Do I Really Need to Take Some Pills?

Vit D is the new hot research so it's not surprising they brought it up. But the 'since you are over 40' is mildly arbitrary for that since we are finding vitamin D-deficient children are showing up with much higher rates of heart disease and cardiometabolic problems later in life. We could all use a little more vit D now.
The aspirin thing is overblown. It was thought to be the cheap population intervention: give it to everyone, prevent a few cardiac outcomes in some and don't harm the rest. But it's turning out not to work as well as hoped on a large scale and is not good for some populations (e.g. bleeding problems). That one you might discuss more or read up more on youself (though beware of google since the largest chunck of information out there is from a decade of saying 'take it.').
I think your other poster was right about the calcium absorption thing, plus the osteoporosis threat is real for all us ladies who may still feel like we are 20 but aren't. More important is to stay active and keep you bones regularly 'exercised' so they don't lose bone mass, plus calcium rich foods, or pills.
I don't agree with you other poster that only a PCP with a full work up should make these decisions. Preventative advice like this is simple cheap and doesn't require another $763 from the health system to tell you. Plus OB/GYNs are often the only pcp women have.
One last thing, we often react to the notion of 'take a pill' with a jerk reaction. Your first goal should be to be healthy. Do that however possible. If your blood pressure is in range, cholesterol low and feel you are at a healthy weight, then you are doing great. Keep your numbers at target first, how ever you get there. That is what will prevent a bad outcome.
Hope that helps!
S.

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M.,
Wow, is this a standard recommendation that your doctor makes to all of his patients? I think your right in following your instinct and questioning why he has asked you to start taking three pills a day without any evidence that you need them. Here are my thoughts on what he has advised:
1. Calcium supplements are thought to prevent osteoporosis. However, new research is showing that calcium alone does not prevent osteoporosis and that calcium supplementation is inferior to receiving calcium through whole food sources (nuts, leafy greens).
2. Why would he prescribe aspirin everyday? Does your blood need to be thinner? Do you have a history of heart disease in your family? If not, I would call and ask him why he recommended this and then do some research on the long term effect of taking aspirin daily.
3. Vitamin D, I agree with this recommendation, especially if you live in a climate that has four seasons. Most Americans are vitamin D deficient and benefit from taking a supplement. We spend so much of our time indoors that we are not getting an adequate amount of Vitamin D from the sun. Make sure that you get a high quality vitamin D supplement from a health food store, quality does matter! If you don't want to take a vitamin consider taking a cod liver fish oil pill, this supplement has vitamin D, helps with inflammation and strengthens the immune system.

Hope you found this helpful.
J.
www.nourishingthepeasandthepod.com

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You've had lots of good input regarding each one of these supplements.

I just want to add that Vitamin D has been great for me. I actually feel much more positive about the world since I began taking it. It may be a coincidence, but I don't think so. It is directly connected to when I started taking it.

At this point in life at 49, I take a handful of vitamins. I feel like an old lady. It honestly feels stupid when I look at all of it, but I also believe in them all--vit D, Women's One-A-Day, glucosamine and chondroitin, fish oil, and a medication for depression.

I'm generally in good health, but some of these supplements are precautionary. I have arthritis and joint issues, I've been tested for low vit D levels, and have had some gyn issues and depression issues. Truth be told, I really am healthy, though. I want to stay that way.

It's obviously your decision. But my doctor noted that you should be taking name-brand vitamins. She said that studies show that the vitamin industry is not regulated like medications and they don't always have everything they say they have in them. She said you are more likely to actually be taking the vitamin levels you need when sticking to something like Women's One-A-Day or other name-brand items.

Just thought I'd share this food for thought.

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Hi M.,
I've never heard of an age thing to take aspirin. The Calcium and Vitamin D sound fine and normal to me for good bone health. Many people are Vitamin-D deficient and are not aware of it.

As for the aspirin, I'd first have some blood work done to see if you have any cholesterol issues (precursor to cardiac problems). Also, do you have a family history of heart problems? As far as I know these are the reasons for taking a daily aspirin. Otherwise I don't see why you would do it at such a young age.

However I am surprised that your MD would have prescribed these supplements w/o even having blood work done, unless he/she did and you haven't mentioned it...
So to me, that would be the first thing to do. Good luck!

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I agree with most of the posts here.

First, feel free to do some research on your own and call back and ask questions of your doctor. You should feel comfortable with the recommendations and knowledgeable about the basis. These days we must all be our own advocate with respect to our health care.

That said, I also take vitamin d and calcium and have taken calcium since I was 30. Current research suggests that the majority of americans are vitamin D deficient, and this may be related to all sorts of medical conditions on the rise including asthma, autoimmune diseases, heart disease an is most definitely inked with osteoporosis. Both calcium and vitamin D are natural entities and in my personal opinion it is perfectly reasonable to, and perhaps foolhardy not to, take them. It is nearly impossible to get the required amounts from diet alone.

The aspirin is a whole different story and warrants further discussion with your medical professionals. It's true that many women use their gyn as a PCP but if you have PCP you can always ask their opinion.

