Hello,
I can understand your concern for you mother-in-law.

I would like to suggest you that as she had bypass 3 months back and she must be on few medications like aspirin, statin, etc., so its better that once she can go for blood calcium and vitamin D. If any of these are below normal, then only she will have to start calcium supplements, otherwise there is no need to take any unnecessary supplementary medicines.

Also she will have to take calcium rich food like milk and milk products, go for sunbath early in morning which will replenish vitamin D. And also she has history of calcification in her veins, i would not recommend any extra unnecessary calcium supplementary medications.

Hope this answers your question and let me know directly if you have any further relevant queries.

That is a great question and I would clarify with the doctor. First of all, I never would have had her on Shelcal as it is made of calcium CARBONATE, not absorbed well and can cause gas. Calcium is best absorbed in the form of calcium citrate.

Research has shown that treatment with moderate doses of calcium/vitamin D do not worsen the calcification. I would look at how much she gets in her diet and then determine how much she needs from a supplement. 1,000 mg of calcium per day is recommended from all foodstuffs.

Good luck to your mom and to a speedy recovery!Kathryn Shattler,MS,RDN