Could you be taking two supplements that are harming your bones? You might think there’s no way, but think again. Shockingly, these two supplements are considered to be essential for bone health – even by the Medical Establishment – and doctors routinely recommend and prescribe them to their osteoporosis and osteopenia patients.
Today, you’ll find out if you’ve been taking them, and if so, what you should take instead.
Formula Matters
The supplements in question are actually crucial to the health of your bones. However, the difference is in their formulas. These two superstars of the osteoporosis world work synergistically with each other, so it’s vital that both of them are taken in a form your body can use. And while they may need no introduction in name, we do need to introduce the formulaic differences among supplements of…
Vitamin D and Calcium
If you were prescribed Vitamin D and/or calcium by your doctor, then chances are you were given the wrong formula. Here’s why:
Mainstream Medicine’s Blunder #1: Vitamin D
When doctors prescribe Vitamin D – usually after blood tests show a deficiency – it’s almost invariably D2, also called ergocalciferol. And when Vitamin D is added to foods to “fortify” them (such as cow’s milk, for example), it’s always D2. But all Vitamin D is not the same.
Vitamin D2 is far less effective than Vitamin D3. It’s not absorbed well by the body, but Mainstream Medicine continues to treat Vitamins D2 and D3 interchangeably. This study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition couldn’t be more clear in its conclusion about the inferiority of Vitamin D2:
“Despite an emerging body of evidence suggesting several plausible explanations for the greater bioefficacy of vitamin D3, the form of vitamin D used in major preparations of prescriptions in North America is vitamin D2. … Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, should not be regarded as a nutrient suitable for supplementation or fortification.”1
In the above study, it was revealed that D2 and D3 do not follow the same metabolic pathway as previously thought. In addition, D2 was shown to be quite unstable, and prone to toxic contamination due to the way it’s manufactured. “Vitamin D2 is synthetically produced from irradiation of ergosterol derived from the mold ergot”1 the authors state in the study. In contrast, “vitamin D3 is manufactured in a similar manner to that which occurs naturally in human and animal skin.”1
How Vitamin D is Supposed to Work
Interestingly, Vitamin D is also a hormone. So it has some interesting regulatory roles in the body as well. It regulates the calcium and phosphorous in bone remodeling and helps maintain blood calcium levels. In addition, Vitamin D stimulates calcium absorption in the intestine.
In the liver, your body forms a precursor to Vitamin D. This precursor reacts to sunlight to form Vitamin D3 in the skin. The D3 is then further processed in the liver and kidneys to form a hormone.
This is yet another reason why it makes sense that Vitamin D3, derived from natural sources, is the supplement of choice.
Mainstream Medicine’s Blunder #2: Calcium
Typically, doctors will tell those with low bone density to “take calcium” or “drink milk.” But they make no distinction between the organic forms of this mineral and the inorganic. And chances are, prescribed calcium is inorganic. Now, don’t get me wrong. The body can effectively utilize small doses of inorganic calcium, but when doctors prescribe or recommend calcium, the dosage is typically around 1,000 mg a day.
The most common calcium supplements are made of carbonate, citrate (which is easier to digest than carbonate), dolomite, di-calcium phosphate, tri-calcium phosphate, coral, oyster shell or bone meal, and all variations of amino-acid chelated calcium (which are the most bioavailable of all the above forms of calcium). While they may have different names, they all have one thing in common: they are all inorganic.
With the exception of calcium citrate (consisting of an organic anion derived from citric acid bound to inorganic calcium) and plant-derived algae calcium (a biologically integrated live plant made of calcium carbonate), inorganic forms of calcium are not easily bioavailable, especially in large quantities, which most likely explains its association with increased risk of heart attack.
Calcium Carbonate is an Industrial Mineral
Calcium carbonate is also widely used as an industrial mineral. Some interesting information from the Industrial Minerals Association of North America shows just how “industrial” calcium carbonate really is. It’s produced from marble, quarry rocks, or by mixing carbon dioxide with a solution of calcium hydroxide. It’s more compact than chalk, making it even harder for your body to break down and use. In fact, here are some of the ways calcium carbonate used in industry:
- To make the rough surface on sandpaper
- It’s pressed into chalk (in school, you were writing on the chalkboard with the same stuff in the average calcium supplement!)
