It is highly recommended that you get enough calcium from your diet. However, experts advise a combination of calcium and vitamin D supplement for managing osteoporosis and other rheumatic disorders, especially if you fail to get enough from food alone.
Vitamin D is an important micronutrient for your body to absorb and use calcium.
Deficiency of some vitamins and minerals is linked with the aggravation of arthritis. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for people with arthritis and osteoporosis.
Calcium
To keep your bones strong and healthy, you need calcium. Deficiency of calcium can increase the risk of osteoporosis, weak bones. Severe calcium deficiency may also increase the risk of a bone condition called osteomalacia.
A single glass of milk daily is the best source of calcium. Dairy products such as low-fat yogurt and cheese are also good sources of calcium. If you do not eat dairy products or calcium-rich foods, you may need calcium supplement such as HealthAid Calcium chewable tablets.
Vitamin D
You need vitamin D to allow your body to absorb and use calcium. Although it is not naturally present in many foods, oily fish is the best source.
Also called “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D is the most important nutrient your body needs. You produce enough vitamin D when your skin is exposed to early morning sunrays. Please note that too much of exposure until your skin gets red or burn can lead to skin problems.
Due to lack of sunlight in winter in the UK, slight vitamin D deficiency is common. Hence, many people with arthritis experience aggravation of joint pain and stiffness. Such people need vitamin D supplement such as HealthAid Vitamin D tablets to meet the daily requirement.
If you are over 60 and have history of calcium and vitamin D deficiency, you should consider a calcium and vitamin D after discussing with your GP. It is sometimes necessary to take daily supplement, if you are above 60.
You can buy them from a web chemist such as Pharmacy Outlet, health food stores or supermarkets.
