A recent study on calcium has revealed that those who took calcium supplements had an 86% greater chance of a myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack than those who didn’t, and more than double the chances of a myocardial infarction (MI) than the previous study I wrote about a while ago.1
For the latest study, University of Zurich scientists followed almost 24,000 participants for an average of 11 years, and documented 354 heart attacks, 260 strokes, and 267 cardiovascular disease deaths.1
Smokers Were included in the Study!
Amazingly, smokers were included in the study which was designed to:
“…evaluate the associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with MI and stroke risk and overall CVD mortality.”1
While the study mentions that “adjustments” were made for smokers and other confounders such as age, weight, and BMI, smokers were still accepted as study participants. Knowing this, take a look at the quote below, where the researchers openly acknowledge that there were more smokers among supplement users and worse, that they also smoked for a longer time than those who consumed dietary calcium for the study. Here’s the quote:
“Compared with non-users, users of calcium supplements were more likely to be women, physically more active and less likely to be overweight/obese. On the other hand, users of calcium supplements had an older age, an overall lower educational level and a longer duration of smoking.”1
But that’s not all, because the researchers show…
Ignorance About Nutritional Supplementation
Their observations reflect poor knowledge of the basics about vitamins and minerals. Take a look at the quote below, for example.
“Users of calcium supplements had a statistically significantly increased MI risk among users of calcium supplements, in agreement with the results of two meta-analyses of clinical trials. The more pronounced increase was seen among calcium supplement only users, suggesting that this adverse effect is mainly from calcium supplements themselves.”1
Notice that calcium supplements are once again singled out as the culprit for greater negative cardiovascular events, without distinction of formula and especially in the absence of other supplements.
For the near-sighted researchers, this is an indication that they can squarely place the blame on calcium – any form of calcium supplement. Straying from their usual microcosmic analysis, this time they are ironically focusing on the forest instead of on the trees.
Clearly, they don’t seem to know that when it comes to nutritional supplementation,
It’s About Synergy…
Nutrients interact in the body, and their proper function depends on the presence – or absence – of other nutrients. In the case of calcium, for example, vitamin D is essential for its optimal absorption. On the other hand, phosphorus increases calcium excretion.
And magnesium, most often ignored by the medical establishment, is crucial for the transport of ions (such as calcium) across cell membranes. What’s more, according to the Linus Pauling Institute:
“Inadequate blood magnesium levels are known to result in low blood calcium levels, resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH) action, and resistance to some of the effects of vitamin D.”2
These are just a few examples, and with this in mind, it’s easier to understand why those who only took calcium supplements had the worst side effects. The calcium they were taking was not being properly utilized by the body.
But there’s more to this story. A recent study on calcium and Vitamin D intake concludes that:
“Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D modestly increase the risk of cardiovascular events, especially myocardial infarction.”3
In other words, taking calcium supplements (again, with no distinction of what type of calcium ever mentioned in the study) along with vitamin D still showed a slight MI increase. That’s because…
It’s About Quality…
As I wrote in the Save Our Bones Program:
“Studies have shown that taking inorganic calcium, typically made from rock and limestone, may cause more harm than good… Your best bet is to use organic supplements, especially those derived from marine algae, because the body treats them like a food, and therefore, it’s the most bioavailable form of calcium.”
The key word that makes all the difference is “bioavailability”. Let’s take a look at its definition:
“The degree of which a drug or other substance becomes available to the target tissue after administration.”4
In other words, just because calcium is circulating in the blood, it doesn’t mean that the body can utilize it. This explains why unutilized calcium residue can block arteries, cause or worsen cardiovascular disease (CVD), and even mimic arthritis, plus a whole slew of other health issues.
What You Should Look For in a Calcium Supplement
-
Foundation Supplements
The type of calcium and the combination of minerals in the supplement is of great importance, and in particular the presence of as many Foundation Supplements as possible. These are vitamins and minerals that act synergistically with each other to nourish and build your bones, and include magnesium, zinc, silicon, boron, manganese, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin K2.
-
Organic Calcium
The ideal calcium supplement is from an organic source, so that much like nutrients in food, the body will recognize it and utilize it at maximum efficiency, thus preventing detrimental calcium accumulation in the body. As you know by now, what a calcium supplement can’t do is as important as what a calcium supplement can do. Clearly, the body won’t utilize inorganic calcium from rocks the same way it would calcium from a plant.
