Why Take Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D After Weight Loss Surgery?
Calcium and Vitamin D are friends! After weight loss surgery it is recommended that you take 1200-1500mg of Calcium per day and it should be in the form of Calcium Citrate for maximum absorption. Calcium Carbonate, another type of calcium that is common on the market needs stomach acid to be dissolved and after weight loss surgery you will be producing less stomach acid, therefore not a suitable environment for calcium absorption. So get the most out of your vitamins and make sure the label says Calcium Citrate!! It is recommended to take calcium citrate and Vitamin D together to enhance the absorption of each other. Calcium is a mineral found in the body and Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin we can make with the help of the sun, by consuming Vitamin D rich food sources or by taking a supplement. Calcium with Vitamin D is also absorbed better when taken with or after a meal. This meal should also have some fat in it as Vitamin D is fat soluble, therefore needing some fat to be best absorbed.
What Role Does Calcium Play in Our Body?
Calcium is important for building bones and teeth and is also essential for muscle contraction, heartbeat, nerve conduction, blood clotting, in the production of energy as well as aiding in maintenance of our immune system.
Recommended Supplementation After Weight Loss Surgery:
1200-1500mg Calcium Citrate + Vitamin D per day. The body only absorbs 500-600mg Calcium at once so make sure to split up the dosage into two servings per day. ***Always remember to check the serving size***
For example: Take 500-600mg Calcium Citrate +D after Lunch and then Take 500-600 mg Calcium Citrate + D after Dinner
*** Calcium Citrate +D should be in either chewable, capsule or liquid form following Weight Loss Surgery; for ~3-4 months after having a Sleeve Gastrectomy and for ~ 6 months after the Gastric Bypass Surgery for maximum digestion and absorption.
What Foods is Calcium Found In?
Milk and dairy Products e.g. milk, cheese & yogurt ( best to chose low fat/part skim 1-2%)
Vegetables: Broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, romaine lettuce, kale & turnip greens
Other Protein Sources e.g.. tofu, canned salmon and sardines with bones & soybeans
Vitamin D… Calcium’s Gatekeeper
Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium.. Without Vitamin D, we can not absorb Calcium.
Without getting into the scientific details… If your body’s level of Vitamin D is sufficient, then the calcium in your body will be able to function as it should. If you are deficient in Vitamin D, this signals our body that we are not able to properly absorb Calcium and we will begin to steal the calcium from our bones and teeth to normalize our blood levels of calcium.
Vitamin D helps to prevent bone fractures, prevents osteoporosis, found to reduce the risk of certain cancers & diabetes, protect against heart disease/ high blood pressure and can improve your mood.
Where is Vitamin D Found?
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and not found in many foods in our diet. Vitamin D is found mainly in Fatty Fish e.g., tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel, liver, egg yolks and Vitamin D fortified milk. It is often taken in the supplement form of cod-liver oil.
How Do You Get The Most Out Of Your Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is absorbed throughout our digestive tract. Following weight loss surgery- Gastric Bypass Surgery some of these areas for Vit D absorption are bypassed i.e. it is very likely for someone to become deficient in Vitamin D. *** Vitamin D3 is the best form to use for supplementation for maximum absorption***
The Current RDA For Vitamin D is 800 IU/day. Speak to a medical professional to find out if that amount is sufficient for you.
Never stop taking any of your vitamins after weight loss surgery unless told to do so by your clinician. Vitamins after weight loss surgery are for life so Get The Most Out Of Your Calcium and Choose Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D!!!
