“When my doctor said I had osteopenia, I immediately increased my calcium supplements to over 1,500 mg a day. Within two years I had lost an additional 15% of my bone mass.”

What happened!!

Doctors often advise women over forty to take calcium supplements as part of their osteoporosis treatment program. The U.S. National Osteoporosis Foundation also advises that for an osteoporosis medication to work, a person needs to get enough calcium, vitamin D and exercise. As excess calcium can migrate to our arteries and soft tissue if we do not include the right vitamins it is important that we choose the best calcium supplement for our osteoporosis treatment program. But without guidance, we may arrive at the vitamin counter with more questions than answers.

• How much calcium should I be taking?
• Should the formula include Vitamin D or Magnesium?
• How much Vitamin D should I be taking?
• Are the expensive brands worth the extra money?
• Is calcium citrate better than calcium carbonate?
• What about coral calcium and bone meal?
• When should I be taking my calcium and how often?
• If I eat well and exercise, do I really need supplements?
• Why are some people so excited about strontium?

“Part of the problem in curbing the incidence of osteoporosis has been a widespread singular focus on calcium, with little or no emphasis on magnesium and vitamin D, and often only lip service to other critical mineral factors and meaningful exercise.”

Canadian Supplement Manufacturer

VITAMINS D3 IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT FOR BONE HEALTH

Although experts agree that vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption, research shows that over 70% of people in the United States and Canada are vitamin D deficient at least part of the year. Despite the importance of this vitamin, most calcium supplements lack sufficient D3 to meet the daily recommendation of 800 IUs and are inadequate for maintaining optimal blood levels. The importance of this vitamin for bone health cannot be overstated.

MAGNESIUM AND VITAMIN K2 ARE ESSENTIAL

There is growing evidence that vitamin K2 assists calcium absorption into the bones (rather than our arteries and soft tissue) and magnesium improves the quality of the calcium crystals in our bones. When too little magnesium is available, the calcium crystals are weaker, permitting fractures to occur.

STRONTIUM IS IMPORTANT FOR BONE BUILDING

Strontium is an important dual-action agent that helps both to build bones and prevent bone loss. Studies have shown 8-14% improvements in bone density within osteoporosis treatment programs that include strontium, calcium and vitamin D supplements.

PROGESTERONE CREAM

Bone loss is not related solely to calcium deficiency but also to a change in hormone levels and changes in the bone remodeling process as we age. There is growing interest in the use of progesterone cream to assist with calcium absorption in pre and post menopausal women.

COST AND QUALITY ARE ALSO IMPORTANT

As our bone-building program may last 30-40 years, both the cost and quality of our osteoporosis treatment program are important considerations. Vitamin programs of similar quality can range from $30 to $800 a year. Indeed there is very little relationship between supplement prices and their quality. (Refer to Best Calcium for some very interesting product comparisons.) Also, depending on how much time and money we are prepared to invest in our nutrition, a blend of supplements with an enriched diet may be the best choice.

EXERCISE

Don't forget to include an exercise program in your osteoporosis prevention and treatment program. Exercise (and especially strength-building) is absolutely essential for healthy bones.

By reading this web site you agree to accept our terms and conditions. The authors of this site are not medical professionals and the information on this site cannot replace the advice from a physician or other qualified health provider for your particular problem.