The Role of Calcium and Vitamin D in Your Bone Health
Throughout your life, calcium and vitamin D play a key role in maintaining your bone health. Even if you are taking medicine for osteoporosis, it is important that you take supplemental calcium and vitamin D, especially if dietary intake is inadequate.
Although calcium, vitamin D, and exercise are important, they can’t totally protect or rebuild your bones after menopause.
Learn about other sources of vitamin D.
Calcium Tips
- Avoid eating too many foods with a lot of protein or salt. Large amounts of these foods can make your body lose calcium.
- If dairy products upset your stomach, try other calcium-rich foods such as broccoli or tofu.
- Look for foods that have added calcium, such as orange juice, cereal, or bread.
- Your body needs vitamin D to help absorb calcium. Make sure you're getting 400 to 800 IU (International Units) of vitamin D daily.
- Print or download this information to consider lifestyle modifications and help you calculate your calcium intake.
[PDF: 77 KB, 2 pages]
[PDF: 77 KB, 2 pages]
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Ask your doctor about FOSAMAX and FOSAMAX PLUS D.
Selected Cautionary Information About FOSAMAX and FOSAMAX PLUS D
You should not use FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D if you have certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth with the stomach), are not able to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes, have severe kidney disease, low blood calcium, or are allergic to FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D. Before use, talk to your doctor if you have or have had stomach or digestive problems or problems with swallowing. You should tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. In addition, for FOSAMAX PLUS D, you should talk to your doctor if you have conditions that may cause an overproduction of vitamin D (eg, sarcoidosis, leukemia, lymphoma).
Stop taking FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D and call your doctor right away if you develop new or worsening heartburn, difficult or painful swallowing, or chest pain because these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems, which can include irritation, inflammation, or ulceration of the esophagus. (See the Patient Product Information for more details.) If you develop severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain at any time, contact your doctor. Digestive side effects in studies were generally mild and included stomach pain, indigestion/heartburn, or nausea.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.