I have been taking vitamin D tablets for the past three years. 60000 IU. Of late, some research suggests that Vitamin D alone is not effective. It should be taken along with calcium tablets. Could you please advise which calcium tablet should she take? She has no health issues as such. Thanks.
Answers (27)
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Calcium always not needed but d3 alone can be given if deficiency occurs , since u have not report of calcium and vit d3 level I can’t say u need calcium or not and u r taking vit d from long time it can be toxic too , further details contact me for consultation
She could take calcium citrate 600 mg once a day.Vitamin d is required for the calcium absorption.However taking frequently 60000iu vitamin d,may need to check the vitamin d level to avoid hypervitaminosis d
First check serum 25-OH Vitamin D and serum calcium.
If dietary calcium intake is adequate (milk/curd, green vegetables), additional calcium tablets are not mandatory.
If supplementation is needed, a simple calcium carbonate or calcium citrate 500 mg once daily is sufficient brand name shelcal
Can be taken after food
Avoid unnecessary long-term calcium use due to risk of:
Kidney stones
Vascular calcification (especially in men)
Vitamin D advice:
60,000 IU weekly for years is usually unnecessary
Can be shifted to monthly dose or maintenance dose after levels are known
Next Steps
do vitd3 and serum calcium and stop taking supplements
It’s true that >60 000 IU vitamin D once weekly for deficiency is common, but vitamin D does not always need calcium unless there’s a specific reason.
Vitamin D is essential to help absorb calcium from the gut and maintain bone health. But it doesn’t automatically mean everyone taking vitamin D needs calcium supplements too.
Calcium supplementation is mainly recommended when:
• Diet is low in calcium
• Post-menopausal women
• Osteopenia/osteoporosis
• Long-term steroid use
• Known low bone density
• Over age ~50–60 years
If she has no health issues and gets adequate calcium from diet (dairy, dairy alternatives, greens), additional calcium may not be mandatory.
However, some clinicians still recommend a modest calcium supplement alongside long-term vitamin D to ensure optimal bone mineralization — especially if dietary intake is low.
Next Steps
If you decide to supplement calcium, choose a product that is:
• Easily absorbable
• Well tolerated
• Does NOT cause constipation too much
Good options
✔ Calcium citrate
• Better absorption
• Doesn’t require acidic stomach
• Gentle on digestion
Examples:
• Calcirol Citrate (contains calcium citrate + vit D3)
• Nature’s Bounty Calcium Citrate
✔ Calcium carbonate
• Good potency
• Must be taken with meals (needs stomach acid)
Examples:
• Ostocalcium
• Shelcal-HD (also contains vitamin D3)
✔ Combination tablets
Good for convenience:
• Calcium + Vitamin D3 formulations
• Calcium + Magnesium + Vitamin D3 (balanced)
Sample Brand Suggestions (India)
• Calcirol D3
• Ossein-Hydroxyapatite Complex (OHC) + D3
• Shelcal HD
• Caldolio D
Health Tips
Calcium dosing
• Aim for 1000–1200 mg elemental calcium/day (diet + supplement combined)
• If supplementing: 500–600 mg calcium once or twice a day
• Take with food
Pair with vitamin D
Vitamin D improves calcium absorption.
So taking them together (or during the same period) is reasonable.
Avoid side effects
• Take with meals → reduces gas/constipation
• If constipation occurs → switch to calcium citrate or add magnesium
Dietary sources (best!)
• Milk, yogurt, curd
• Paneer
• Cheese
• Almonds (soaked), seeds (sesame/chia)
• Green leafy vegetables
When to get evaluated
• If over 50 years old
• If bone pain or fragility
• If family history of osteoporosis
⸻
If you’d like, I can tailor the exact dose and brand choice based on your age, diet, and any bone-density results — feel free to book a consultation so we can personalize the plan safely and effectively.
I totally understand your concern. Before suggesting treatment, I would like to ask a few questions to ensure the correct management can be provided.
Contact me on Practo or WhatsApp chat.
92469306sevenfour
Dr. Harichandana,
MBBS, MD (General medicine)
Can you please elaborate why were you taking your cut D tablets.Also it is true that taking calcium along with vitamin D have beneficial effects in bone mineralisation and preventing parathyroid disorders unless otherwise the patient has allergic issues.
Hello. Thank you for your question.
Vitamin D supplementation is commonly prescribed, and the dose of 60,000 IU is usually given in deficiency states. Long-term use, however, ideally requires monitoring of Vitamin D levels and calcium balance in the body.
Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption, so in some patients calcium supplementation may be advised. However, calcium tablets are not required for everyone and depend on factors such as dietary intake, bone health, age, and existing calcium or Vitamin D levels.
I would generally suggest:
✔ Checking current Vitamin D level
✔ Serum calcium level
✔ Evaluating dietary calcium intake
✔ Reviewing duration and dose of supplementation
Based on these results, the appropriate type and dose of calcium (if required) can be safely decided.
Hope this helps. Take care.
Next Steps
If this query is regarding your relative, it would be helpful to review their medical history, age, diet pattern, and previous lab reports before suggesting supplements. You may consider booking a consultation so that a personalised and safe plan can be suggested.
Health Tips
Unnecessary calcium supplementation can sometimes lead to issues such as kidney stones or excess calcium levels, so it is best chosen after proper assessment.
If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed free discussion
Vitamin D works well on its own if levels are normal, and long-term 60,000 IU should not be taken without checking blood levels. Calcium is needed only if dietary intake is low or deficiency is present.
Next Steps
Better to check Vitamin D and calcium levels once and then decide. Please consult me for proper evaluation and guidance.
Dear Patient,
Vitamin D and calcium work together to support bone health. While vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, adequate dietary calcium or supplementation is important, especially if intake from food is low. If she has been taking vitamin D 60,000 IU regularly, continuing that with the right calcium supplement makes sense, especially for long‑term bone strength.
Recommended calcium options
- Calcium with Vitamin D3 chewable/tablet once daily (commonly 500–600 mg calcium with 400–800 IU vitamin D3)
- Examples include calcium citrate or calcium carbonate tablets with added D3
What you should do
- Take calcium with meals for better absorption
- Maintain a diet rich in dairy, leafy greens, almonds, sesame seeds
- Continue sunlight exposure for natural vitamin D
- Stay physically active with weight‑bearing exercises
consult me
- If there are symptoms like bone pain, frequent fractures, or muscle cramps
- If she has kidney stones or high blood calcium in prior tests
- Before starting supplements if taking other medications
For further guidance and personalized treatment you may consult me on Practo anytime.
Not needed to take bit D for so long recommend dose its for 8 weeks
You can take calcium along with that but cheack first serum calcium and bit D levels w
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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