Also, with organic calcium, its high bioavailability allows you to take a smaller dose than if you would take rock calcium, which in itself is a benefit.
But calcium is not the only supplement that’s better if organic. All the Foundation Supplements are best when derived from an organic source. -
Additional and Unique Ingredients that Benefit Bones
If you have the Save Our Bones Program, you already know that bone health is about more than just vitamins and minerals. For that reason, I’ve devoted an entire chapter to stress and its deleterious effect on bones, since it leads to elevated cortisol levels. As a community member you also know that I encourage detoxification in general and more so if you’ve taken osteoporosis drugs in the past.
The Perfect Calcium Supplement that Found Me!
One of the many product samples I received not long ago was an organic whole food calcium supplement made with Algaecal®, a marine algae, named TrueOsteo™
The manufacturer requested that I review and possibly endorse it.
I was surprised to find that it also includes crucial Foundation Supplements such as magnesium, Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, and other bone smart trace minerals.
Also, I was pleased to discover that it contains valuable extracts from fruits and plants that you won’t find in other supplements. They are:
- Amla fruit extract: also known as Indian gooseberry, it is a rich source of organic Vitamin C, which is a Foundation Supplement that helps build collagen – one of its many bone-related functions. Amla fruit extract is also a potent anti-inflammatory and can help with digestion, aiding to proper absorb bone-healthy nutrients.
- Cilantro leaf extract and Chlorella algae: together these two botanicals can help you detoxify your body and protect you from the buildup of unwanted heavy metals like mercury.
- Ashwagandha: studies have shown that the ashwaganda plant extract Sensoril® reduces the levels of cortisol in the body by double digits, helping you protect your bones from the damaging effects of the stress hormone cortisol.5 And since the extract balances cortisol levels, if your cortisol levels are normal, Sensoril® won’t cause them to drop.
The Right Calcium Supplement Can Make a Huge Difference…
I was so impressed by the unique combination of ingredients, that I contacted the manufacturer of TrueOsteo™ and was able to arrange a special 20% off coupon available exclusively to the Save Our Bones community.
Click here to order TrueOsteo, then enter the coupon code SAVEOURBONES at the checkout page to save 20% off your order.
I would like you to try TrueOsteo™, so you can maximize your bone-building with the best organic calcium supplement available today.
Exclusive 20% OFF TrueOsteo Coupon Code for Save Our Bones Readers!
Use coupon code: SAVEOURBONES at checkout to get 20% off your order!
Plus they offer a one year money back guarantee.
If for any reason you’re not satisfied with TrueOsteo™, you can return your remaining bottles any time over the next year for a refund.
Read more about TrueOsteo™ here →
Please note that TrueOsteo only ships to the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. So if you live elsewhere, I apologize for the inconvenience.
To your “organic” bone health!
References
1 Li K, Kaaks R, Lenseisen J, Rohrman S. “Associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with myocardial infarction and stroke risk and overall cardiovascular mortality in the the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study (EPIC – Heidelberg).” Heart 2012;98:920-925.
2 http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/magnesium/
3 Bolland MJ, Grey A, Aveneil A, Gamble GD, Reid IR. “Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D and risk of cardiovascular events: reanalysis of the Women’s Health Initiative limited access dataset and meta-analysis”. BMJ. 2011 Apr 19;342:d2040.
4 http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Bioavailability
5 Biswajit A, PhD et al. “A Standardized Whitania Somnifera Extract Significantly Reduces Stress-Related Parameters in Chronically Stressed Humans: A Double-blind Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA) Vol. 11, No 1, 2008.
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February 13, 2013
Is True Osteo gluten free?
October 10, 2012
Hi! Vivian,
I’m Highly Allergic To Cilantro, So Can I Still Take TrueOsteo? Please Let Me Know! And I Thank You VERY MUCH!
LOVE, LESLIE (MS. L.)
September 26, 2012
I have just received the “TrueOsteo” and have a question about the amount of vitamin D3 you can safely take. I take “Osteo Bi-Flex” for my joints, and it contains 2,000 IU of D3. Is it safe to also take “TrueOsteo” with 1,000 IU of D3?
December 3, 2012
Take osteo bi flex that has no vitamin d. They make both.
September 16, 2012
I started taking magnesium supplements years ago on the advice of my doctor as I suffered badly from cramps, not only in the legs and feet, but all over my body, including my hands, neck, back and elsewhere. This did help and I was pleased to see in your newsletter that magnesium is good for the treatment of osteoporosis as I have now been diagnosed with that, although I have always done sports since my school days, play tennis now, go to gym and walked 5 km x 3 per week for years before I was diagnosed. I used to take calcium but have since given it up and my gynae was most insistent I take Protos or Fosavance, otherwise I would end up in a wheelchair (I am 74). I have had a back fusion and neck fusion in the 1990′s and afterwards, again, was told by my surgeon that I would have to have another fusion otherwise…. guess what, I would end up in a wheelchair. Well, I am still playing tennis, still not taking Fosavance and still manage to do my own housework etc. so although I “should have another back op” and “should take Fosavance”, I am managing very well. Just thought I would send this to your Save Our Bones, as doctors are not always right.
August 27, 2012
Headline “Confused about Calcium? After reading the article and comments, Yes, now I really am confused about what calcium to take esp. when important questions were not answered.
September 1, 2012
I have.been usin Cal-Max, Ostinol, and CALCIDRIN…..Cal Max is derived from potatoes…..please comment on these products…Cal Max is dissolved in hot water of 1/2 cup, followed by 1/2 cup of cool liquid.
diagnosed with kidney stones….also have Barretts Esophagus…must take omeprazole or Prevacid…I understand calcium cannot be absorbed without stomach acid…therefore I feel at a loss…..have a-3 TScore…osteoporosis….please share comment/info…..Thank You!
Marcella
August 28, 2012
You can send your specific questions to my Customer Support team
August 27, 2012
Hi Vivian:
Just read about the new calcium supplement and am wondering about the strontium in there knowing you are not in favour of it???
Also the shipping to Canada is very expensive and I can’t seem to get it shipped to the US (my daughter lives in Pittsburgh) via a Canadian credit card.
Thanks!
August 28, 2012
The strontium is present in negligible amounts, Mary. It doesn’t pose a problem.
August 27, 2012
I tried to order TrueOsteo. I filled out the order form and entered the promo code. It said the code SAVEOURBONES is invalid. What can I do?
August 28, 2012
You can try again, Annett. The code has been working, so it might have been a temporary glitch.
August 27, 2012
I am highly allergic to soy so I can’t take this. Is there a version without soy?
August 26, 2012
I’m taking Vitamin Code Raw Calcium and Raw one multivitamin for women.
This is from Garden of life. What is your opinion on this? You mentioned
raw calcium before. If this is not good, let me know so that I can stop.
Thanks,
nini
September 27, 2012
Would like to see your reply to this comment about Vitamin Code Raw Calcium from Garden of Life. I take it as well and also their Bone builder.
August 26, 2012
I had breast cancer which was estrogen driven. As a result I am on an estrogen blocker and have to avoid taking medications containing estrogen. Vit. k2 is a form of estrogen. Are there any calcium supplements you can suggest that do not have vit.k2? Thanks.
August 26, 2012
HI
I am interested in the TrueOsteo. Ingreadients sound good.
I have in recent times come across another product called “PectaSol”
It has in it a citrus pectin,which I believe is very good for blood clensing and heavy metal reduction. Does the Cilantro work in the same way ,and as effectively as the citrus in claims which you can (no doubt )
obtain through googling it up.Also ,I would be interested in the alginate
comparison between the chlorella and whatever they are useing.
Should I place an order,Is it possible to phone through to do so?
I’ve always been reticent to put my card details through the computer!
Regards
Doug M.
August 25, 2012
HI VIV,
WHY `TRUEOSTEO` IS NOT MADE AVAILABLE TO COUNTRY LIKE INDIA WHERE IT IS REQUIRED ABUNDANTLY DUE TO UNDERNOURISHMENT OF POOR POPULATION?
August 24, 2012
Hi Vivien, I do hope you read this message. I have come off Protelos 2 at last! I have been off it a couple of months now and feel marvellous. It was producing Dementia type symptoms, and also very painful lower legs, and other various side effects, but the two mentioned are serious enough for me to come off it. My doctor actually respected me and said I was old enough and wise enough to know what I was doing…and besides could get a fracture whether I was on the medication or not! He is aware I am eating and exercising for my bones, and doing it the natural way. Thank you so much for all the encouragement for everyone on here, and all the continued tips you keep telling us about. Babs x
August 25, 2012
I’m glad you’re feeling better, Barbara! Protelos does have quite a long list of bad side effects. Keep up with the Program
August 24, 2012
I am thankful for the information that you prepare for the thousands of us , who are suffering from this bones condition. Thank you, Edith
August 24, 2012
am on a blood thining medication. would it be safe for me to take True osteo?
