose intolerant so they’re useful.

[@johngoh767]

Hi Chris, it is a myth that taking calcium supplements to strengthen bones in the elderlies. In my case, I am 86 years old and still doing workout with weights and stretches. I dont take clacium supplement but my Vitamin B12 [1000mcg] contains 220mg of calcium. So should I continue taking it until I finish the bottle? Your comment, please?

[@abeal49]

I see an endocrinologist for osteoporosis. She has me taking Alendronate, has stated that dietary calcium is absorbed better than supplements but did not tell me to stop taking them.

[@sector7676]

I know it's best to get our nutrients from food but do you think that it is generally safe to take a silica supplement?

[@JurikJuraska]

Thanks, Chris, for the video! Do you know if taking ossein-hydroxyapatite for osteopenia poses any long-term risks?

[@chriskresser]

I don't think there's enough research on hydroxyapatite to know for sure, which is why I'm still hesitant to recommend it.

[@Sagatta32]

Interesting. Just got word. Have been taking it a little bit for some time but now regular diet is sufficient.

[@patriciaducharme9359]

Chris, Thank you for your video, but what about Lithothamnion Superpositum Algae as a source of calcium? Also this same calcium source taken with Strontium? I haven't heard anything about these as supplements. Thank you

[@chriskresser]

There aren't many studies on Lithothamnion's impact on calcium levels, and the ones I've seen have been mixed.

[@patriciaducharme9359]

@@chriskresser Thanks

[@stlounsbury]

You know, I was really worried about this. I realized I’m not getting the 1,200 mg RDA. Panic. And very different to get that in your diet. And my blood tests show it in Ok levels. Big contraindication. RDA says not enough in my diet, blood tests show it’s there and is OK. Quandary - what do I do if anything? I take MK7 & Vitamin D for a year now. Ok, so if I don’t get a supplement, should I still strive for 1,200 mg per day through food, or is there a more reasonable daily load. I don’t do dairy. Thank you.

[@originalgifted7226]

Thank you for this beneficial info. Can you please talk more about calcium lactate vs calcium carbonate?

[@barbs1298]

Calcium carbonate is awful & does not absorb well into the bones. Plant based calcium or calcium hydroxyapatite crystalline I believe...MCHA is best. What is more important is to be taking K2 MK7 to keep calcium out of your arteries. It is crucial to be taking that along with Vit. D3. As always getting calcium form foods is always best.

[@anna_pinnock]

Thank you for this helpful information Chris. I find your videos really beneficial. Could supplementing with whole bone matrix be helpful for those who don't have dairy? I understand that fish with bone is an even better source of calcium than dairy, could one add grass-fed bovine bone in a capsule when eating fish with bone is not possible? This is to add, not replace other calcium sources and practices to strengthen the bones of course. Thank you.

[@chriskresser]

Yes, whole bone meal is the only calcium supplement that I can recommend. The problem is that most people won't take it consistently because it's unpleasant to mix with water and drink. Canned, bone-in fish is an excellent source as well.

[@anna_pinnock]

@@chriskresser Thank you Chris. We can get whole bone matrix in capsules here in the UK, which hopefully can increase clients' compliance!

[@CaptainStottlemeier]

Working in the supplement retail business I see so many people with bone and joint issues but more so osteoporosis. Folks are consistently taking high dose calcium with vit D and magnesium and I don't think it is making any difference. I think must get our calcium from food and maybe in some cases take a small amount of calcium in supplement form like twice a week just to make sure you have adequate calcium in the body. Men are now getting osteoporosis in somewhat greater numbers which is concerning. I think folks need to see how much caffeine they take in everyday as caffeine leaches nutrients from the body. Working out, eating healthy and people are still coming down with osteoporosis. Dieting, being too thin, prolonged deficiences etc lead to osteoporosis down the road. A wide variety type diet with as little consumption of coffee I believe helps protect your bones. Many cases of plantar fascitis plus a whole host of other injuries is often osteoporosis but just undiagnosed. They need to test men and women early with dexa scan to give them a fighting chance of preventing osteoporosis from cripplng them later on in life. Calcium is highly over rated and it seems from resesrch leads to heart problems in women. If you subscribe to say vegetarian, or keto or whatever is the latest fad diet lifestyle you have to be willing to live with its side eeffects too. That is what I have observed in the supplement business.

