Looking for a good source of calcium...

[kaylasmom]

I just found out I'm pregnant with my second -- YAY!!!! (my daughter is 16 months old).

I had a miscarriage in May, and discovered at that time I have some severe allergies. One of the things I've given up is cow's milk -- it seems to upset my stomach. Is there a good "food" alternative -- perhaps other types of milk (i.e., Soy milk) -- to make sure I'm getting enough calcium for my baby?. My husband and I aren't big fans of supplements, unless they're really necessary.

Thanks for your help!!

 

[lwseymour]

Hi Kaylasmom,
Congratulations on your second pregnancy! When I was pregnant, I also worried about getting enough calcium because I can't drink milk. I just can't stand the taste. So, I ate alot of greens such as collard greens and turnip greens. Greens are packed with calcium. Also (according to www.calciuminfo.com) good sources of calcium are cottage cheese, yogurt, salmon with bones, broccoli, kale, and sardines. Of course, I don't know if you like any of those or not.

Also, on this same webpage, they stressed that TUMS tablets are a great source of calcium. It said that TUMS are as well absorbed by the body as the calcium from milk is. If I understood correctly, it said that one TUMS tablet is equal to an 8 oz. glass of milk. Of course, most people prefer to get their vitamins and minerals through food rather than a tablet like TUMS, but I would have taken TUMS when I was pregnant had I known this. Anyway, I hope this helps.
Lisa

 

[kaylasmom]

Thanks so much for the information!! It helps a lot. The TUMS tip is especially helpful, since we don't always have the veggies you mentioned around.

Thank you again!

 

[lynn]

If you haven't tried the Viactiv calcium chews, I would suggest those... The milk chocolate one is the best.
Also, in regard to calcium in foods, fortified cottage cheese is pretty good. But check the label because if it isn't fortified, it doesn't have much calcium in it.
Lynn

 

[DebbieH]

I second...

...the Viactiv Chews and not to disagree with Lynn, but I think the Caramel are the BEST!!! (Just like bititng into a Kraft Caramel!:9) I never forget my calcium since I discovered them. Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH

 

[ebh87]

Love them both!

I think the chocolate Viactiv's taste like tootsie rolls and the caramels taste like Kraft caramels!! Yum!
Erica

 

[lynn]

RE: Have you seen the orange ones?

They just came out w/ an orange flavored one.. I haven't tried it yet. The marketing strategy is that they are a "morning flavor." ..
Personally, anytime I can eat chocolate or caramel I will opt for that, even if it is at 6 in the morning!!

Lynn M.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi and Congratulations. Just wanted to third the Viactiv calcium chews. I had to make my doctor varify that the chocolate and caramel flavors were not candy :9. Enjoy the forum! We are here for you if you have any questions!