August 24, 2012
I browsed the article about TrueOsteo several times — but found nothing about how many tablets in a bottle or how many tablets comprised a daily serving. Without this information, I won’t buy it!
August 25, 2012
Sharon, the recommended dose is 2 capsules twice a day
August 24, 2012
Thank you so much yet again for these important information.
Wishing you all the very best at all times.
John
August 25, 2012
Thanks, John!
August 24, 2012
Thanks, Shula
August 25, 2012
You’re welcome, Shula
December 3, 2012
Vivian,
Oncve i read in your post that you recommended this calcium: TAKE CARE BONE STRENGTh, it has algae & comes in form of food substance in a pill.
Is thins one stil a good one to taek? PLEASE RESPoND as I am abuot out again.
Thanks,
Joyce Smith
August 23, 2012
Hi Vivian,Thanks for all the information.I have not heard from you, in some time.I had a bone density test a couple of weeks ago and it was suggested I go on Prolia. It is an injection to have every 6 months. I was wondering what you think of this.I am afraid to do that.I have taken too much of those meds. The only thing that worked was the Forteo injections and do not want to take that again.
Cathy Smith
August 23, 2012
Vivian,
Many thanks. Please respond to my questions.
1. You recommended K2 to take with Ca but Puritan Pride sent me gel capsules 50 mcg and I can not divide them to take it twice with Ca .
(For Ca I use kefir. My doctor recommended 900 mg of Ca (I am 76)
Is that really necessary to take each portion of Ca with K2?
2. My doctor recommended to take 800 IU D3. I take 500 IU with each Ca intake. Is there any limitation for D3 dosage? Some doctors say that it should be limited to 400 IU because it can develop osteoporosis but other suggest to take up to 20,000 IU to get rid of osteoporosis. How to understand all those contradictions?
Best Leonard
August 25, 2012
Leonard, you don’t need to take each calcium dose with K2. Also, you can read this blog post I wrote about Vitamin D3:
http://saveourbones.com/the-latest-news-on-vitamin-d/
August 23, 2012
I subscribed to your site quite some time ago – can’t remember when.
I was diagnosed first with osteopenia and then three years ago with osteporosis. I had my most recent bone density test yesterday and I now
have osteopenia only. I evidently increased by bone density and reversed the bone loss.
I refused to take boniva or any of the others. I begin to play tennis about 3 – 4 times a week because it is the only activity I truly enjoy. I also have been very diligent about taking a minimim of 1000 mg of calcium and I watch what I eat. I am 104 pounds and under 5 feet tall so I am a prime candidate for osteoporosis but reading your articles and doing what I felt was sensible has enabled me to reverse the bone loss and I am thrilled!
Unfortunately my tennis is at a stand still at the moment because I recently had arthroscopic surgery on my knee. I tried to play again but it is too soon. I welcome any comments, suggestions, tips on speeding up
my knee healing!!
Please pass this on – it is possible to reverse bone loss on your own without those scarey drugs.
I try to read your articles as often as possible.
Kindest Regards,
Diane Woods
August 24, 2012
Way to go, Diane!
August 23, 2012
What is the current recommended daily amount of calcium for women over 50?
August 24, 2012
You can get the answer and much more in this calcium report that I wrote:
http://saveourbones.com/the-ultimate-calcium-guide/
August 23, 2012
So, what is the current recommended amount of daily calcium?
August 23, 2012
You mention calcium from rocks and from plants. What about calcium from marine animal shells, such as oysters? That would be an organic source.
August 24, 2012
Read this, Christie:
http://saveourbones.com/the-ultimate-calcium-guide/
August 23, 2012
Vivian,
Since AlgaeCalPlus can be quite expensive, can the chelated Puritan’s Pride brand containing calcium, magnesium, and zinc be a good alternative? The calcium used is calcium carbonate and calcium gluconate.
Thanks,
Marilyn
August 23, 2012
I am trying to work on the save our bones program very confusing when other calcium tablets are introduced taught the ones in the save our program where the right ones.I am taking Nature’s Plus bone support organic hope i am taking the right they are quite expensive love all the emails.
