Question:
Constipation worse from switch in calcium?

I recently switched from calcium citrate capsules, to Citracal hard tablets, and was wondering if anyone thinks this could have made my constipation worse. I've seen other posts where folks think calcium can be a contributor to constipation. I had some problems with this before the switch, but it has definitely gotten worse, and this is the only thing that I can think of that is different from what I was doing prior. I have been using Benefiber twice a day, and take 2 stool softeners daily and have since about month 2. Thanks for your input. Lap RNY 9/11/03, 270/175/???    — Carlita (posted on May 3, 2004)

May 3, 2004
I take the Citracal hard tablets and have a problem with constipation all the time. So much so that I take milk of magnesia every other day! I'm planning to add Benefiber daily after I go to the drug store today and someone on this board suggested adding Canola oil and flax seed oil too so I think I'll do that too. Hope that doesn't give me the opposite problem!!! I'll be interested in seeing other posts. I feel like I'm constantly thinking about my bowel movements and I hate that!!!! Makes me feel VERY old.
   — scbabe

May 3, 2004
I have had similar problems with Calcium and it making constipation worse, So much so I jave stopped taking calcium. I hope you get some suggestions on a type of calcium that does not have such an effect. I agree with the previous poster I it makes you feel really old to have to focus so much on your bowels, however if I do not find a calcium supplement I will be focusing on how bad my bones are. So I hope we get some good ideas!
   — cathy G.