[@MyBeautifulHealth]

@Chris Kresser What about those with hypocalcemia?

[@rondie.x53]

thank you you are of great service.

[@PontoLyone]

Ok this all sounds good but what should a person do who's lactose-intolerant and allergic to fish do to get enough calcium?

[@christmashereandnow]

You just saved our household a bunch of money. Thanks.

[@lucylee4213]

Thanks for the excellent info. I had breast cancer twice, refused chemo and so they tried to stick Anastrazole on me, the prescription for which I accepted but only took one tablet because of the awful side effects but Anastrazole causes thinning bones/ osteoporosis, so they wanted to then also prescribe for me Calcium & vit D to take 2 x a day. Those chewable tablets were so full of fake sugar additives, I just knew they were rubbish for my body... I didn't take the Anastrazole, nor the extra calcium prescription. Although I have tubs of them. I'm a firm believer in eating as well as you can - no junk etc. I can count on one hand the number of times we've had Mcdonalds. Such poor food should be banned - there are NO nutrients in fast food. They make you fat but undernourished! I took the herbal route for my cancer and that was 6 years ago. And yes, the person writing below me, (Hormones Matter) The 2nd cancer was related to Oestrogen hormone receptors. BUT don't tablets containing calcium get prescribed for blood pressure too - or am I wrong?

[@chriskresser]

Yes, sometimes clinicians will prescribe a "cal-mag" combo for blood pressure, but that's not the norm. Magnesium alone has a far more significant impact on blood pressure, and there are other nutrients I'd put well ahead of calcium for that purpose. Check out my article on how to lower blood pressure naturally for more info: chriskresser.com/how-and-why-to-lower-your-blood-pressure-naturally/

[@beckylee2470]

What do you think about Bone up by Jarrows? It has Ossein Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite and there was a clinical trial as well as a study with post menopausal women.

[@chriskresser]

Yes, there is some encouraging research on this form. But not a lot, and we still don't know whether the long-term risks will be the same as they are for other types of calcium supplements.

[@susanvandrie3761]

I have wondered whether the source of calcium makes a difference. For example, I take a supplement that uses calcium from sesame seeds and take it with food that would hopefully slow absorption down. It sounds like slow absorption and right quantity is the key for any form of calcium being metabolized without complications, is this correct?

[@chriskresser]

It does make some difference, but I have not seen enough research to support any form of supplemental calcium. The only one that I can recommend is bone meal, because that is absorbed very slowly and it's likely how our ancestors got a lot of their calcium. Unfortunately it is pretty "mealy" and not pleasant to take.

[@vzim44]

Chris, How about bone broth? It seems bone broth would be a wonderful source of calcium, as well as the other minerals needed for good bone health. What is your take on this? Would be very interested in knowing!

[@valeriefederwitz6294]

I had that thought too, so I looked up Kettle & Fire beef bone broth to see what the calcium content was... 12mg, too low to even register as a percentage. I figured that brand would be the best reference point since testing homemade broth would be difficult to impossible.

[@chriskresser]

Bone broth isn't a great source of calcium, sadly. According to the USDA, it has about 9-14 mg per cup. One glass of milk contains 300 mg-about 30 times the average in one cup of broth.

[@melissabarbee4255]

What about someone who has under gone gastric sleeve surgery and told to take calcium daily because of the changes the surgery causes in ability to consume and absorb?

[@Tridhos]

How do you explain that those countries with the highest consumption of dairy products also have the highest incidence of bone related problems?

[@zoespalding4418]

Thank you Chris!! Regarding children - my son (13) has EOE and is on a restricted diet, not allowed wheat/dairy/fish/legumes/nuts/beef/poultry and a long list of others. Does eat seeds/seed butters, leafy greens, cruciferous veg, lamb/bison/pork, small amounts of oat milk and GF grains but really no packaged or fortified foods. Do you recommend supplementation? I never used to because of the reasons in your video but the dietician was concerned so he does take about 1000mg daily. Same question for my non EOE child (10) who follows a DF/GF diet. TIA!