August 23, 2012
I am alarmed over the article you have printed on calcium. I have been taking calcium citrate for quite some time which includes 100% citrate, 800 IU Vit D3, magnesium free. As I am reading the label I see it also has horsetail4:1 extract, boron, organic spirulina, calcium 800mg.
Ialso take osteo bi-flex which has Vit C 60mg, vit d 2,000 IU, Manganese 2mg, sodium, 40mg, Glucosamine 1,500mg,Joint Shield 1,350,Chrondotin complex 1,250, 5-Loxin akba 100mg, Boron 3mg. I also take a proleia injection twice a year for osteo.
I would like your opinion . I also like your info on this organic calcium. Thank YOu.
August 23, 2012
I can’t easily swallow pills, Vivian, I have asked this before when you recommend a supplement how large are the pills? Last time you had already navigated to a different brand, but I am hoping you can tell us what size are these pills? I now take a liquid form called Osteo Calm that seems to fit the foundation foods bill.
August 23, 2012
I would like Dr. Vivian’s recommendation as to how to make the right decisions with regard to my bone health in light of my existing parathyroid problem. I have been told that I have a benign growth on one of my parathyroid glands and the endocrinologist has been “watching” the problem for several years now. He recently prescribed Atelvia to combat osteoporosis, which I reluctantly took once a week for four weeks and then stopped because of severe side effects (gastritis, upper abdominal pain, muscle and joint pain).
I have made an appointment (Aug 29) with a surgeon who specializes in parathyroid problems to get a second opinion. My thought is that if the benign growth can be removed with a minimally invasive procedure, and result in the elimination of this problem which is sapping calcium from my bones, is this not a better approach? I am trying to do everything right in preserving my health and my bone strength – a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight control, etc. It seems counterproductive to just “watch” as a malfunctioning parathyroid gland weakens my bones.
December 3, 2012
I also had a parathyroid tumor and had it removed at the Norman Parathyroid Clinic in Tampa, FL. They have a wonderful web site: http://www.parathyroid.com.
September 26, 2012
I register a 10 on my blood panel….my PTH is normal….I weighed 105# when I saw the Endocrinologist…she told me no dairy products even tho I had no symptoms of any kind of an adverse effect….I now weigh 80# and my primary care Dr. thinks I don’t understand “atrophy”….thank you for all the info you give me and others….I need to reverse this in a natural way…I am 77 and lead an active life…am stronger than most peoplemy age group, walk upright, wake up Happy….life is such a wonderful gift….I’ve never smoked, have always eaten healthy food….am told to eat lots of Broccoli….does anyone know a good recipe for candied Broccoli?…anyway, I need to get a handle on diet for this condition…..she also told me to stop taking supplements…I was illness free since 1974…now I have had Bronchitis, an ear ache, etc….I have taken Cod Liver Oil since born….can I safely take it…I live in Las Vegas so staying out of the sun is difficult to impossible!…Thanks for all your help
August 23, 2012
Thank you, as always, for a very enlightening post. I don’t have time now, but will read this again and again. I am on a fast learning curve to save my bones and do right by the rest of my body. As an older woman, I have done a lot right, but many things wrong. I finally have a doctor who understands about these issues. He is the brother of one of my go to internet whole food advocates who is also a doctor. A dream come true.
My doctor does not like the taking of calcium as a supplement and has asked me to stop taking it. He wants me to focus on D3 and K2. Studying the K2 issue has been interesting too. I see that K2-7 can bring on some irregular heart beats for some people, but not the K2-4. I am sure you have addressed that somewhere. I got the D2-4 drops. He feels we get enough of the right kind of calcium from our plant based diet. I will do it for now till I can prove otherwise. I also am careful to get my silica and boron, etc. Nice to finally feel I have some advocates that don’t think I am speaking a foreign language when I address these issues.
Thank you for being one of my advocates and providing this research and a place to express ourselves about this important subject. Lynn
August 23, 2012
Ooops. I meant to say, ” I got the K2-4 drops…” Thx. Lynn
August 23, 2012
Thanks Vivian
I am from south Africa ,
Question 1. This is not available to me.
2 I cannot afford this as the postage. Cost is high.
3. What can I take here ?
Please help
Shirley
August 23, 2012
I have been told by a former nurse that coral calcium is better than rock calcium. I have also been told that it has been effective in dysmenorrhea. Please let me know what you think of coral calcium, and how it compares to other effective forms such as Osteo
calcium.
