Suggestions on the calcium brand? The bariatric advantage brand is TOO HIGH

I did a lot of searching to find a calcium citrate supplement and couldn't find one at a better price than Bariatric Advantage. If you order it on a auto delivery plan it's a bit less. There are a lot of supplements out there that are cheaper, but they are usually calcium carbonate which is not absorbed as well as the citrate.

1 minute ago, JRT Mom said:

Yea, I've noticed that. I see they have patches now with great reviews

I did a lot of searching to find a calcium citrate supplement and couldn't find one at a better price than Bariatric Advantage. If you order it on a auto delivery plan it's a bit less. There are a lot of supplements out there that are cheaper, but they are usually Calcium carbonate which is not absorbed as well as the citrate.

5 minutes ago, Chas74 said:

Yea, I've noticed that. I see they have Patches now with great reviews

Ha--the calcium chews are the only sweets I get to eat all day, so I actually enjoy them! Don't take away my candy fix with a patch--unless it's a chocolate one!?

I was told to take Viactiv brand in my program. CVS has a house brand that's identical for $10.79 for 100 and 50% off a second container. I have a CVS card so I get 20% off that. So 200 are about $12.

Here's some information about the difference between calcium carbonate and calcium citrate from Harvard Medical School.

What form of calcium

The calcium in supplements is found in combination with another substance, typically carbonate or citrate. Each has benefits and downsides. Calcium carbonate supplements tends to be the best value, because they contain the highest amount of elemental calcium (about 40% by weight). Because calcium carbonate requires stomach acid for absorption, it's best to take this product with food. Most people tolerate calcium carbonate well, but some people complain of mild constipation or feeling bloated. Some well-known calcium carbonate products include Caltrate, Viactiv Calcium Chews, Os-Cal, and Tums.

Calcium citrate supplements are absorbed more easily than calcium carbonate. They can be taken on an empty stomach and are more readily absorbed by people who take acid-reducing heartburn medications. But because calcium citrate is only 21% calcium, you may need to take more tablets to get your daily requirement. Calcium citrate products include Citracal and GNC Calcimate Plus 800.

34 minutes ago, JessLess said:

I was told to take Viactiv brand in my program. CVS has a house brand that's identical for $10.79 for 100 and 50% off a second container. I have a CVS card so I get 20% off that. So 200 are about $12.

Viactiv is calcium carbonate, not calcium citrate. Although maybe that's OK for sleevers (???). RNY'ers are supposed to take calcium citrate because we don't absorb calcium carbonate. My clinic has both types of patients on the exact same regimen, but maybe citrate isn't as important for sleevers (??)

Edited February 29, 20206 yr by catwoman7

if you're OK taking tablets, there's always generic brands of calcium citrate. Walgreens and CVS both have them - other places probably do as well. I do the Bariatric Advantage chews occasionally - but I also take tablets. I get the mini-tabs at CVS since the big ones are....big.

another option is Upcal-D. It's a powder that I occasionally mix with yogurt (supposedly you can mix it with beverages, too, but it doesn't dissolve that well, so I quit doing it that way)

6 minutes ago, catwoman7 said:

Although maybe that's OK for sleevers (???).

My old brain read this as "sleepovers" the first time I read this. Geez, you should live in my head. It's sooo much fun.

I bought a 90 day supply off of this site. They had a 20% off coupon code and that brought the price down to about $80. Still quite a bit, but my grocery bill has dropped. Also my eating out expenses are now zero as well. So there are trade offs. Keep your eyes open for coupons.

I use H-E-B store brand. Not expensive.

Walmart brand and they work for me!!!!

Edited March 7, 20206 yr by jaytissle55
changing

On 3/7/2020 at 6:56 AM, jaytissle55 said:

Walmart brand and they work for me!!!!

Does that have enough calcium and vitamin d in it?

Yea, all my bloodwork has been great according to my doctor...