[@zoespalding4418]

PS - they both take D3 & K2

[@chriskresser]

While I can't provide personalized medical advice online, for obvious reasons, I can say that in general I'd be concerned with a 13-year old supplementing with 1,000 mg/d of standard calcium supplements. In this situation, I'd recommend whole bone meal calcium supplementation. Unfortunately, it's not very pleasant to take, but it acts more like a food-based form of calcium than other supplements.

[@zoespalding4418]

I really appreciate you taking the time to respond, thank you. If I stop or reduce supplementation today will the body heal any damage that may have been caused by the high dosage? Also, since he can’t eat any of the high calcium foods due to EOE, and has a beef/fish allergy (so bone meal a concern), would it make sense to mix a moderate amount of calcium powder (500mg) in a smoothie to help with absorption?

[@jojivarghese3494]

Thanks for the video

[@cydrosen-herrmann502]

I have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis around the time I was diagnosed with Hyperparathyroidism. I was told to take Calcium. I never did except occasionally. I recently started again with Calcium Orotate. I still have Osteoporosis after 10 years. I am now 71. I have worked out my entire adult life doing weight baring exercise as well as other exercise. Do you believe that I shouldn't take Calcium supplements. I do eat dairy, especially my own home made yogurt.

[@chriskresser]

Check out all of my articles on bone health for more info: chriskresser.com/category/bone-health/. As this video suggests, I'm not a big fan of calcium supplementation, especially if you're consuming dairy and getting enough magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 (along with the other nutrients that support bone health that I mentioned).

[@charlesworthmassiah295]

😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮o9o⁹9😮 11:03

[@drrobk54]

To Chriss Kresser - How many grams per day of animal protien for osteoperosis? thank you

[@debbie4062]

Thank you so much.

[@teresadyer170]

Informative video! In all honesty, I get discouraged when I think I am taking good care of my body, only to learn that what was once deemed good, is no longer. You say no calcium supplements, but what about calcium (in powder form) “from coral minerals“ - with magnesium (also from coral minerals), and Sango Marine Coral? I was told this was a much better source of calcium than the typical over-the-counter supplements, but now I’m wondering if anything is good - apart from the actual food-sourced calcium? If you happen to see this comment, I would very much appreciate your thoughts!

[@Essenceofbeauty-]

Coral calcium helps but some have been found to have traces of lead. Cow milk, soy milk (if you don’t have fibroids or prostate issues), almonds and almond milk best sources. My dentist snacks on almonds.

[@gloriagolemboski4515]

Yes the calcium. Went to the arteries and to the blood. Most doctors who are up on chemistry and medical knowledge do not recommend any forms of calcium other than food. Most recommend d3/m7 now. But my damage is done. The calcium went to aorta and not to bones. It does that often. But because he let it continue to go there it caused a 4.1 aneurysm in the aorta. Most savvy doctors and people will not take any of the chemicals for osteoporosis. It’s just a mess. I personally have read and listen to UTube doctors and it seems nobody will take these poison chemicals but the doctors are trained to give them to us. I hate to say it but they have been trained to be pill pushers. I’d go holistic but Medicare doesn’t cover it so what choices do they have. We can give trillions to foreign countries and people coming into our country but nothing for its own people. So sad. Teresadyer170

[@Essenceofbeauty-]

@@gloriagolemboski4515 thanks for sharing. Many local health food stores have a book or you can order your own that tells vitamin and herbs that are good for each ailment.

[@catlady6464]

@@gloriagolemboski4515 You had me till the end. Your racist views do not belong on a medical video.

[@jamesgibeson]

Would you consider eating egg shells a supplement or a dietary form of calcium? My guess is that it would be considered a supplement because it would spike calcium levels in the body. And I doubt prehistoric people would eat egg shells.

[@littlevoice_11]

Do calcium fortified non dairy milks (unsweetened) pose a risk or are they beneficial? Whilst being a food form, I wonder if their fortification would mean that they would count more as a "supplement" rather than a food/drink.

[@chriskresser]

Yes, they pose a risk as well. The calcium in them acts in the same way as a calcium supplement would-not calcium as it naturally occurs in food.

