UpCal D and B.A. lozenges

I just received the 2 different calcium citrate products that I ordered--one is the UpCal D that so many have mentioned, and one is a chewable/"suckable" lozenge.  (I have been using a couple different brands of  liquid cal cit, which I like, but it is unhandier to take anywhere.) I absolutely LOVE the UpCal D!  Talk about easy.  I was picturing a normal size scoop (like what comes w/ protein powder), but the little tiny scoop is so easy!  This stuff is simple to mix w/ anything.  I remembered Kathy (of Kathy & Rich) saying it has a pleasant "taste" and that she sometimes just swallows it dry, so I tried that, and that was totally easy too!  For anyone who isn't familiar w/ UpCal D, it contains 500 mg calcium citrate/scoop w/ vit. D3 (250 IU).  My only concern is that it doesn't contain any magnesium, and I thought we needed that for better absorption of the calcium.  Comments, anyone who uses it??  (UpCal D is also avail. in single serv packets & chewables too.) The other one I ordered was from Bariatric Advantage.  It's a lozenge that is marketed as "chewable" but the directions on the bottle actually say to let it dissolve in your mouth (just normal, not sublingual).  They come in various flavors; I got wild cherry.  They have 400 mg cal cit/2 lozenges, plus D3 (200 IU), vit. K, & 10 mg magnesium.  They are decent-tasting; I have sucked them and chewed them.  They're pretty  "tart" when chewed, but I don't mind. I don't remember how much magnesium was in the liquid I've been taking cause I'm out of it right now.  But does anyone know how much of a problem it is that the UpCal D doesn't have magnesium in it?  For everyday use, I prefer the UpCal D over the lozenges, but I do have this concern. Thanks!

I'm not a grad but I'm going to take a risk with this post.

Bariatric Advantage is 400 mg /1 tablet.

On the label "Supplement Facts" under "Servings per Container"
Is "Amount per 1 Tablet"

So the good news is you don't have to take as many. I was very excited when I found this out because I was taking a handful of Citracal tablets.

Oh, yeah--I see that now!  They list the "serving size" as 2 tablets but list the "supplement facts" per tablet so I'm glad you noticed that!

Hi Jo!  I've been taking Twinlabs Calcium Citrate wafers...I am sooooo sick of the taste I cringe at the thought of them (twice a day). I just ordered some of Vitalady's wafers and I also use a refrigerated liquid citrate I was getting at Costco...But it takes forever to mix it because the calcium settles to the bottom like clay!  I might have to try that Powdered Up Cal to break up the flavors! I hate the same taste everyday! Anyway...about magnesium. I have had trouble with magnesium deficency for a while now... Mine is 3.2 with normal being (4.0 - 6.4)  At this range...if I work any muscles too hard..or make sudden muscle jerks or flex hard...I will go into a muscle spasm. Some are mild...Sometimes, I am crippled in pain for 10-15 minutes...especially when they start in my inner thighs...The more I move the tighter the spasm.  Whenever I do anything that may exert too much muscle...I have to take a calcium citrate with magnesium (It helps me instantly)...I can even smile or make a silly face and my face gets "stuck"! LOL  I can't point my toes like a ballerina...Or I will pay for that! No kidding!  Magnesium deficiency SUCKS!!! I hate it. I am so afraid I will drown that I take a floatation device with me in water...and I love to swim.  These spasms usually only happen in the evening when I am relaxing and my muscles are resting.... If your calcium doesn't have magnesium...Try to get it in your multivitamin. I really don't know much about these things.  But I KNOW what lack of magnesium does to me.  I also don't know that it helps absorb calcium or not...I just know what lack of it does to the muscles.  I suspect that I will probably become an expert on all this stuff one day!!  LOL This is what you get when you are someone like me who has to try everything the hard way with entirely too much confidence! LOL I can really appreciate a little repect for "fear"...It's a good thing.  Hugs, Anita

Thanks for your reply, Anita.  I'm very glad to have the info on magnesium's importance! My multi does have magnesium, but I'm wondering if it needs to be taken closer to the time we take the calcium (which, of course, I don't take within several hrs. cause of the iron-calcium problem).  I'll wait to see who else has any insight on this! My liquid cal cit was the Bluebonnet brand (I got on-line), and I really like it, but like I said--not handy to transport anywhere.  No problems w/ the calcium settling--just a good shake, & it was totally fine.  I also have used a brand (can't remember) at Vitamin World, which is a chain that's in various places--got mine at a mall.  It was also fine in that it didn't have a problem settling. I'm just always interested in what kind of stuff people use cause, like you, I get sick of the same stuff.  I'm not good w/ taking pills, other than real little ones, so I look for other forms.  Even my multi is the chewable Centrum, which I do like OK. Thanks again!

I take the BA chewables but I like the chocolate the best.  I take a capsule of magnesium every time I take calcium.  It really helps with constipation.

Thanks, Lynn.  I probably need to just get some magnesium to add to my routine.  I'm glad to know about the choc flavor; I'll prob. try that next time.  With choc. "medicine" of any kind, I'm always a little apprehensive b/c it can really be "ack!"

I like the UpCal-D too - I just dump the dry powder in my mouth and it's done!

I like the BA lozenges - the chocolate and cinnamon are my favorite

I also like the Building Blocks chocolate lozenges - very much like the BA but not as gritty

I just switch around so I don't get too bored with one kind/flavor

Bekah

Thanks, Bekah, for your comments.  You're the 2nd one to mention the choc BA lozenges, so I will give them a try.  I need all the variation I can get--I think it will help me keep better motivated to take them.  While I'm not terrible about taking my vits, I need a lot of improvement.   I will also check into the Building Blocks lozenges.  I know what you mean about the "grit" in the BA ones.  It doesn't bother me a great deal, but I can definitely notice it. But this UpCal D--my new favorite!

Just to clear it up, the BA's are 400mg each. The suggested serving is 2 per day (800).

On the mag thing. Some studies 2:1 cal:mag. Some reverse that ratio. Some say don't take mag with cal.

Here is my take:

if you have leg cramps, take mag citrate (pills)
if you have constipation, take mag oxide (pills)

I say pills to differentiate from the clean-out types you might be thinking of. No, these are just minerals.

If you are taking some mag, you'll get the benefit of having it all in there floating about. It's not quite like iron + C, where iron has to meet the C in your pouch.

According to most naturopath (ND, like the person who developed th BA line), you simply cannot get enough magnesium. That would be of the mag citrate type, tho, which goes into your whole system. (mag oxide just stays in the gut, hence the help with constipation issues)

So, now you have some info to toss about, add more mag (make it citrate) if you think you need it.

Oddly, I had nice mag levels without any extra. I added 800mg mag cit and 1000mg mag ox and my levels did not change one bit! Amazing, huh? I'm guessing that meant I had some "holes" that needed a bit of filling.