What's The Scoop On Calcium Supplements?

It could be a game show question---or a trivia question: How many types of calcium supplements are there? It would take a while to count them all—as manufacturers continue to capitalize on the growing market of aging Americans concerned about osteoporosis. Actually, the big question should be: Which type of calcium will benefit me the most?

I think most of us realize the need for calcium supplements, especially as we get older---and especially if our bodies tend to be ‘acidic.’ Calcium not only helps keep our bones strong---it is also needed for proper function of the GI tract (gut), the liver & kidneys, the neurologic system, the heart…Yes, it qualifies as one of the ‘Biggies!’

Just taking calcium supplements doesn’t seem to be the answer, however, being the US leads the world in taking the most calcium supplements---and also leads the world in osteoporosis rates. What gives?

Here’s what I’ve found in my calcium detective work---hopefully it will help you decide what is best for you. Go check your calcium supplement & see what the main calcium ingredient is called---then read about it below:

Calcium Carbonate (Tums/OsCal/Caltrate/Viactiv) is made from limestone & requires extra stomach acid for absorption. It is the most common type of calcium used in supplements, yet only contains a small amount of usable calcium (~40%), so a large amount may be needed to meet the recommended calcium requirements.

Coral Calcium supplements are also made from limestone, a form of calcium carbonate.

Calcium Citrate (Citracal) provides less usable calcium per pill than calcium carbonate (~21%).

Dolomite, Oyster Shell, and Bone Meal are naturally occurring calcium carbonate sources which may contain heavy metals, including lead.

Another key factor to consider is that many calcium products are sold in tablet form--hard packed tablets that often pass through the entire digestive system without being completely dissolved.

After reading this list, is it any wonder that the US ranks so highly in osteoporosis even when taking the most calcium supplements?

There is a very effective calcium supplement called Hydoxyapatite Calcium (Calcium Plus---what I take!). It is one of the most absorbable and effective forms of calcium for the prevention of bone loss & is considered the preferred storage form of calcium. The surface of hydroxyapatite helps attract & hold in reserve key nutrients that are required along with calcium for healthy bone maintenance. These nutrients include magnesium, boron, phosphorous, and vitamins B6, B12, D & K. The majority of calcium supplements don’t provide these key components necessary for calcium absorption, resulting in a large proportion of the supplement being excreted (or forming kidney stones!). Some supplements add large amounts of a few of these components, with the theory that ‘more is better’—which we know isn’t the case! Nutrients are best absorbed when they are in ‘normal’ proportions that the body easily recognizes.

There you have it---an effective calcium source for those wanting to maintain strong bones.

Check out my blog article from July 20, 2009 (Strong Bones for All) for information on ‘osteoporosis drugs’ for SAFE options for those with osteopenia & osteoporosis who DON’T want to risk the incredible side effects of ‘Sally Fields’ drugs. You’ll learn about a totally safe & effective supplement that helps get the calcium where it needs to be, resulting in not only decreased bone loss but also increased bone mass.

Thanks for taking time to learn---and for taking care of you! Please share this with your friends and family---
Sana