[@littlevoice_11]

@@chriskresser if it is the rate/load that is the issue, I wonder if the fortified non dairy milk/yoghurt combined with something fibre rich would make a difference. For example a chia and flaxseed and psyllium husk pudding?

[@tnijoo5109]

@@littlevoice_11 dairy is really bad for you. Check out the movie, “what the health”. You’ll never eat dairy again.

[@lmchacon]

Thank you for this information. I've done some training in functional medicine and was under the impression that calcium supplements that include K2, vit D, and magnesium are effective for bone health. Is this not true? In other words, I thought that the risks from calcium supplementation were from taking high doses on their own without the other nutrients for absorption. Also, are the studies showing that dairy-consuming populations have higher rates of osteoporosis compared to those that don't consume dairy not valid? I know correlation is not causation but I've even heard these studies quoted by functional medicine docs.

[@robinkohles6987]

I am also curious about this. I take a Designs for Health OsteoForce which has calcium in addition to C, D, K1, K2, Magnesium, Zinc, Cooper, Manganese, E, Boron and Trans-Geranlgeraniol. I thought these micro nutrients help deliver the calcium to the bone and not have it linger in the blood.

[@dgjolberg]

Good questions!

[@chriskresser]

The idea that dairy causes osteoporosis is another myth: chriskresser.com/does-dairy-cause-osteoporosis/. K2 and D are important for bone health, but they don't necessarily mitigate against the effects of excess calcium from supplementation.

[@robinkohles6987]

@@chriskresser What about the micro nutrients taken in unison with calcium? Do they not help to deliver needed calcium to bones? I always try to eat my calcium but getting 1200 mg/day is tough, especially when traveling.

[@user-p6-3561]

Real

[@gabriellamiranda8605]

Oh shoot, I just stumbled upon this video, great info but… what about Bariatric patients they said now I NEED to take calcium supplements every single day since my it won’t be enough from my diet. I haven’t started but now I’m scared 😱

[@rachelwoody5539]

Can I just take less than 500 mg of calcium in supplement form? I am not able to consume a lot of dairy or fish at the moment

[@Bizzare77777]

Ok well how do you explain my grandmother improving her osteoporosis after supplementing with 1000 mg's of calcium with d3 a day for 6 months? That was the only change she made prior to being diagnosed.

[@barbs1298]

My sister who is 69 just had her Dexa scan done. She has been taking a calcium supplement with other nutrients in it. It showed she went from osteoporosis to osteopenia. That's all she can attribute it to, but I'm not so sure. Her osteoporosis #'s weren't that severe from what I have seen.

[@carriersailor2474]

I stopped calcium pills a few years ago. I recently started taking a sort of vitiman C that has calcium in it, called calcium ascorbate. I didn't realize until taking for a few weeks that it had calcium in it. I don't want a bolus of calcium floating around in my circulatory system! is the calcium in calcium ascorbate safe?

[@tnijoo5109]

Vitamin c is so easy to get from food maybe you shouldn’t take the supplement. Your body uses vitamins from food so much better than supplements. Good luck.

[@glennballo8293]

Can eating too many Tums cause an abnormally high Calcium reading in a blood test? Can that lead to other "bad" readings for PTH levels etc?

[@barbs1298]

Yes if there is calcium in them.

[@lindenshearar953]

Hi Chris, thank you for the video. I have a question: I have been supplementing with magnesium and calcium for years because I found this combination to be the only thing to manage my benign fasciculation syndrome (hence for neurological health). I assume that continuing such a protocol could lead to poor other poor outcomes as you've highlighted. The problem is that when I don't take this protocol, I can feel the neurological effect almost immediately. So I am at a bit of a loss as to what to do?

[@jessm6711]

Mk7 k-2 research shows it prevents calcium build up in your arteries that it helps the calcium go to your bones. Look into it, I hope this helps.

[@britetikispage9132]

The Doctor’s still ask you if you are taking your calcium… I just say yes! But I stopped taking calcium!! Not going to fight with them but why do they not know??

[@sharathsimha1985]

I have low vitamin d with normal calcium levels how can this be possible? In this case what has to be done?

