Deb,

"Calcium may be poorly absorbed from foods rich in oxalic acid (spinach, sweet potatoes, rhubarb and beans) or phytic acid (unleavened bread, raw beans, seeds, nuts and grains and soy isolates). Concomitant intake of a calcium supplement with foods rich in oxalic acid or phytic acid may decrease the absorption of calcium. The phytate associated with dietary fiber appears to be the major factor involved in depressing absorption of calcium."

So, taking fiber along with your calcium probably isn't such a good idea anyway . . .

Magnesium should help though. So, I suggest taking a cal/mag/D combo.

Also, "Absorption of calcium is greatest in doses of 500 milligrams or less and when taken with food." My doc recommended no more than 500 mg every 5 hrs. This makes it kinda difficult to get all 2000mg I'm supposed to have each day!

I am allergic to dairy (not lactose intolerant, but allergic) and have osteopenia (since my mid-20's - it runs in my family). I got a written rx w/diagnosis from my doc so that my FSA will reimburse me for my supplements.

Here's a good link: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp