As a type O perimenopausal woman I am very concerned about prevention of osteoporosis. I had bone density testing done recently and they found osteopenia in one of two sites. I know how important calcium supplements are (and wt. bearing exercise.) My question concerns optimal Calcium intake. I know from experience that my compliance goes down when I have to take too many pills per day. The new chewable calcium supplements have led to 100% compliance. Will the small amount of corn syrup in these chewables interfere with the absorbtion from the gut? Any chance chewables will be available in BTD format? (like with rice syrup instead?) Thanks in advance for your time and attention.

Diane

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Hello, Diane ~

The corn syrup in the vitamins won't affect calcium uptake, but you may find it will trip you up in other ways. The form of calcium they contain is important, though. I hope it's not calcium carbonate! of which very little is actually absorbed and used. The best kinds for type O that you'd likely find on the supp shop shelf are microhydroxyapatite (basically bone meal) or calcium citrate. Even better is Phytocal-O, sold at this site. Sorry, I know of no plans for a compliant chewable.

If I were you, I'd make a fruit smoothie in the morning and stick the contents of a higher-grade capsule calcium in there, along with a bit of nut butter or oil (or any oil supp you take). Lots of encapsulated supplements can be disposed of (and disguised!) in this manner, and you could make one at night as well.

I'd also try to include high-calcium foods on a daily basis. For instance, a cup of collard greens and two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses account for 700 mg! Here's a list of foods with significant calcium content. Make them part of your healing diet.

Thank you for writing, and good fortune to you!