I received quite a few comments regarding the article below relating to calcium and heart attacks. So as part of my commitment to keep you up to date with the latest osteoporosis news… let me assure you that this is not exactly “news” at all. First let’s review the Reuters article then I’ll share my take with you.
Calcium Supplements May Raise Risk of Heart Attack
Calcium supplements, which many people consume hoping to ward off osteoporosis, may increase the risk of heart attack by as much as 30 percent, researchers reported Friday.
These tiny tablets which carry concentrated doses of calcium were also associated with higher incidences of stroke and death, but they were not statistically significant.
The researchers advised people consuming calcium supplements to seek advice from their doctors, take more calcium-rich foods and try other interventions like exercise, not smoking and keeping a healthy weight to prevent osteoporosis.
“People regard calcium supplements as natural but they are really not natural at all,” Ian Reid, professor of medicine at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, said in a telephone interview.
Reid and colleagues in Britain and the United States conducted a meta-analysis encompassing 11 studies that tracked nearly 12,000 elderly people over four years.
Half of them were given calcium supplements and the other half placebo or dummy pills with no therapeutic content. The results were published in the British Medical Journal.
“What we found was a 30 percent increase in heart attacks in the people who were randomized to take calcium,” Reid said.
“If you have 1,000 people taking calcium for five years, we will expect to find 14 more heart attacks, 10 more strokes and 13 more deaths in the people given calcium than they would have had if they hadn’t been treated with calcium,” Reid said.
“That is 37 more adverse events and we expect 26 fractures being prevented. So calcium is associated with more bad things happening than with bad things prevented.”
While experts are not certain about the biological mechanism by which calcium supplements may damage the body, studies in the past have linked high levels of blood calcium to more heart attacks and damage to blood vessels, Reid said.
“When you take calcium supplements, your blood calcium level goes up over the following four to six hours and goes up to the top end of the normal range,” he said.
“That doesn’t happen when you have calcium to eat in your diet because the calcium from food is very slowly absorbed and so the blood calcium level hardly changes at all.”
Higher blood calcium may lead to the formation of plaques in blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, Reid explained.
“People have always focused on fat levels in the blood as driving that process (plaque formation) but there is increasing evidence now that calcium levels in the blood might drive that as well,” he added.
Source: Reuters
My Take
Studies on the ill-effects of calcium, and in particular as it relates to heart attacks, have been around for a while.
For example, back in January 2008, Ian Reid and team conducted a study on the cardiovascular effects of calcium supplements. Observing an astonishing increase in the occurrence of myocardial infarction, stroke, or sudden death – almost double in the calcium group vs. the placebo group – the researchers concluded that “calcium supplementation in healthy postmenopausal women is associated with upward trends in cardiovascular event rates.”1 The above article is in reference to his review of 11 studies that have confirmed the earlier findings.
Whom Should You Believe?
The benefit of taking calcium supplements is a topic that has stirred much debate. Take a look at this study, conducted in February 2007 and published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers evaluated the risk of coronary and cerebrovascular events in over 35,000 postmenopausal women aged 50-79 years old. Half took 500mg calcium carbonate with 200 IU vitamin D twice a day and the other half took a placebo. 2 The researchers concluded that “calcium and vitamin D supplementation did not increase the risk for myocardial infarction, CHD death, stroke, coronary revascularization, hospitalized angina, heart failure, or transient ischemic attack. Thus, women taking these supplements need not fear adverse cardiovascular consequences while protecting their bone health.”
So what is the public to make of this? There is an obvious flaw here, unfortunately widely prevalent in mainstream medicine today: if a study isolates one function of the body (which is what they typically do for these “studies”), you can’t expect accurate results. More on this later because first, I’d like to explain to you the difference between…
Inorganic and Organic Calcium
The most common calcium supplements are made of carbonate, citrate, dolomite, di-calcium phosphate, tri-calcium phosphate, coral, oyster shell or bone meal. While they may have different names, they all have one thing in common: they are inorganic.
