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Is it safe to take a calcium and vitamin supplement after breast cancer treatment for bone health?
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Cancer Care
Question #29874
46 days ago
147

Is it safe to take a calcium and vitamin supplement after breast cancer treatment for bone health?

Client_8cfecd

Hello, I’m wondering for a 68 year-old female that just had a removal of a small tumor early stage 1 breast cancer. Will need to take an estrogen lowering medication called letrozole. She has not been prescribed that medicine yet because she hasn’t went back to meet with the radiologist, but they said it could make bones deteriorate. Also is taking a cholesterol medication called Lipitor and working towards getting off a blood pressure medication called lisinopril. I’m looking to see if a four in one supplement that has vitamin D3, vitamin K2, vitamin B12 and calcium would be a good idea to help the bones. It would be 1200 mg of calcium because it’s two tablets a day.

Has your doctor discussed the potential side effects of letrozole with you?:

- Yes, in detail

How would you describe your current bone health?:

- Diagnosed with osteoporosis/osteopenia

Are you currently taking any other supplements or medications?:

- No other supplements

What is your daily diet like in terms of calcium intake?:

- Low intake of dairy

Have you experienced any side effects from your current medications?:

- No side effects

How often do you engage in weight-bearing exercises?:

- Never

Have you had a bone density test before?:

- Yes, recently
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Doctors' responses

Hello dear Yes calcium and phosphorus are must since the current medication causes Decreased bone density Loss of serum calcium Chances of kidney stones So 1200 mg is must for counteracting it However it requires Tablets daily ( 1000 mg) single dose Syrups Vitamin d sachet once a week for 2 month But before that Consult with concerned physician only for better clarity There may be requirement of Serum ferritin Vitamin d Serum calcium/ phosphorus Rft Lft Regards

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Client_8cfecd
Client
45 days ago

So both tablets is supposed to be 1200 MG each?

Hello dear Yes it can be taken but dose has to be adjusted if Vitamin d sachet Multivitamin therapy Are required also Regards

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Considering your situation, taking a supplement to support bone health could indeed be beneficial, especially since letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, is known to have a potential impact on bone density. Calcium and vitamin D3 are generally recommended to help maintain bone health in such cases. The recommended daily intake for calcium for women over 50 is usually around 1200 mg, which your supplement covers if it includes 1200 mg from both tablets. Vitamin D3 aids calcium absorption, so its inclusion is useful. Vitamin K2 may also support bone health by directing calcium to the bones instead of soft tissues, while vitamin B12 complements overall nutritional status, but its direct impact on bone health isn’t as pronounced. It’s important to ensure not to exceed the recommended levels, so check total calcium intake from all sources, not just the supplement, to avoid potential risks like kidney stones. Also, considering your medications, there could be interactions—Lipitor and calcium don’t usually directly interact; however, it’s best to space out calcium intake from Lipitor by a couple of hours to reduce absorption interference. Regarding lifestyle changes, continue focusing on weight-bearing exercises and a balanced diet which can also support bone strength. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially as they can assess any potential interactions or adjustments needed with your ongoing treatments, and regular monitoring of your bone health via bone density tests might be suggested with letrozole therapy.

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