From the Guidelines
Tums (calcium carbonate) should not be used as the primary treatment for osteoporosis, but rather as a supplement to support bone health in conjunction with prescription medications and lifestyle modifications. For osteoporosis management, prescription medications like bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate), denosumab, or teriparatide are typically needed, as they have been shown to be effective in preventing fractures and improving bone density 1. While Tums provides calcium (500-1000mg per tablet), which is essential for bone health, it should be used as a supplement alongside proper osteoporosis treatment, not as the main therapy. Adults generally need 1000-1200mg of calcium daily, which can be obtained through diet and supplements if necessary.
When taking Tums for calcium, it is essential to space it apart from certain medications as it can interfere with absorption. Vitamin D (800-1000 IU daily) is also crucial as it helps the body absorb calcium effectively, and studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation with or without calcium can be effective in preventing fractures in adults 1. Osteoporosis requires comprehensive management including weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention, and lifestyle modifications like limiting alcohol and quitting smoking. Tums works as a calcium supplement because it contains calcium carbonate that dissolves in stomach acid, releasing calcium that can be absorbed by the body to support bone maintenance, but it cannot reverse significant bone loss on its own.
Some key points to consider when using Tums as a calcium supplement include:
- Taking Tums with food to enhance absorption
- Avoiding taking Tums with certain medications, such as bisphosphonates, as it can interfere with absorption
- Ensuring adequate vitamin D intake to support calcium absorption
- Engaging in regular weight-bearing exercise and fall prevention strategies to reduce the risk of fractures
- Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
From the Research
Tums and Osteoporosis
- Tums, which are calcium supplements, have been studied in relation to osteoporosis, with research indicating that they may not be as effective in preventing fractures as previously thought 2.
- A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that calcium supplements had a negative risk-benefit effect and should not be used routinely in the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis due to increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects, renal calculi, and myocardial infarction 2.
Alternative Treatments for Osteoporosis
- Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate and risedronate, have been shown to be safe and effective agents for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, increasing bone mass and reducing the risk of vertebral and hip fractures 3, 4, 5.
- These medications are approved by the US FDA for the prevention of bone loss in recently menopausal women, treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, and management of glucocorticoid-induced bone loss 3.
- Risedronate, in particular, has been shown to decrease bone resorption biomarkers and increase bone mineral density, reducing the relative risk of new vertebral and non-vertebral fractures by about 50% or more 4.
Prevention of Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis
- The first choice for prevention of corticosteroid osteoporosis is a potent oral bisphosphonate, such as alendronate or risedronate, with intravenous bisphosphonates considered for patients intolerant of the oral route 6.
- Calcium and vitamin D may also be used to prevent further bone loss in patients receiving chronic low-dose corticosteroids 6.