So it is easy to understand why large quantities of these calcium supplements can have some very serious health consequences. The excess calcium not usable by the body is deposited in the soft tissues – the blood vessels, skin, eyes, joints, and internal organs. It can also lead to plaque and hardening of the arteries which can trigger a heart attack.
Organic calcium is found in foods, and it is the most efficiently used form calcium. Plants absorb and incorporate inorganic calcium and other minerals from the soil. They transform the inorganic minerals into organic minerals rendering them suitable for human consumption. For that reason it doesn’t cause the slew of health problems as inorganic calcium does. That’s why I recommend organic (plant derived) calcium supplements.
But there’s more to absorbing calcium than its quality. You see, minerals are synergistic. When mainstream medicine recommends only calcium and Vitamin D, they are leaving behind a wealth of other minerals that are necessary for calcium absorption and proper delivery. Minerals such as magnesium, zinc, boron, and the others I list in the Save Our Bones Program. Taking calcium without other necessary nutrients is like trying to drive a car without tires: the engine works but you will never reach your destination.
Skewed Science, Skewed Results
The near-sighted focus on calcium supplements to combat osteoporosis- at least until now- clearly shows that the medical establishment needs to open their eyes and see the greater picture. Just because bones are made up mostly of calcium, doesn’t mean that taking any calcium supplement will do the trick. In fact, it can do more harm than good!
Our biology is profoundly complex. While I commend curiosity and the desire to discover new and better health solutions, researchers should not lose sight of what they are trying to achieve. The time has come for mainstream medicine to start using common sense and to …
Get Back Go Basics
If you’re following the Save Our Bones Program, you already know that the best source of organic calcium is found in everyday foods. You’re already eating the Foundation Foods that contain bone-smart minerals and vitamins. Delicious foods like broccoli, collard greens, and almonds… all excellent sources of calcium. And of course, they carry no health risks whatsoever.
In fact, here’s a calcium rich recipe that I’m sure you’ll love.
Light ‘N Tasty Ginger Veggies
Bring the rainbow to your table with this colorful and appetizing recipe.
Yields 4 Servings
105 mg of calcium per serving
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds broccoli, chopped
- ½ cup red and/or yellow bell peppers, chopped
- ½ tablespoon extra-light olive oil
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey, liquefied
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Directions:
- Steam broccoli and peppers lightly until tender-crisp and set aside.
- Bring oil to medium heat in a saucepan. Pour in orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Let simmer for about a minute.
- Toss in broccoli and peppers and stir until well coated. Let simmer for 3 minutes. Serve immediately.
References
1 Mark J Bolland, P Alan Barber, Robert N Doughty, Barbara Mason, Anne Horne, Ruth Ames, Gregory D Gamble, Andrew Grey, Ian R Reid. “Vascular events in healthy older women receiving calcium supplementation: randomized controlled trial.” British Medical Journal. 2008:394405257, January 2008.
2 Judith Hsia, MD; Gerardo Heiss, MD, PhD; Hong Ren, MS; Matthew Allison, MD, MPH; Nancy C. Dolan, MD; Philip Greenland, MD; Susan R. Heckbert, MD, PhD; Karen C. Johnson, MD, MPH; JoAnn E. Manson, MD, DrPH; Stephen Sidney, MD, MPH; Maurizio Trevisan, PhD. “Calcium/Vitamin D Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events.” Circulation. 2007;115:846-854.
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May 6, 2012
Anything made from milk, chocolate milk (some folks foegrt the milk’s goodness is still in there), other good sources of calcium include spinach and broccoli, peanuts and almonds have it too.Vitamin D actually can be absorbed through the skin (it comes from Sunshine!!)
April 28, 2012
Thanks for all the great articles. You share great recipes and I would like to know if have a book of recipes for sale. If so, I am interested. Thanks
April 23, 2012
Thank you for info on calcium and, of course, all the other subjects. Why do you NOT tell the Save Our Bones community about Algae calcium (AlgaeCal). I have been taking it for several years since you tell about it ONE TIME in the Save Our Bones book. With such a detailed answer in this q and a about calcium, it would have helped thousands of people. Thank you for this program. Because of this I discontinued Fosamax, and DID NOT ACCEPT my doctor’s advice to get RECLAST injected into my body!!!!!!!111111
April 23, 2012
E-Zorb.. Also waiting it hearing Vivian’s opinion on this organic form of calcium. Have been taking it for three months and feel good taking it.