[@bowlampar]

Thinking just by taking calcium supplements is the way to counter osteoarthritis and prevent osteopenia is oversimplified a cure for a complex medical problem.

[@Matt_Niro]

How about tge calcium phosphate? Does it cause kindey stones?

[@OptimizeYourHealthPhD]

Hormones as well.. Very critical to bone metabolism

[@lucylee4213]

I totally agree, but I'm no expert. I know iron is critical during heavy periods related to perimenopause and after, and post menopausal ladies have lost calcium and are at risk of crumbling/breaking bones??

[@chriskresser]

Yes, hormones are important too. I plan to do a full Tuesday Tip on that relationship in the future.

[@joycem8490]

That is why some doctors said need to take K2 which will lead calcium to bone.

[@zsoltpasztori8770]

What do you think about calcium in drinking water? Where I live the water is very hard. It has on average 126 ug/l calcium. There are studies that shows that calcium can be absorbed from water just as well as from milk.

[@chriskresser]

100 litres of water with that calcium level would be only 12.6 mg of calcium, and that would be distributed over many days. I don't think it's an issue.

[@zsoltpasztori8770]

​@@chriskresser I am sorry I mistyped it, it is 126 mg/l of CaO. That is 315 mg for 2.5 liters of water, which is around 225 mg of elemental calcium. Would this amount matter?

[@bozenakrzyzanowski8130]

I am 62 years old; I am allergic to dairy and have problems with the digestion of cruciferous vegetables. Therefore I take around 1500 mg of Calcium and roughly 600 mg of Magnesium every day before bed. If I take less of these minerals, I get horrible leg cramps. After listening to your video, I'm lost. How much calcium do I need, and how can I get it? I'm also sensitive to gluten and have Hashimoto's disease, so generally, I follow a paleo diet. I appreciate any help I can get.

[@chriskresser]

This should give you some good ideas: chriskresser.com/how-to-keep-your-bones-healthy-on-a-paleo-diet/. As I mentioned in the video, doses of supplemental calcium >500 mg/d are associated with adverse outcomes.

[@bozenakrzyzanowski8130]

@@chriskresser thank you very much for your prompt response.

[@thomasc1270]

You might want to look into gut dysbiosis. Your symptoms seem like they match, and mucosal inflammation is known to cause extreme malabsorption of minerals -- particularly sodium, calcium, magnesium and chloride. But all the talk of these allergies, cruciferous vegetable digestion, etc scream dysbiosis (SIBO most likely as it causes malabsorption along the small and large intestine, generally,) to me. Even more likely if you happen to have issues with histamine in foods, because that also results from intestinal inflammation.

[@tnijoo5109]

Try taking a selenium supplement. It can help a lot with food sensitivity and it’s essential for converting T4 to T3, especially good if you’re on something like levothyroxine. You could use the app cronometer to make sure you’re not getting too much. Also, you might consider quitting meat. Going vegan solved a lot of health issues for me. Watch the movie, “what the health “. Good luck.

[@bozenakrzyzanowski8130]

Yes, I have SIBO, IBS, Hashimoto's, allergies to milk protein, gluten sensitivities, and a few other problems. I've already spent thousands of dollars on functional medicine and other alternative medicine providers, and somehow, I still have SIBO. Through my explorations and different diets, I've learned that I have to listen to my body and eat only things I can digest. Because it isn't intuitive to know how much we need to supplement our diets I asked Chris for some guidelines.

[@lindamcgilbra7311]

I have microscopic colitis and can not eat diary products and vegetables ie broccoli, slingshot, kale and beans. I don’t know what to do. Can anyone reading my comment respond with some suggestions?

[@chriskresser]

Canned, bone-in fish (e.g. salmon, sardines, anchovies, etc.) are a great, bioavailable source of calcium. Whole bone meal calcium supplements are another potential source.

[@johnmacgregor324]

Chris, elsewhere you have recently written that taking calcium helps prevent kidney stones. Can you clear up the apparent contradiction?

