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Medical AI Inquiry: You was designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.  Labels: OBJECTIVE, METHODS, RESULTS. Meshes: Antacids, Calcium, Dietary, Cohort Studies, Cross-Sectional Studies, Dietary Supplements, Female, Humans, Minerals, Nutritional Requirements, Pregnancy, Surveys and Questionnaires, Vitamins.
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Do vitamin/mineral supplements and calcium-based antacids increase maternal calcium intake? Context: The contributions of over-the-counter (OTC) calcium-based antacid medications and calcium-containing vitamin/mineral supplements to total calcium intake during pregnancy, have rarely been assessed. This study estimates the contributions of calcium-based antacids and vitamin/mineral supplements to maternal calcium intake. Over an 8-month period, a cohort of 724 prenatal class attendees (out of a possible 1100 participants) at >28 weeks gestation in Calgary, Alberta, completed an anonymous questionnaire on vitamin/mineral supplement intake and the use of calcium-based antacids. A subset of 264 women completed a self-reported calcium-modified food frequency questionnaire. The use of prenatal vitamins/minerals increased during pregnancy as did use of the single nutrients calcium and iron. Calcium-based antacids were used by 52% (n = 365) of pregnant women. Median intake of calcium from maternal diet alone was 1619 mg/d (mean intake, 1693 +/- 94), which rose to 2084 mg/d (mean intake, 2228 +/- 116) when diet, vitamin/mineral supplements, and antacids were considered. From diet alone, 18% had less than adequate intake (AI = 1000 mg/d) of calcium and 12% exceeded the tolerable upper intake level (UL = 2500 mg/d). Adding antacids reduced to 5% those below the AI and increased those surpassing the UL to 33%. No adverse events were reported at calcium intakes above the UL.
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Vitamin/mineral supplements and calcium-based antacids increased total maternal calcium intake, resulting in fewer women with intakes < AI but also increasing the number of those with intakes > UL. It is suggested that health care providers discuss all sources of nutrient intake with pregnant clients, as cumulative intakes may unintentionally exceed recommended levels. Final Decision: yes