April 9, 2012
You really make it seem really easy with your presentation however I find this matter to be really something which I feel I would by no means understand. It seems too complicated and very huge for me. I am having a look forward to your subsequent post, I will attempt to get the cling of it!
March 28, 2012
Chemical lime is a white solid having a crystalline structure. Quicklime is highly reactive with water, generating considerable heat in the hydration process. This material will react with the moisture in the air, and as such, it has found application as a desiccant. In the presence of moisture, the lime reacts slowly with the carbon dioxide of the air, forming water insoluble carbonates. As a chemically active material it is desirable to reduce atmospheric exposure during handling and storage to a minimum.
Quicklime is available by the carload, in bulk dump or tanker, and in 50 Ib. paper bags and one ton bulk bags and a number of more or less standard sizes as follows:
March 1, 2012
Hi Vivian,
I wonder if the daily use of 81mg of Ecotrin contributes to heart disease. Both my husband and I take one coated Ecotrin every day. We are both relatively healthy (for our ages; 87 and 85)and eat a healthy diet as recommended by you and Sherry Breshia (food combining). I’d appreciate a reply.
Thank you for all the good work you do.
December 15, 2011
Vivian…I can’t thank you enough for all the research, the book, and the downloads. I often need to read things a couple times to get the whole puzzle put together. I am getting closer and finally get the calcium thing thanks to your downloadable article on Calcium and the book. Makes it really clear and I do need things clear. Having these sources to go back to again and again, helps me a lot. I am throwing my Calcium Citrate, carbonate & malate…out. Nothing means as much as getting this right once and for all. Thank you endlessly. I will continue to improve, I am sure. I eat a high raw diet mostly so getting tons of greens etc. is not a problem. Thank you again (but I gush!!):-)
November 8, 2011
Does Synthroid cause osteoporosis?
November 1, 2011
Have you heard of a product called NUZEACAL the calcium is apparently in a hydroxyapatite form like in bone and is is supposed to have bioactive effects
October 30, 2011
If magnesium is so important, why is the suggested ratio 2:1 calcium to magnesium? Why isn’t it higher for magnesium? Is it detrimental to take more magnesium, say 1:1 or even 1:2?
April 27, 2011
It still bothers me that researchers and mass media sensationalize bunk science like Ian Reid’s.
Read the following links by Dr. Know…very enlightening and I can’t recommend these two posts enough.
It just goes to show how little these “researchers” know about nutrition. Anyone that actually researches bone health should know by now that vitamin K is essential for calcium metabolism.
If fact, after reading these posts, I think you’ll agree that it’s not the form of calcium you take, it’s not whether you take magnesium (although also essential), it’s not your vitamin D intake (although, again, essential)…it’s a lack of vitamin K.
http://www.knowguff.com/2011/04/do-calcium-supplements-cause-heart.html
http://www.knowguff.com/2011/04/warfarin-vitamin-k-and-calcium.html
November 8, 2011
Of course – why would you believe peer reviewed research vigorously scrutinized by the British Medical Journal when you can get advise from a licensed naturopath!
It is totally about the form of calcium you take – that’s why those on placebo obtaining calcium in diet had 24% lower incidence.
Rapid release calciums are the issue – and if you really don’t think there is an issue go look at what Bayer have done with Citracal – after years of selling it as a easily digested rapid release product they have just introduced their “slow release” product. The say it is more “effective” ….. of course it would have nothing to do with safety!!??