[@chriskresser]

I've written that higher intakes of DIETARY calcium prevent kidney stones. Calcium supplements have the opposite effect. Vitamins A, D, and K2 also play a role. See chriskresser.com/how-to-prevent-kidney-stones-naturally/ and chriskresser.com/calcium-supplements-why-you-should-think-twice/

[@littlevoice_11]

What do you recommend instead of dairy if someone can not tolerate dairy?

[@chriskresser]

This article will answer that question: chriskresser.com/how-to-keep-your-bones-healthy-on-a-paleo-diet/

[@littlevoice_11]

@@chriskresser thanks 😊

[@michellevinh]

There are different types of calcium. Are they all bad? What about Calcium citrate?

[@gbdguy445]

I recently came across a PhD on KZbin, who claims that vitamin D supplementation can deplete your magnesium levels, so then you have to take supplemental magnesium to prevent this, right? Then on top of that I’ve always been told that you have to take magnesium and calcium together, because one supplement will deplete the other if taken alone. So is that an example of an exception where it’s OK to take supplemental calcium in a 1:1 ratio.

[@ThuLe-eh1xe]

If we take calcium supplement along with d3 and k2, calcium will not deposit in arteries but in bones.

[@chriskresser]

That is dose-dependent. I mention the importance of D3 and K2 in the video, but even with adequate levels of those nutrients, high doses of supplemental calcium may still be problematic.

[@ThuLe-eh1xe]

@@chriskresser i can I take 300mg calcium a day in supplement and d3 and k2? And the rest in food? Thank you.

[@michelelewis2373]

Does taking calcium cause digestive problems. I take them and I have stomach burn

[@chriskresser]

They certainly can.

[@mamm7876]

I take 100 mg for nervdamage ...and k2. Like a elecktrolyte.

[@valeriefederwitz6294]

What about hydroxyapatite supplements?

[@chriskresser]

I think it's better than most forms of supplemental calcium, but I haven't seen enough research yet to make me comfortable enough to recommend it.

[@michellevinh]

There are different kinds of calcium supplements. What about calcium citrate supplements? Are all calcium supplements unsafe?

[@barbs1298]

Some forms of calcium are far more absorbable than others. Calcium carbonate is like chalk & sits in the gut & does not break down or absorb easily. Look for calcium citrate or plant-based calcium. Check into Calcium Hydroxyapatite & KoAct, a newer form with Collagen in it & other minerals. Life Extension is a brand that has it in there. Dr. Doug Lucas has some great videos on supplementation too. And of course, get your primary amount of calcium from foods first if you can.

[@Marin1456]

What about panthotenic acid - calcium pantothenate

[@julieoelker1865]

I've had osteoporosis for 11 years and I am only 61. My new family practice doctor is pushing calcium hard. I take vitamin D3 and K2. She doesn't know what K2 is. I may soon be looking for another doctor.

[@e.y.mccallum3773]

What if you don't eat dairy and you need it for oxalate to bind and carry out of the body? Do you have any suggestions what to use to get rid of oxalates?

[@chriskresser]

Are you trying to reduce oxalates to prevent kidney stones? If so, check out my article on how to reduce the risk of kidney stones naturally. chriskresser.com/how-to-prevent-kidney-stones-naturally/. If you're not eating dairy, the best sources of calcium are cruciferous vegetables and canned, bone-in fish.

[@e.y.mccallum3773]

@@chriskresser that was a wonderful article! Thank you for suggestion. Another question, I have always taken about 400 magnesium either citrate or another kind that you suggested in your articles. On top of it all I have Epsom salt baths 3 times a week. I have reached a point when I take a magnesium pill now even a third of 400 or Epsom salt bath I often have stomach pain and the next day I'd have acid reflux when I eat food. It seems my magnesium is very high in my blood so that I can't add more on daily basis. What would you say to this? I am still going baths 3 times a week but stopped supplements.

[@dangcoppock7362]

@@e.y.mccallum3773I am in no way to tell anyone what to do in any situation. But for me I have been taking apple cider vinegar with mother the first thing every morning. If you want to try this do your research…! But it works for me. I started in a small amount and I have been doing it for years now I can do 2 tbsp with 1 cup of water, good luck what ever you will do in the future 😊

[@judys1340]

Some good information, but you didn't mention all the meats that have calcium as well as other vitamins.