Just my thoughts. I am 42 and take a multi vitamin as well as vitamin C and D. They have these great calcium chews that are chocolate called Viactiv. it's not taking a pill at all. I figure worst case I have expensive urine as many vitamins are water soluble and go right through you.

I am 48 and my doctor has never recommended that. If you drink lots of milk/eat leafy greens and get time in the sun so your skin can make vitamin D, you might not need the calcium and D pills. D is needed in order for your body to absorb calcium. With everyone using sunscreen year round now many people do not get enough D and therefor have a hard time absorbing calcium from their diet. I have never heard any doctor recommending an aspirin regimen unless you have heart disease or high blood pressure, either yourself or running in your family. I would get a second opinion before taking any pills.

Hi M., I am 50 and have a 19 yr old and 2.5 yr old and my Dr has never suggested I take anything. I do agree Vitamin D is good for many reasons but you are in charge of your health. I try to get my vitamins from the healthy foods I eat. Hope this helps, N.

I don't know what to believe either. I went to the doctor for a physical about 2 months ago and @ 36 he said I should start taking a calcium supplement. I've never taken vitamins or calcium regularly except when I was pregnant and I have no conditions that require me to take anything. I'm very healthy and hardly take any meds at all- maybe a benedryl once in a while when I'm sneezing a lot. Anyways about a month after starting the calcium supplements I has an amazingly painful experience- A KIDNEY STONE. Seriously equivalent to my natural childbirth experience, if not more intense and sustaining! The pathology report said the stone was primarily calcium from the excess in my system. Not to put that fear in you, but maybe I'll have a bone density check done before going on supplements just because of "age appropriateness" again.

you should defiantely take the Calcium and the D. The ywill help to prevent osteoporosis later . Trust me you dont wnat to have brittle dones when you get older. Plus vit D is thought to help the breast issues as well. Take the pills the same tim every day and its no big deal. Or take 1 multi with both easy...

Hi M.,

The first two are vitamins--not medicines or drugs-- necessary for your body to function well. Your doctor thinks that your diet is deficient in these important elements. Why not ask your doctor why he is prescribing them? Did you tell him that you weren't feeling well? By 40 many people take vitamins.

As far as calcium and Vitamin D, as long as you are getting enough of these things in your diet, you shouldn't need to take supplements. Perhaps your doctor assumes that no one eats well enough to get the required vitamins and minerals. If you don't want to take pills, make sure you are getting sufficient nutrition from your diet.
If you do not have cardiovascular issues, and you are not at risk for such things (poor diet, overweight, diabetes, severe family history), there is no need to take a daily low-dose aspirin. There are more potential risks than benefits if you are not in a high risk group for cardiovascular problems. Again, as long as you eat well and exercise to maintain a healthy heart, you shouldn't need to take a pill.
Doctors often want to take the easy way out (whats easier than simply telling you to pop a pill?), but whats easy is rarely the best way. A holistic approach is your best bet.

Well, I can tell you that my kids pediatrician wants me to give the kids a multi vitamin with vitamin D in it. She says it's been proven to prevent things like Cancer. You can probably get a multi vitamin for the vitamin D and the calcium and as far as the aspirin goes it's good for your heart. So you'd only end up actually taking two pills a day. If you haven't had a bone density test done then the doctor can't be sure how that is and calcium definitely can't hurt. So it's really something that you probably could have been taking all along.

Actually, almost everyone in the US is deficient in Vitamin D and this is being implicated in serious health issues more and more. You can test your vitamin D level at home with a test from Grassroots Health. I did and mine was low, even with taking vitamin D!! The best sources are high vitamin Cod liver oil, or vitamin D drops from Carlson's (I order at www.luckyvitamin.com) which are tasteless and can be added to any drink.

Calcium I think is better to get from real foods - leafy greens, whole fat dairy products (preferably raw or cultured, like yogurt or ages cheeses), etc.

Aspirin I don't know much about - I probably wouldn't take something like that every day but I would keep it in my house/purse for in case of a heart attack.

My doctor also suggested starting taking Calcium and Vitamin D and all the research that I've done says that it is a good thing. The Vitamin D actually helps the calcium absorb better and can be found in one pill.

When I was in my mid 30's my doctor told me I should be taking calcium supplements. I've heard of taking aspirin in certain circumstances, however, I don't know of, nor have a read about, taking vitamin D.

You can definitely get enough calcium in a good diet. Also taking calcium supplements in isolation can be less useful as you need the right amount of magnesium to balance it, along with D.

Vitamin D supplementation is probably a good idea up here. It is very difficult to make enough on your own during the dark months (if you are North of GA, I think) and the amount that is in food is not enough. There is a simple blood test that measures the level, which you might consider if you are really against taking a pill. But as others have said D is very important to avoid many diseases including breast cancer. Since we are all slathering on the chemicals to avoid skin cancer we aren't getting enough D at all. It has nothing to do with age tho, many of us are deficient. And it is really easy to get the levels of D up with supplementation.

Aspirin, I've seen different recommendations on that. I guess I'd ask my doc for the studies to back up the recommendation.