And guess what else – calcification of the arteries is now being linked to strokes and dementia in another study – http://newsroom.heart.org/pr/aha/calcified-plaque-in-arteries-may-213920.aspx
There should be no surprises – the body can’t cope with over processed synthesized supplements any better than it deals with white sugar, flour, rice etc
February 1, 2011
Dear Vivian, I have been following your program for 2 years so far my numbers are not improving, but I’m still trying. I’d like to know if you have heard of Pearlcium, it is organic from Hawaii. Also is Agave syrup ok to have. And is Colostrum ok to have. Also you have spelt in both columns. So it must be good for you. Also, I have just started taking Buffer ph, by VAXA, is that ok. I know this is alot of questions. Sorry, I’m trying really hard. The recepies are great and thanks for all your hard work and patience.
Michele
January 31, 2011
WHAT ABOUT JUICING BROCCOLI AND OTHER VEGGIES? IS THE BENEFIT AS GOOD AS EATING THEM? I TRY TO JUICE A FEW TIMES A WEEK.
January 31, 2011
So, which calcium supplement do you recommend? I thought I got some general information from you and this fit that bill: Vit. D (as Cholecalciferol) 400 IU, Calcium (as Calcium Carbonate) 1200 mg, Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide) 80 mg, Zinc (as Zinc Oxide) 15 mg, Copper (as Copper Oxide) 2 mg, Manganese (as Manganese Sulfate) 3.6 mg, and Boron (as Sodium Borate) 500 mg and all of these per day. Is this a good thing to take daily?
Linda
January 31, 2011
Hi Linda,
I like products that have organic calcium derived from plants, for example algae, and that have the proper balance plus other bone-healthy “goodies” such as Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, and other important trace minerals. A few good options are Algaecal Plus (http://www.algaecal.com) without the strontium boost, New Chapter’s Bone Grow, which is available in many health food stores and online at http://www.NewChapter.com and other health websites, and Vitamin Code’s Raw Calcium.
January 31, 2011
Though I may not necessarily agree with your take on strontium, that may be an advanced option. Most people have been brainwashed by the calcium industry.
Starting at a beginner’s level of taking first basic steps along the holistic health path, is actually the way most of us have developed.
I’ve had to act as my own detective to figure out that I was taking in a great deal too much “contaminating” calcium carbonate from the tap water here in Sedona, Arizona.
My detective work had already led me to the conclusion that cardio-vascular plaques were mostly due to misdirected calcium. I’d noted that autopsies reported cardio-vascular plaques common down to ages in the late teens.
Being 68 years old, I’ve concluded I had best trust my own research and judgement, and do what I can to both eliminate as well as to prevent future deposits.
I had been pleased with EDTA chelation in past years, but now I’ve mostly eliminated the sources of calcium carbonate. Now I rely on vitamin B2 and arginine, as ample sunlight exposure for D vitamins.
A few years ago, I experienced arrhymia and rapid heart rate. Though I knew it was set off by insecticide exposures, I allowed orthodox cardiologists look into my case.
They couldn’t find anything wrong except the symptoms, and I felt a lack of receptivity toward chemical injury conditions, so I never mentioned it. Some drug “fixed” the problem, but had side-effects I refused to accept.
I changed my diet and developed an exercise program which I still follow religiously. I also stumbled upon a “cure”, which tured out to be magnesium. I had a magnesium deficiency.
I’ve come to the conclusion that bone health results from knowledge of blood alkalinity through magnesium and organic trace minerals. I avoid dairy products, calcium supplements, CACO3 water, etc. Organic vegetables and a little cheese, now and then, take care of my calcium requirements, just fine.
I suspect that since blood alkalinity must be maintained at ph 7.4 to sustain life, the body must rely on magnesium. If magnesium is insufficient, then calcium will be pulled from the bones eventually leading to osteoporosis. We all should realize we are responsible for our own blood chemistry, and it really isn’t difficult.
My next insight into the process of becoming younger and more healthy is the realization that silica is another central player in maintaining health. I’ve let go of my fascination with strontium because it didn’t seem to make much difference. Silica makes a difference I can feel within days, expecially with my teeth and skin.
Being on a tight budget I have found food grade diatomaceous earth (available at feed stores), to be unbelieveably inexpensive and very rich in silica.
Since diatomaceous earth is also an effective insecticide, ignorant people have an aversion to it. It is not a poison, however, and is a valuable nutrient fed to farm animals and pets. Knee jerk reactions by people desiring to put me down for using it, is their problem, not mine. However, I withdraw any further support from them, when it comes to sharing my successful health solutions.
