Chewable Vitamins vs Traditional Vitamins

Carleen L.
on 6/4/11 8:29 am

Hey all, I've been taking chewable vitamins for over 3 years after my RNY. I'm wondering if I can switch over to a regular multi-vitamin pill, as in my area, they are more common, and more affordable when you buy in larger quantities.

I can swallow Citracal tabs whole, so I'm not worried about them getting 'stuck'.

I'm more worried that since I'm not having to chew them, they won't break down fast enough for my body to absorb them before they are expelled.

Any advice, experience appreciated! Thanks!

poet_kelly
on 6/4/11 9:17 am - OH

RNY on 11/04/08

They will break down just fine.

Kelly

Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.

Carleen L.
on 6/4/11 9:51 am

RNY on 01/10/08

Thanks for the reply Kelly!

Jennifer Harrington
on 6/4/11 10:22 am - Olympia, WA

RNY on 12/10/10

I am 6 months post-op and I have only taken liquid vitamins. Liquid calcium with magnesia, vitamin D3 and a multi-vitamin with iron. I use Genestra Brands for the calcium (prefer fruit punch) and also for multi-vitamin(only comes in cherry). I use Pure encapsulations for the D3. My doctor (she's a ND) recommends for at least 18 months to take liquid (preferably) cause even gel-caps are really hard to digest. I also go every 3 weeks for a B12, B-complex and Folic Acid combo injection. Hope this helps.

poet_kelly
on 6/4/11 10:52 am - OH

RNY on 11/04/08

Isn't that calcium carbonate, though? We cannot absorb calcium carbonate. We need calcium citrate.

Kelly

Jennifer Harrington
on 6/4/11 12:18 pm - Olympia, WA

RNY on 12/10/10

@Kelly, 1 Tablespoon is what I take everyday and it has 100 IU Vita D, 600 mg calcium (calcium carbonate) and 300 mg magnesium (magnesium hydroxide). and 4mg Stevia. I don't know what the difference between the two is, but I do know that I trust my ND. She also takes into consideration that I eat a lot of dairy (thankfully no issues). Kelly, thanks for the info, I'll be asking her questions at my next visit.

poet_kelly
on 6/4/11 12:55 pm - OH

RNY on 11/04/08

The difference is that we can't absorb carbonate.

Also, we need 1500-2000 mg a day, not just 600.

It seems your ND is not familiar with the ASMBS guidelines.

Kelly

walterswife
on 6/4/11 1:34 pm

RNY on 12/22/09

Kelly is correct in her statement. You should be taking calcium citrate. Whoever told you that calcium carbonate was ok does not know what they are talking about. You are not getting the benefits of the calcium since we cannot absorb the carbonate. Also we can only absorb 500-600 mg at a time so the doses have to be broken up during the day.

HW 240/ SW 229/ GW 146/CW 125; OH Support Group Leader

Starting size: 18W-20; Present size: 0 or 2; 5'5-1/2" tall.
Current BMI 20.4 as of 2/13/2013 (normal for the first time in my life).
Goal weight reached on 8/12/2010; As of 1/13/2013, 21 pounds below goal

Jennifer Harrington
on 6/4/11 2:19 pm - Olympia, WA

RNY on 12/10/10

Just had my 6 month work up with my ND, my blood work is perfect and she it super thorough. Also I wonder why my surgeonal staff has never questioned my vitamins?

Thanks ladies, I will def. talk to my ND.

poet_kelly
on 6/4/11 3:22 pm - OH

RNY on 11/04/08

What was your PTH? Can I ask? Because I would worry you might be leaching calcium out of your bones since you're taking almost no calcium at all. Lets see, you take 600 mg calcium carbonate a day, so you get about 24 mg of calcium and the ASMBS says we need at least 1500 mg. So I would bet your PTH is high. Is it?

Kelly