enigma wrote:
> Andy > wrote in :
>
>> Viactiv: calcium supplement. What the...?
>>
>> I bought a box of Viactiv chewable caramel calcium supplement at
>> the pharmacist's suggestion.
>>
>> Two a day provide 100% of calcium BUT each chew contains 125% of
>> Vitamin D or 250% daily. A generous vitamin D overdose!
>>
>> Why would they do that??? The BUMS!!!
>
> because most people in the US are seriously lacking in Vitamin D.
> too little Vitamin D is implicated in several cancers.
> just before i started radiation for my cancer, i had a blood test
> to check my Vitamin D levels... which were about 6, much lower than
> the >40 one should have... as a result, i'm on 2000 I.U. of Vitamin
> D per day. according to the label, 1000 I.U. is 250% of the daily
> value, so i'm taking 500%. the problem is that the daily value is a
> guess. no one really knows how much Vitamin D we really need.
>
>> Reading up on vitamin D, I see too much can have a negative
>> health effect, more so for folks on high blood pressure blood
>> thinner meds, which doesn't apply to mine.
>
> it takes a lot of Vitamin D to have too much, at least for normal
> folks. what with sunblockers & anti-UV clothing, most people just
> aren't getting enough.
> i am outside a lot, being a farmer, & if i'm that low on D, i
> imagine those who have more indoor type lifestyles must be far
> worse.
>
>> My leg is about 90% mended, so the supplement will just be for a
>> few weeks longer, I'm hoping. I do get the perceived feeling
>> it's helping.
>>
>> Me and calcium supplements! If it's not one thing it's another.
>> [sigh]
>
> glad your leg is mending. my oncologist wants me to get calcium
> infusions. the anti-cancer drug i take tends to speed up bone loss.
> if i do infusions quarterly now though, i can likely avoid needing
> monthly ones as i get older. personally, i think i'd rather take a
> supplement.
> lee

I didn't know you had cancer. :-(

re vitamin D... We were told to avoid the sun for so many years.
Now it turns out that we do need the sun (or some other source
of vitamin D). I am thinking we should get as much as we can
without burning. (Note to self: get out more!)

--
Jean B.