In closing, I pursue the hunter/gatherer diet choices, and by controlling the toxic distresses of the usual American diet, magnesium based blood alkalinization liberates our inherent healing processes. Works for me!
November 12, 2011
I enjoyed your post. Your seem to prefer natural instead of synthetic. Would encourage you to look at Alta Silica, is not rock based like d. earth. Check our Christopher C. Barr and his article on 4 things to take for a long life. Very informative, he is not a vitamin whore, he only recommends a few things, prefers plant based. I life outside of Phoenix, wonder if the water down here also has calcium carbonate?? Marilyn
January 31, 2011
Hey Patrick,
Do you eat this food grade diatomaceous earth (available at feed stores)?
How could I find out if I have a magnesium deficiency? Also, I tend to bruise very easily – have you found helpful information about that?
Linda
April 20, 2011
The general rule-of-thumb for magnesium is you take as much as you need to cause loose bowels. Then you back off a bit. Many sources agree on that basis of finding your level of need for magnesium. It is amazing the benefits you will get, including increased energy.
January 17, 2011
I recently purchased Advacal Ultra 1000. If I understand correctly, it is made from oyster shells that are super heated to make a calcium ash (which also supposedly eliminates virtually all contaminants). It is combined with HAI amino acid extract from sea algae. It also contains Vit C, D, K, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese and boron. Do you think this product is a good one?
January 19, 2011
Hi Maureen,
Advacal is processed calcium, as written in their website: “AdvaCAL is a patented, ionic calcium. It starts out as oyster shell, which is then smelted at 800° C. Smelting changes the chemical structure of oyster shell from calcium carbonate to calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide. ” And oyster shell is made of inorganic calcium.
January 14, 2011
I have not heard Vivian mention ionic liquid mineral supplements yet. I am getting promising results with them myself and they would appear to be the ideal way to take mineral supplements (including calcium) because they are so uniquely bio-available. Liquid ionic minerals have the advantage of bypassing any digestive problems. They are much more bio-available than other kinds of supplement.
I, for one, would be very interested to read Vivian’s take on this form of supplementation. More information about them can be found at http://www.angstrom-mineral.com and at http://www.rainbowminerals.net/ionic_minerals.htm
January 4, 2011
I am wondering if you can suggest some good calcium supplements that are plant derived. When I read a label how can I know what the calcium is derived from? I juice collard greens and kale daily but don’t get 1000 mg from my diet alone. Thanks for your help Vivian. I appreciate you website and advice greatly. I use a water filter that is put inside our refirgerator. What is reverse osmosis water that you mention in your book? How do your find it?
I have just started taking a supplement called better bones builder recommended by Susan Brown. Have you ever heard of her? Her ideas are similiar to yours. But I notice now that the calcium listed is carboante, citrate, ascobate and pantothenate. I used to take calcium lactate make by standard process that is derived from sugar beets. what do yu think about the supplements made by garden of life made with algaecal or new chapter made from algae?
January 3, 2011
Hi, vivian.
Wondering if you have any infromation on a product made by Nikken which contains lactoferrin: called “osteodenx.”
thanks!
January 4, 2011
I have been taking osteodenx by Nikken for about 6 months. My rheumatologist recommended this product, he has seen women’s bone health improve on osteodenx. I have been diagnosed with osteoperosis at age 67 and will be anxious to see if my bones improve. Do you have any further information on this product?
January 3, 2011
Thank You for the Spine exercising! I will
definitely do this exercise along with my
aerobics. Velma
December 21, 2010
I have had High Blood Calcium for 10 years, to my knowledge….until I changed HMO’s, nothing was done about it….only mentioned in passing by the Dr…I am now seeing an Endocrinologist and Vitamin D is also a factor…apparently, the combination can affect the ParaThyroid gland, sometimes needing minor surgery…so I am concerned about the big rush for higher doses of Vitamin D….at least 3 Docters ignored the info….I always get copies of any tests I take and check them against the past tests…I am 75 and in good health otherwise
December 21, 2010
My Question is “where can I find a non-dairy diet”?
