Malabsorption + Serum Calcium + I’m Dumb =

[Spiky Bugger]

So we malabsorb, right? We often malabsorb calcium, correct? And we supplement. And we “check” on how that’s working with labs...calcium and PTH numbers. So far, so good?

And when it doesn’t work out perfectly, we deal with osteoporosis and osteoporosis drugs, because we don’t get enough calcium. And (at least) one of the highly touted drugs says it may cause hypercalcemia.

Where does THAT calcium come from? (In normal anatomies and in us?) In my blatantly non-scientific mind, we must ingest or inject or infuse the stuff we lack OR make our bodies find it where it’s hiding.

So...the osteoporosis meds are NOT calcium. No calcium injections or infusions. Therefore, I’m wondering if these drugs are somehow finding calcium in foods or if they borrow it from teeth or bones, which is exactly what osteoporosis treatment is trying to prevent.

I need to understand to be a compliant patient.

 

[Sheanie]

I am no expert. What I understand is the bisphosphonates stop the natural breaking down of bone that the body does as housekeeping. This allows the natural building of bone to keep growing.

The part that I do not understand is where the calcium comes from. It has to come from somewhere.

I do know that bone breakage while undergoing dental procedures is a real risk. Its not uncommon. The same with atypical leg/foot fractures.

 

[Spiky Bugger]

I am no expert. What I understand is the bisphosphonates stop the natural breaking down of bone that the body does as housekeeping. This allows the natural building of bone to keep growing.

The part that I do not understand is where the calcium comes from. It has to come from somewhere.

I do know that bone breakage while undergoing dental procedures is a real risk. Its not uncommon. The same with atypical leg/foot fractures.

Thank you.

However, the most highly touted drug where I go is Forteo. They SAY it is the most effective (although there is one newer drug that claims the same stuff) in not only stopping osteoporosis, but building NEW bone.

Also, one “warning” on Forteo is that it may cause hypercalicemia. Might be a good thing. But...is it magic? From whence cometh this calcium?