Calcium binding?

[JS_Princeton]

Stronger than the binding between OP and the thread, methinks.

[Mangetout]

Oxalic acid, present in rhubarb, sorrel and one or other of those big starchy tropical root vegetables (Taro maybe?)

That’s the answer, now, what was the question again?

[Khadaji]

LOL. I’ve finally fallen victim to the dreaded hamsters…

The short version is, are the calcium supplements that my doctor has asked me to take responsible for binding my bowels (a discussion that I would normally NOT bring up)

[Duck_Duck_Goose]

Yes, calcium supplements can sometimes play merry hell with your lower gastrointestinal tract, causing both gas and constipation. Sometimes it depends on the form of calcium–it comes as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and calcium citrate. If you think the kind your doc is giving you is causing constipation, then try another kind.

TUMS Home

Some individuals may experience bloating or constipation when beginning calcium supplementation, and it’s been reported in several clinical trials.

< snip >

In most cases bloating and constipation are temporary, as the body adjusts to the effects of the daily calcium supplement. A common recommendation for those who experience these initial gastrointestinal symptoms is to begin with a small dose of calcium and then build to the daily recommend intake. Also, taking calcium supplements in divided doses throughout the day, for instance at mealtimes, improves absorption and tends to limit any gastrointestinal discomfort. Consuming plenty of water also reduces constipation and provides additional health benefits as well.

Comparison of the three different kinds of calcium and how they affect your digestion.
http://www.fore.org/guidelines_of_care/appendixd.html

Speaking from personal experience, calcium carbonate (the most common kind) gives me gas, but calcium phosphate (the kind that’s in Postur-Cal) doesn’t.

Everybody’s different.

So what kind of calcium are you taking?

[Khadaji]

Thanks for the excellent links!