Do we still need to eat calcium after taking AD

Whether calcium supplementation is necessary after supplementing vitamin AD depends on individual circumstances, and the main influencing factors include daily dietary calcium intake, age stage, special physiological status, disease factors, and vitamin D levels.

1. Daily dietary calcium intake

If there is sufficient intake of calcium rich foods such as dairy products, soy products, and dark green vegetables in daily diet, there is usually no need for additional calcium supplementation. The daily calcium requirement for adults is 800 milligrams, while teenagers and late pregnant women need 1000-1200 milligrams. Calcium intake can be estimated by recording three days of diet, and dietary supplementation should be prioritized when approaching the recommended value.

2. Age stage

Infants and adolescents have a higher demand for calcium. Breastfeeded infants who have a mother with vitamin D deficiency or insufficient sunlight should supplement with vitamin AD drops and calcium supplements under the guidance of a doctor. Postmenopausal women and elderly individuals who experience accelerated bone loss are advised to regularly check their blood calcium and bone density, and if necessary, supplement them in combination.

3. Special physiological states

Pregnant women need 1200 milligrams of calcium per day in the middle and late stages, and lactating women need to output 200-300 milligrams of calcium through breast milk. When pregnancy induced hypertension or leg cramps occur, the dosage of calcium supplements should be adjusted under the premise of monitoring blood calcium. Athletes and long-term users of glucocorticoids need to increase their calcium reserves.

4. Disease factors

Chronic diarrhea, hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and other diseases can lead to calcium absorption disorders or increased loss. This type of patient needs to first treat the primary disease, and then develop a supplementary plan based on the results of blood calcium and urine calcium tests. Children with vitamin D deficiency rickets need to supplement both calcium supplements and vitamin D.

5. Vitamin D levels

Vitamin D3 in vitamin AD can promote intestinal calcium absorption, but serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D needs to be maintained at 50 nmol/L or above to be effective. People with insufficient outdoor activities and darker skin should have their vitamin D levels tested. If it is below 30nmol/L, the dosage of vitamin D should be increased instead of simply supplementing calcium.

It is recommended to prioritize supplementing natural calcium sources such as milk, tofu, sesame paste, etc. through dietary assessment, while ensuring 15-30 minutes of daily sunlight. During the calcium supplementation period, avoid eating high oxalate vegetables together. Iron supplements and calcium supplements should be taken two hours apart. Regular bone density testing and blood calcium monitoring should be conducted, and long-term calcium supplements should be alert to the risk of kidney stones. Children and elderly people should develop personalized plans under the guidance of nutritionists to avoid blindly adding supplements.