Thanks.
August 24, 2012
Shirley, read my complete report on calcium, and you’ll find the answer to your question, and much, much more
http://saveourbones.com/the-ultimate-calcium-guide/
August 23, 2012
I have been using AlgaeCal Plus. Are you no longer recommending this?
August 26, 2012
I have been using algae cal plus also for quite some time, I want to know if I should stop taking this—I’m still confused!
August 23, 2012
Your article was very enlightening, I too take calcium being 62 and the last bone scan was not good. But the price is out of reach for this product, as I take a multivitamin and an glucosamine and chrondrotin supplement along with other supplements.
August 23, 2012
Perhaps you have yet to break a bone? I have and although I have to sacrifice other things, I spend the money. I use Algaecal having switched from Garden of Life Raw Calcium. I watched my Mother and grandmother suffer for years laid up with hip and other fractures.
Find a way to budget for this. I am fit, healthy and physically active and wish to remain so. How about you?
August 23, 2012
i love all your e-mails i’m very interested in all the comments people make..But now i have just discovered i am suffering with Fibromyalgia and i am in a lot of pain, is there anything you can suggest that might be of help to me.diet-wise, or anything else i should be doing.
August 27, 2012
Have you tried Ezorb for your fibromyalgia?
August 23, 2012
I am a 64 yr old female and got diagnosed w/ FM 20+ yrs ago. I was in very bad pain. A friend gave me a magnet mattress to try. for about 2-3 wks I let it sit against the wall. she was a long time friend, so out of respect to our friendship, I put it on my bed. 3-4 days go by and nothing. BUT, on the 6th day, I woke up and went to a new store. about 5 hours later, I still wasn’t ready to go home!! normally I would be on the couch by 2 pm and only got off to make dinner, then right back on til bed time. I tested this mattress purposely and not purposely; each time it made a huge difference! I went right back to pain. When I had to return the mattress, I wrote a check with tears in my eyes because I was so emotional and w/ severe pain again. I was telling one lady about my success and she asked me if I was a scientist. I said no, but if I drive down the road I would be able to see this huge silver things go down runway and take off into the air and land thousands of miles away and there is no way I could explain how they work either, BUT I KNOW THEY DO. So, here I am over 20 years later and FM and it is NOT a part of my life! Unless I am totally stressed out or haven’t gotten enough rest, I DO NOT have FM. Read that over, I am now with hardly any FM in my life. Magnet therapy doesn’t work 100%, but most everyone. I think it is definately worth the try!! What do you have to lose?
All I know is, I am not in horrible pain anymore due to FM.
Bernie
August 23, 2012
Sylvia..I am so sorry about your fibromyalgia diagnosis. I have suffered with it since forever. Diagnosed in 1991. It is really painful. I found some relief with ibuprofin which gave me a bleeding ulcer and anemia. Then I found even better relief with Cymbalta, which gave me heart palpitations and caused my hair to fall out. I also believe it lowered my absorption rate of the food I ate because it slowed down my system. I gained a lot of weight. A year ago I found the raw food diet and started eating smoothies, juices, and salads, mostly. As the year has gone by, I noticed the pain getting less and was able to get off the cymbalta with the help of the doctor. That is hard to do and I still have some side effects to deal with. So long story short…Raw, fruits and vegis (lots of greens) no grains, no overt fats/oils. Easy salt. Celery is a great salt sub. No refined sugar. No grains/no cooked anything. You can do it. There is a lot of support on the internet/Youtube, etc. You will never be alone in this quest. But you will become pain free. Wahoo!!
August 23, 2012
Lynn, I am on this diet.. but I grow very tired of eating the same foods.. Have you found anything that helps with a varying diet? Do you have any favorite recipes? Thanks, Susan
August 23, 2012
Susan. Good for you, me too. Yes, like anything, variety helps make it pleasant. I got on to Youtube by searching “Raw Food.” There I found a whole community of raw foodies. I discovered green smoothies which are where I try to include all the wonderful fruits and vegis that Vivian talks about for our bones. I find a lot of interesting recipes there. Dan McDonald and Dara Dubinet, are two of my faves, and more creative than I. I usually do the green smoothie in the am and a big salad at night. Fruit during the day. It’s melon and berry season and I just joined my local CSA for locally grown, organic produce set aside just for me every week. We can do this think and kick osteoporosis to the curb along with other supposed ailments of “old age.”
