Q: Is it okay to take calcium when drinking coffee with a meal? I have taken fosamax for many years and see no results of improvement in bone density test. My doctor insists I take the drug. Is there anything else I can use?
A: Regular weight bearing exercise helps prevent bone loss. The old saying, if you don’t use it, you lose it, is very true with bone loss. Taking calcium supplements along with coffee or other caffeine containing beverage may block some absorption but that doesn’t keep me from enjoying a latte or cappuccino. There are drugs other than Fosamax that can be used to treat osteoporosis. You should discuss the options with your doctor.