December 20, 2010
Hi Vivian,
Thanks so much for the information on the organic form of calcium, I was just about finish with the calcium I was taking which is indeed inorganic, I am rushing of to the whole food market right away to buy the the organic form.
Thanks so much for your help.
Ida
November 16, 2010
Spelt seems to be listed as both acidic and alkaline–could anyone clarify this.
Thanks
November 17, 2010
Hi Sandy,
We apologize for the error in the book. Spelt is alkalizing.
November 14, 2010
If I take one 600 mg Calcium, 400 IU D daily, should it be with breakfast or dinner?
November 11, 2010
Vivian
I recently purchased Vitamin Code Raw Calcium by Garden of Life. I saw that it was one that you said was a good calcium to take. I noticed that it has Strontium in it but I saw where on some calcium pills you said to get it without the Strontium. Is this ok to take with the Strontium in it?
Also I have noticed that on some of the organic calcium pills like this one that they say to take 5 pills per day for a dose of 756 mg. I noticed that you recommend taking about 800 -1200 mg of calcium. The lady at health food store said that with the organic calcium you don’t have to take as much and the 756 mg is enough. What do you think? Should I be taking more and if I do about how much do you suggest?
November 14, 2010
I read Tina’s comments on Vivian’s article about the possible risks of taking calcium supplements. I thought when I hit “reply” that I’d get Vivian’s reply to Tina. Instead, I got an “opportunity” to reply to Tina. So my question to Tina is: What did Vivian have to say in “reply” to your questions?
DrCHUK
November 18, 2010
Hi DrCHUK
I haven’t received an answer back yet. But I had just put the question on here a few days ago. I may try putting it on the next “Vivian Answers Day” and see if I get a reply. If you find out the answer, please let me know.
Tina
November 20, 2010
Hi Tina: I, too have purchased the Raw Calcium, Garden of Life, with the same exact question. Scroll down to Aug 8 question and Vivian has answer to your question….YOU WILL LIKE HER ANSWER, I sure was.
October 26, 2010
Dear Vivian,
Thank you so much for the fast response of my question. I’m soooo glad I found you. You are God sent. I have the Save our bones program,and enjoying reading it. I also find your emails very helpful with a lot of good recipes…
God Bless you Vivian!
Sincerely Marilia
October 21, 2010
Your recipes sound wonderful – and easy! But, as a borderline diabetic, I have to be careful about the number of carbs that I eat. Can you please list the nutritional content of all your recipes? Thanks so much!
October 19, 2010
I take the New Chapter Bone Calcium supplement. Since there are 3 tablets, it states to take 1 at lunch and 2 at dinner. That being said, when should the other minerals be taken?? ex. Boron, Magnesium??
Thanks again, Allison
October 16, 2010
I have been taking Advacal. This company derives the calcium from oyster shell (inorganic) but combines it with an extract from algae to make it absorbable. I had considered taking calcium from algae but the clinical trial results seemed to be a little better for the Advacal. However, after reading about the heart disease and calcium, I’m wondering if this product is safe. Thank you Vivian for all your previous calcium recommendations and providing a way we can share and learn.
October 3, 2010
I am alarmed at the BMJ article on calcium supplements and myocardial incidences in healthy women. I have surgically induced (medical error) hypoparathyroidism. The treatment is 1500 mg calcium daily. I have severe osteoporosis and as well, I’ve had my thyroid removed for cancer. I am not overweight and try to eat lots of calcium – mainly vegetables but cannot manage to get 1500 mg of calcium rich food. I have not received much encouragement from my endocrinologist – who has said the calcium supplements are s “calculated risk”. I’m not happy with all this. A friend who is a nitritionist has advised me to take ca citrate with magnesium rather than the ca carbonate I have been taking. (I also take vit D3)These are huge pills and I’m having to melt them in otder to get them over the gullet. Any advice?
November 8, 2011
Bad advice – neither is good and as mentioned elsewhere Bayer have introduced their new Slow release product and it has more Carbonate in it than Citrate – strange for a brand that has spend a fortune claiming Citrate to be the superior product….