One of my favorite meals/desserts/snacks, or whatever, is non dairy soft serve. 1 whole peeled orange, 1frozen banana, Abt 1 C. frozen mango. Blend in high powered blender.(add a little water if needed. Enjoy!
August 23, 2012
What about Ezorb calcium, from plants. Great testimonials. The other ingredients you can supply from supplements. We take D3 and a comprehensive food based vitamins minerals.
http://www.elixirindustry.com/ezorb/index.html
This powder dissolves in room temp water, then you add cold juice. Supposedly it has increased density scores.
For whatever.
August 23, 2012
Ezorb is a very special calcium that does not need any vitamin D nor magnesium to be absorbed. For one year after discovering I had severe osteoporosis I took calcium, for 6 months calcium citrate powder, for the other 6 months, Ezorb. This along many other vitamins, minerals and supplements. Bone density increased 8%. The following year I took only Ezorb, my bone density remained the same, no further improvement. The other vitamins, minerals and supplement were the same. So I switched back to calcium citrate for 6 months and at the end of this 6 months will check my bone density. I have an idea that calcium citrate annihilates the phytic acid and other anti nutrients even though it is not seen as the best calcium. Ezorb has the calcium chemically bound to an amino acid, so no anti nutrient can affect this calcium. Also, Ezorb’s calcium is freed from the amino acid within the cells, following a different route than calcium from citrate. Perhaps for some this route may not be the most efficient. The human body is very complex. In three months time I’ll let you know about the BMD.
August 23, 2012
I use and recomend ‘E-’Zorb’ Calcium! Look it up on the Internet. Been using it now or 8 months… Very satisfied.
August 23, 2012
what personal evidence of improvement ?
August 23, 2012
Doctors are telling people over 65 to limit the amount of calcium to 500 mgs. which is reasonable. Dr. Weill mentions less than 700 mgs. They must know someting. My doctor tells me to eat foods rich in calcium and that is the best way to absorb it.
August 23, 2012
I have been taking Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW CALCIUM – Is there any reason to switch?
August 23, 2012
The article was very interesting.
Thanks
August 23, 2012
Hi Vivian
I am using Green Calcium http://greencalcium.com.au in the powder form and I get at least 30 mins of sun most days
GreenCALCIUM exclusively uses Organic Certified Aquamin(TM) marine plant that is environmentally harvested from the clean, mineral-rich Atlantic waters off the west coast of Ireland and the north west coast of Iceland.
September 25, 2012
Hi Vivian,
I am interested in the Trueosteo calcium supplement
but find it rather expensive, if I purchased 6 bottles,
how long would they last me, it doesn’t say how many
tablets there are in each bottle or the daily dosage. I
would be very grateful if you could give me this
information.
Many thanks and I eagerly look forward to your reply.
Sheila
August 23, 2012
Should I been taking extra magnesium, and Vit. k2 if it is already in the Bone-up product that I already take? Thanks for your help.
August 23, 2012
Dear Vivian,
I would like to know your thoughts on the product Bone-up as well? I have osteoporosis and have had many fractures, sprains fissures, breaks etc. I do take calcium supplements and eat a good variety of calcium food derivatives, but still have pain in my bones where I have developed scar tissue. Would you recommend Bone-up for me in my circumstance?
Thank you very much Vivian!
As always,
Denise Sanders
August 23, 2012
Oh, and raving on about a 1.30% increase per year in bone density is not really so wonderful, rather pathetic I feel.
And candidly, I suggest you go searching for something with a bit more substance, and a lot less fluff.
The length of the sales pitch was enough to indicate “gilding the lily” or perhaps “clutching at straws”.
August 23, 2012
Viv, these guys at TrueOsteo seem to be more interested in money than getting supplements to people.
A single bottle of capsules costs $37.99, and freight to me in Australia would cost well over $40, more than the cost of the product.
I get products from other US suppliers, and freight charges are way lower, so I gather that ripping into international customers is part of their business plan. I trust that others will see this and avoid them like the plague.
August 23, 2012
I agree Derek. The cost of freight to Australia from some companies is prohibitive. I also find that some companies can ship much more cheaply so the others are ripping us off.
August 23, 2012
Algaecal is $21.95 per bottle if you buy a year’s supply or a 6 months suppy with the Stronium Citrate, BUT Vivian does not recommend the Strontium.
