Should I Take Calcium Supplements?
Posted by Zolly | Under Nutrition Friday Jul 31, 2009I’m 10 weeks pregnant and I just went to a prenatal nutrition class. I have a lingering question, though. The nurse emphasized how important calcium is for pregnant women and she talked about all the ways to get calcium naturally through food. However, she said if you don’t/can’t eat these foods, you can take supplements, but they’re not preferred because they aren’t as easily absorbed by the body.
My question is: some days I know I get enough calcium and some days I don’t think I do. Is it best just to supplement my prenatal vitamin with a calcium supplement just to make sure I get enough? Or, can I store too much calcium in my body?
The safest thing you can do is not take anyone else’s advice on this one except your Doctors because your pregnant.
broccoli has a ton of calcium and is delicious with cheese or ranch dressing
anything can be bad if too much is taken
i took a lot of calcium when i was a toddler cuz the chewable tablets tasted like candy and my mother is a doctor and she told me that this could really harm me.
calcium can build up and block blood flow and pain in joints (which will be exceptionally bad for pregnancy when carrying a lot of weight)
My pharmacist told me to take 2 tums a couple times a day plus take prenatal vitamins. They did not ask me how much calcium I take in either. I think that our babies need so much calcium that we need more regardless. I would just start taking the tums and ask your doctor at your next appointment if you are worried.
This is funny you should ask this today. I went to the doctor and he said to take 4 Tums extra strenght. Two in the morning, and two before bed. He said it has the same calcium as drinking 1 Litre of milk! The baby won’t know the difference.
If anything you can have tums….pop a couple of those in your mouth a day get the flavored ones there the best….and if you get heartburn it can help…Good luck tums is fine, if you can’t drink milk or eat yogurt! good luck I am right behind you
just drink milk and eat yogurt! That should be enough. If you are concerned, take it with your prenatal. I think you have to take Vitamin D with calcium for it to absorb, but that might be in the prenatal.
your prenatals carry all you need. that is what they are made for to cover the vitamins you do not get.
i didnt have supplements and my baby came out healthy so really its up to u what u want to do
Calcium very important especially during pregnancy and breast feeding. The daily recommended intake of calcium for pregnant women is about 1,200mg. i agree with the other poster “drink milk and eat yogurt” these are both excellent sources of calcium but it is still not enough! Their are many foods that contain calcium such as dairy products, meats, and some seafood (sardines, oysters). Spinach, beet greens, beans, and peanuts are among the best plant-derived sources of calcium.
Also vitamin D is necessary for intestinal absorption, making Vitamin D–fortified milk a very well-absorbed form of calcium.
Vitamin C and lactose (the sugar found in milk) enhance calcium absorption, whereas meals high in fat or protein may decrease absorption.
Excess phosphorous consumption (as in carbonated sodas) can decrease calcium absorption in the intestines.
i personally do not recommend use of supplements. i rather sticking to the natural way of being healthy but if you do take the supplements remember to take it with meals to maximize absorption.