CBS news and HealthDay reported a study that showed calcium supplementation did not live up to its claims as pertains to strengthening bones. I looked at that report and tried to find out who commissioned the report, and what supplements were tested. None of that information was available. On the television report, the reporter held a brand of calcium while she told the story, but that brand does not meet my criteria for bone supplementation.
Why? It does not have the cofactors needed to make calcium absorb-able to the body. The body will absorb calcium when it has its additional ‘helpers:’ boron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3. When you take a supplement with these cofactors at the recommended ratio, then the body will have the necessary nutrition to make good use of the calcium.
Another factor that was not taken into consideration is the source of the calcium. You must take a plant based calcium, preferably organic, non-GMO sourced. For example, antacids are also made from calcium. However, the source of the calcium is chalk. No one would eat chalk. Chalk is not a food source.
There are many brands of calcium available to you. Check out the research, and find out which is clinically proven to improve bone density by 3% per annum. Now 3% does not seem great, but if we can arrest the bone loss and begin rebuilding the bone, then we can begin the war on osteoporosis.
Here is a list of one of my favorite brands with its ingredients:
Amount Per Serving
Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) …50mg / 84% DV
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) …500 IU / 125% DV
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) …50mcg / 63% DV
Calcium …500mg / 50% DV
(as calcium hydroxide & calcium oxide)
Magnesium …300mg / 75% DV
(magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate)
Zinc (as monomethionate) …6mg / 40% DV
Copper (as copper citrate) …1mg / 50% DV
Manganese (as manganese sulfate) …2mg / 100% DV
HAI Amino Acid Extract (from sea algae) …<1mg*
Boron (as boron citrate‚ aspartate & glycinate) …2mg*
When you are looking for a good calcium supplement, please check for these cofactors. We have had people who had been told that they have a diagnosis of osteoporoses use good calcium supplementation and have their subsequent bone density tests show that their bones have improved. It can happen, but most people need to enlist the help of a professional to select the correct formula.
Until next time,
Dr. Polly