[@kellyyoung449]

What is best to do if you can’t eat dairy?

[@chriskresser]

Check out this article for suggestions: chriskresser.com/how-to-keep-your-bones-healthy-on-a-paleo-diet/

[@joespag26]

My blood calcium level was low ! Can’t always get from food !

[@khaisaarh]

👍

[@lynnsalberg5647]

I thought kale was not high in oxalates. Is there another reason it is not bioavailable?

[@barbs1298]

It is high in oxalates when eaten regularly in higher amounts.

[@gloriagolemboski4515]

It was recommended by many on UTube to do D3 andK2/m7. Do you not agree.

[@adrienneadrienne3020]

What if you're lactose intolerance?

[@kirksulu]

I stopped taking calcium cos I get servere constipation after taking calcium.

[@dapolcio3405]

This video is not professional, lacks reliable knowledge and misleads people. Demonizes all types of calcium from supplements without knowing the difference. Most studies use calcium citrate, which is quickly absorbed and therefore levels in the blood rapidly increase. In addition, citrates cause the removal of calcium in the urine. Egg shells, hydroxyapatite or shell calcium are digested very slowly and will gradually release calcium ions. In addition, they have other minerals such as strontium that increase the absorption of calcium. I'm writing this because I myself take 1000 mg of calcium hydroxyapatite and it has changed my life in an amazing way. Thanks to it, I have a lot of energy, my stomach bloating has disappeared, tooth sensitivity and wrist pain have disappeared. Read the works of Raymond Peat on calcium, which recommends supplementation with egg shells. Ray has a PhD and 40 years of experience in metabolism research, and Kresser is just an acupuncturist. Who will you trust?

[@sage6336]

Are you a medical dr

[@iwaslikeZOMG]

I wish a YT doc would go over calcium from eggshells, that's what I consume

[@afshanbakhtiar8632]

Shouldn't a menupausal woman take calcium supplement?

[@samuelchandrashaker2020]

Why don't yoy discuss with Medical Doctors to find out reasons for prescribing dangerous Calcium Calcitriol Tablets, instead of using this method from which go get payment. It's not fair on your part to make payments through this media.

[@Maidenvoyager1]

I was never able to swallow those big calcium pills or other supplements. Now I feel vindicated and great about eating yogurt almond cake for breakfast 🎉.

[@FiberFairy22]

Fascinatingly terrifying 😮Thank you so much Chris, I will share this with everyone! But the part about dairy being better than leafy greens is SO challenged I beg you to learn how to best prepare leafy greens (gently steamed or parboiled) to best help your body utilize the awesomeness. The US has long hard the highest rates in the world of dairy consumption AND the highest rates of osteoporosis 😉

[@chriskresser]

Correlation is not causation. :) There are many other explanations for the high rate of osteoporosis in the U.S. that don't involve dairy product consumption. The vast majority of the evidence suggests that dairy consumption is associated with better bone health: chriskresser.com/does-dairy-cause-osteoporosis/

[@olilumgbalu5653]

Calcium supplements should be taken with vit K and magnesium for the calcium to be deposited in the bones and teeth instead of soft tissue.

[@raziques.1821]

I've done that and now it's paining really bad in my right side of the stomach..

[@barbs1298]

@@raziques.1821 Depending on the type of calcium you are taking, it can cause stomach distress, particularly calcium carbonate which is like chalk & does not digest well. In addition, your body cannot absorb more than 500 mg at a time. Better in smaller doses from food then supplements as needed.

[@prettylilian120]

Please should pregnant women take calcium for their baby inutero

[@sarah29880]

Drink milk or dairy products for calcium

[@prettylilian120]

@@sarah29880 thanks sarah

[@daviddeans5497]

Dont take calcium suppliments; Buy the five suppliments he wants you to purchase from him instead.

[@LaneCodeRedCarnivore]

Bones are built from quality protein. If you dont have enough protein you wont build strong bones.

[@juanjrablaza7129]

So you mean doctors are just hypes? and those who practice herbal medicines are right though? so synthetic medicines are just business so as doctors ?