Yes, there is Shipping and because it is an international transaction for all except Canadians, all credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee which varies by the credit card.
Algaecal Inc. is the only supplier of marine algae. They supply TrueOsteo as well as some of the ingrdients in Garden of Life Raw Calcium.
August 23, 2012
If this supplement contains gelatin and magnesium stearate, I’d steer clear of it. Gelatin is prepared from collagen. This most often comes from old, sick, and diseased animals.
Magnesium stearate is a flow agent used in the manufacturing process to speed up production by preventing machine parts from sticking. One side effect is to depress the production of T cells, a vital component of the immune system. It also causes the gut to form a biofilm that prevents the absortpion of all nutrients, not just from supplements but from food as well.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/06/23/whole-food-supplement-dangers.aspx
August 23, 2012
I stopped taking any supplements containing magnesium stearate after reading Dr Mercola’s article. So who does one believe?
I have read that magnesium stearate inhibits absorption. I used to take vit D caps which contained this inactive ingredient and when I changed to another brand of Vit D (manufactured in Australia) which only contained olive oil my Vit D levels were raised to such an extent that I was able to reduce the number of capsules I was taking.
This was good enough for me.
Maybe Vivian and Dr Mercola should get together and discuss where they source their information.
August 23, 2012
Magnesium stearate is a magnesium salt containing stearic acid. The latter is naturally converted in the body by the enzyme Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 into oleic acid (also found in olive oil).
Stearic acid naturally occurs in foods, such as cocoa, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. One bar of chocolate can contain around 5,000 mg of stearic acid. In comparison, a supplement may contain anywhere from 10 mg to 20 mg of stearic acid.
Stearic acid is also a common fatty acid found in meat, poultry, fish, grains, eggs, butter, and milk products.
August 23, 2012
I read and enjoy your articles every day and have passed on your site to several others. Also have your program. I’m 81 and my bones are still holding up very well (without bisphosphonates). Agree with you wholly regarding magnesium. Fruit extract you mention, I think should say Amla.
Thanks again.
August 23, 2012
I was taking Osteocare but stopped when I realized it contained calcium carbonate which is inorganic and no vitamin K2.I am now taking Solgar ultimate bone support but see,(just looking now) that although Solgar use dicalcium malet and amino acid chelated calcium which are organic,(had to google dicalcium malet !) they also use calcium citrate which is inorganic but it does contain vitamin K2 along with magnesium,zinc, manganese, copper, boron and vitamin D3 !I do find it confusing and had often wished Vivian would just come up with a product we could trust.I haven’t looked at the strontium issue yet.
It is scary when your bone density scan comes back as “high risk of fracture” and when saying thanks but no thanks to the doctor’s presciption, it would be comforting to know that you have got the best possible supplement available.
August 23, 2012
If I’m already taking Algaecal isn’t that good enough. Why should I switch?
August 28, 2012
I agree with those who are taking AlgaeCal that was first recommended by Vivian. That is what I take and I don’t think I am going to switch to something else. Especially if it contains strontium which I though Vivian has said previously do not take.
August 23, 2012
Thanks for the info Vivian. I’ve been taking AlgaeCal Plus which doesn’t contain strontium but has Vitamins C, D3 and K2 plus calcium and magnesium from algae, plus boron (as glycinate). Is this as good as TrueOsteo?
August 23, 2012
The TrueOsteo website clearly shows that their idea of strong bone relies on the density of the bone. You tell us that density isn’t the point, so why recommend this? There’s a lot of scaremongering on the website, too. I shan’t be taking this product.
August 23, 2012
Feona, regardless of its effect on bone density, taking a good bioavailable calcium formula is important. The fact that bone density increases when taking a good formula simply shows that the calcium is used by the body rather than just accumulated as a waste product. Bone density, as I’ve always said, is but one indicator of bone health, and mainstream medicine clings to it as the ONLY bone health indicator because it is the only measurable aspect of bone.
August 23, 2012
I guess perhaps Vivian wants more money. I am grateful for this site however, because of the neat interactions and sharing we have in this forum I think this is the best way to share info. I would rather trust betterbones.com, because it is a non profit organization.
August 27, 2012
I just visited that site Luc. She charges $208 for a 60 minute skype call. Non profit? No thanks! I’m sticking with Vivian, thank you very much!