I'm not sure about calcium and aspririn but I have heard about Vitamin D. If you wear a lot of sunscreen in the summer it can be good to take it since your body can't absorb much of it. I would also say if you live where it is cold and snowy winters you don't get much of it as well. My dermatologist suggested that I take Vitamin D.

Your primary care physician should be the one to make decisions about your general health and well being. I would not take any of those medicines without having a full medical workup.

Hi M., oh yes, after 40 you should start taking those pills. Vit D is so important and us women over 40 don't get enough of it, same with calcium. I don't take aspirin, but I do take the other two. It's very important. Studies have shown that we do NOT get enough Vit D at all. So, please do as the doc says and take the pills. You'll feel better too.
Good luck, B.

My primary also suggested I take some calcium pills daily and I have added it to the pills I already have to take in the morning as well as a multi-vitamin (I have been doing this for 2 years now and I am currently 34 going on 35). For her, she felt it was a good way to help ward off osteoporosis as my mother is at the very beginning stages of it and I tend to lay off milk products when it gets warmer (stomach doesn't react good to milk when it's hot out). Not to mention that it was once believed I had arthritis in my knees and wrists so she thought it would help with that as well. To my understanding from my primary, the older we get the less calcium gets absorbed. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption so that's why the dr would tell you to take calcium and Vitamin D. You can often find the 2 in one pill at your local pharmacy.

Aspirin is supposed to be good at warding off heart problems. From what I've seen with my grandfather, it does work (he hasn't had a heart attack in 16 years after having 9 in a little over a year). If there is a history of heart problems in your family like there is in mine, the doctor will recommend that as you get older as statistics are showing more women dying of their first heart attack then men. It is something that I am sure my own doc will suggest I do at some point but I can't take normal aspirin-doesn't work on me and I gag from the taste-so when she does I will talk with her about using baby aspirin instead.

It sounds like you have a good doc though he needs to get a little more indepth with you on the whys or you need to ask more questions of him to find out the whys. My primary and gyn are the same way. They are very used to me finding out about something, doing research on my own about it, then going to them with any questions I have. I often walk in with a list of things I want to discuss at my visits (any unusual changes in my body, concerns with medications I am on and the like) and they are great about answering them. I really wish there were more docs like them around where I live!

Good luck!

Hi M.,

I've read the other responses to your questions, and I have to say that I don't think there is any harm in taking calcium supplements, or vitamin D. My Ob/Gyn says that as we get older (I'm 49) we women need at a minimum 1500mg of calcium per day, to prevent osteoporosis and keep our bones strong. You can get chewable tablets that contain Vitamin D, which as other posters have mentioned, help your body absorb the calcium. You don't mention whether you consume lots of dairy products, which do contain calcium.

As to your question about taking aspirin daily, I think I would call back and ask the reason for this. Usually aspirin is taken to help thin the blood; does your family have a history of heart problems or stroke?

Hi M.,

I recently heard on the news that a daily aspirin is not recommended anymore due to side effects.

I used to be a phlebotomist and did a Bleeding Time Test on a patient. Her blood was so thin she didn't clot. I'm not sure if it was aspirin that she was taking but it was that or another pain reliever.

To buid bone you also need magnesium.

: ) M.
: ) M.

Hi M.,
My GYN. suggested calcium, vit. D as well, and fish oil for the brain, plus he reminds me to wear my seat belt after his exam. Vit D he mentioned can help prevent some cancers and obviously calcium (I'm in the thin small boned risk group so maybe he really thinks I need it)for bones. I think it's a great to get some useful advice from the only Dr. I visit every year, besides do self breast exams.

Good luck.

H.

HI M.,

What did your blood test read? If you have not had blood test stating you are low in Vit D, calcium......I would not. Nor would I take a aspirin if I didn't need to. Have blood work done before you take unnecessary pills. And good for you questioning before you take stuff. You are your own advocate, research first.

A lot of people "do" need vitamin D and calcium and don't know it. But not "everyone". Do not take them until you have your levels checked first. A good doctor should have you tested first. I recommend a Naturopathic doctor who is better trained in nutrition than a medical doctor. Medical dr.'s have a "little" info on vitamins, but not as much as someone that studies it like a Naturopathic dr. They study drugs, not vitamins. You can google one in your area. It's worth every penny you spend. You can also have your medical doctor do the blood test. Ask for a Vitamin D Hydroxy test. The test is often covered on your insurance too. If your levels come up low. Take vitamin D3 and know the right way to take vitamin D. You take it with a meal that has some fat or good oils in it for better assimulation. Your current blood levels of Vitamin D right now should determine how much you will need. Then after about 3 months.....have your levels tested again to see if they have improved. Have them tested every year. Don't just guess. I started on 2000 iu's and my levels improved in 3 months.
Good Luck
S.

I drink Mona Vie and get tons of antioxidents and nutrients to help my body heal itself and/or keep itself healthy without having to pill myself up.
If you want more info I can hook you up, just PM me.
We love it, tastes great, the whole family drinks it and we're all experiencing great benefits from it.