October 1, 2010
Where to get organic calcium supplements? My supplemt supply does not stock them.
January 5, 2011
The question was where to get organic calcium supplements? Shaklee Products of course… a company that has been producing organic food supplements for 52 years. I have been taking Shaklee Food Supplements for 38 years and feel great.
September 30, 2010
I am totally frustrated….you are so long winded and repetitious. If you condensed all your information, without repeating it and coming at it from different angles, it would maybe take up one page – and would maybe seem valid. As it is, you go on and on and on and in the end, you simply are trying to sell things…What it does for me is raise my blood pressure — In am so irritated. Because of your taking forever to get to the point (again, over and over) I can put no value on any of your advice.OR YOUR ENDLESS PRODUCTS AND THERE IS APPARENTLY NO WAY TO UNSUBSCRIBE. IF THERE IS SOMEWHERE TO CLICK, IT IS HIDDEN IN ALL THE GARBAGE. I HAVE RAMBLED TO ILLUSTRATE. SO – COULD YOU UNSUBSCRIBE ME…THAT WOULD GREATLY IMPROVE MY HEALTH.
September 30, 2010
I am totally frustrated….you are so long winded and repetitious. If you condensed all your information, without repeating it and coming at it from different angles, it would maybe take up one page – and would maybe seem valid. As it is, you go on and on and on and in the end, you simply are trying to sell things…What it does for me is raise my blood pressure — In am so irritated. Because of your taking forever to get to the point (again, over and over) I can put no value on any of your advice.OR YOUR ENDLESS PRODUCTS AND THERE IS APPARENTLY NO WAY TO UNSUBSCRIBE. IF THERE IS SOMEEWHERE TO CLICK, IT IS HIDDEN IN ALL THE GARBAGE. I HAVE RAMBLED TO ILLUSTRATE. SO – COULD YOU UNSUBSCRIBE ME…THAT WOULD GREATLY IMPROVE MY HEALTH.
November 8, 2010
Oh, Leona! I suspect that you have an anger management problem that didn’t begin with Vivian’s Save Our Bones Program. I will pray for your peace of mind.
September 27, 2010
I have your original, smaller, book and wonder if the advise in the first one has changed. I’m 81 and in good health. I refused the osteoporosis drugs and try to follow your advice. I have atrial fibrillation and take Coumadin, so avoid many of the dark leafy vegs. Any specific advice in my case? I eat a lot of stir-fry – and almonds.
September 23, 2010
Have your heard of the calcium supplement called EZorb? It is calcium aspartate anhydrous and supposedly has high bioavailability and maximum absorption. Does anyone know anything more about it?
January 3, 2011
Hi, Dianne:
I, too, have been trying to get an answer on the EZorb calcium supplement. I’m assuming, since it is organic, that it’s easily absorbed and beneficial. I’ve been taking it for about 5 months now (and it IS expensive!) but will have to wait another 10 months for my next bone density test, to see if it’s done any good in that respect. I try to follow Vivian’s program as much as possible, and have asked about EZorb on the original “Ask Vivian” day, but so far have not received an answer. Good luck and good bones to you – and I hope I’ve spelled your name correctly! J
September 15, 2010
VIVIAN, I PURCHASED THE PROGRAM IN FEB.10. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO THE PROGRAM, BUT AM STILL LEARNING. I AM CONFUSED–WE’RE TOLD NOT TO EAT MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS OR NOW WE LEARN WE SHOULD NOT BE TAKING CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS EITHER. I AM FEARFUL OF GETTING ENOUGH CALCIUM MERELY THROUGH DIET ONLY. I AM SURE OTHERS HAVE THIS CONCERN. PLEASE ADDRESS, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU’RE DOING.
September 9, 2010
I also agree with the ‘too much calcium’ theory. I started taking 600mg w/vit D made by Spring Valley, about 6 mos ago. I had a heart attack on 7/23/10, I had only one blockage in the rt side, I guess the big artery, I had a stent put in and now I am OK, but why was the blockage only in one artery?? I think it was the calcium. I may be wrong, but Im sure wondering. This is just my opinion, thanks/
September 2, 2010
Thank you! I wondered what elemental calcium is and if there is a difference from the above article. I was told use this type. Also take Actonel once weekly and after reading some of the previous articles I find this sends chills down my spine. I have a wonderful Rheumatologist who looks after my Scleroderma and I was told if you want mobility as you age Actonel is necessary. Thank You
August 23, 2010
I am always suspicious of meta-analysis “research” because the “researchers” can skew the results easily by bias in the way they choose the studies to include. At least one reviewer of this study has suggested that this is the case here.
That being said, I think that taking calcium by itself may be counterproductive because magnesium, in particular, is required to regulate it. The more calcium you take, the more you disturb the healthy ratio between calcium and magnesium, so the calcium is more likely to end up in the wrong places…
I also think that placebo-controlled double-blind trials will hardly ever give us much useful information about nutrition because they miss the point that nutritional factors interact with each other, sometimes synergistically, sometimes antagonistically. The truth is in the big picture.
August 22, 2010
Where can I find organic calcium?
August 21, 2010
Ever heard of Bone Restore by LifeExtension? It contains calcium as dicalcium malate, calcium bis-glyconate, and calcium fructoborate as well as Vitamin D3, magnesium, zinc, manganese, boron, and silicon. It was recommended to me by a nutritionist several years ago. 5 pills equals 1200 mg of calcium. I have osteopenia that borders on osteoporosis. Still not clear on what is organic or inorganic but I will take a look at your book and would be interested in your quick take on this supplement. Perhaps if I continue taking it (I stopped after hearing about the study) it would make sense to take 1 to 2 pills at a time throughout the day.
August 20, 2010
Vivian,
Is this Ionic Fizz organic?
August 17, 2010
Very interested in article about taking calcium supplements vs. use natural calcium. Have been taking OTC calcium supplements for 11 years. Also fosamax, boniva, and forteo. Have high levels of calcium in my blood. Osteoporosis since 1999. We all need to convince Dr.’s that drugs are not working and a more natural method 0f bone strengthening should be implemented.
Please get more info into the Doctors hands.
Thanks,Diane
August 16, 2010
Are you familiar with Ionic Sea Minerals, called ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops? They claim to be water soluble from sea water and kosher. Would this be considered organic?
We have been advised to add it to our reverse osmosis and/or distilled water.
Please advise…
August 16, 2010
My 15 year old daughter has been diagnosed with vitamin D def.and osteopenia.She also has scoliosis and autism. I have her on 5,000 vit.D3 which has vitamin A, k2,Magnesium,zinc and boron citrate. Her calcium is 375 mg it has carbonate,lactrate,phosphate and sulfate citrate along with magnesium, potassiam,boron, vitamin A,C and D3 500iu. Is this to much Vitamin D? How much calcium should she have to balance the Vitiam D? How much can we absorb at one time?
Thank you for your help
Deanna
August 16, 2010
Thanks for the information. I take Calcium Citrate 1000 mg. a day. I eat a lot of veggies and fruits but I’ll buy organic supplements in a health foods store ASAP. I do senior exercises daily in our YMCA.
Please keep me informed regarding save our bones.
August 16, 2010
Thanks Vivian for the information. I am so confused about calcium. I am taking Calcium Citrate 500 mg 2x a day plus veggies and fruits
rich in calcium and do aerobics daily, bicycle 2 x a week, swimming and exercises for seniors 3 x a week, I refused to discuss it with my family of physicians. I listened to my body and refer to Save Our Bones when I am in doubt. Please keep me informed.
August 16, 2010
Thanks, Vivian, you are my living guardian angel…
I was wondering if taking 500 mg chlorella each day was good just to make sure I have had enough calcium and vit. D in my vegetables and fruits who are not always organically grown.
Terry
August 16, 2010
What do you think of taking K2 for your bones? All this is very interesting and confusing, as your DR. wants you to take Fosamsx etc., so what the ??? are we to do and still go to our doctors?