- Used as a filler in paper, plastics, paints – it’s particularly effective as a coating pigment.
- Used as a filler in adhesives and sealants
- It’s an ingredient in cement and mortar
- Calcium carbonate is used to make steel and glass
Needless to say, this is not something we should put into our bodies!
A note about eggshells – they are not an organic form of calcium; they are 95% calcium carbonate.
When it comes to bone-nourishing supplements, the Osteoporosis Reversal Program goes well beyond calcium and Vitamin D. Aside from explaining the most bioavailable, non-harmful forms of these two bone health staples, it also shows you the scientifically-backed data that confirms…
Calcium And Vitamin D Alone Are Simply Not Enough To Build And Rejuvenate Your Bones
While Mainstream Medicine wrongly focuses exclusively on calcium and Vitamin D (secondary to osteoporosis drugs, of course), the data clearly shows that many other micronutrients are absolutely necessary to build your bones. Boron, manganese, zinc and Vitamin B complex are just a few examples of Foundation Supplements.
Stop Worrying About Your Bone Loss
Join thousands of Savers from around the world who have reversed or prevented their bone loss naturally and scientifically with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
The Program gives you the most effective, safe formulations for each, all backed by scientific evidence, leaving no stone unturned.
Till next time,
References
1 Houghton, Lisa A. and Vieth, Reinhold. “The case against ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as a vitamin supplement.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. October 2006. vol. 84 no. 4, 694-697. Web. https://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/84/4/694.full
2 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.
Please note that chemically speaking, Calcium Citrate and Calcium chelated by an Amino Acid are no more inorganic than Calcium Orotate. Technically, Calcium Citrate is the Calcium salt of Citric Acid. Calcium Glycinate (bisglycinate) is the Calcium salt of glycine (an amino acid), with additional complexing (chelation) between the glycine ligands and the Calcium ion (and similarly for other amino acids). Calcium Orotate is the Calcium salt of Orotic Acid (with some additional complexing). Citric Acid, Amino Acids, and Orotic Acid are all organic acids (as are a number of others like Malic Acid, Succinic Acid, etc.) Most inorganic forms of Calcium are Calcium salts of inorganic acids (carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, etc.) Lumping the Calcium Citrate and amino acid chelated Calcium product in with inorganic forms of Calcium (Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Sulfate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, etc.) is incorrect. Please correct the discussion in the above article.
Does anyone have experience taking strontium?
D2 is the level they are checking? No, they check 25, hydroxycholecalxiferol which is a prehormone that is produced in the liver from vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is converted into 25- hydroxyergocalciferol in the liver which, like 25-cholecalciferol, is then converted to the hormone form responsible for modulating uptake of magnesium, calcium and phosphorous in the intestines. Also note that vitamin d is not a hormone, it can be called a prehormone. Also, when you say “inorganic” forms of calcium such as calcium carbonate are inferiour to organic forms, you must not realize that the definition of organic, in chemical terms, means containing carbon. Carbonate, carbon-ate. Carbon is only produced from life forms, calcium carbonate is organic.
Thank you Tony! I can’t believe they would put out such glaringly inaccurate information. I mean, a four year old child knows that an eggshell is of COURSE organic. To claim otherwise is just completely confounding.
Makes me very suspicious of this whole organization…
Sheep wool is probably considered natural, but I wouldn’t want to consume it and that is what vitamins D3 isndervied from in the lab for.
Are you suggesting that vitamin D3 derived from sheep wool is the same as plant-based vitamin D3? I know you didn’t actually suggest that, but I think the clarification between the two should be noted.
I need your program. But I can’t afford it. I have had open heart surgery and cancer. Please help me
I found low cost used edition on ebay. And the exercise videos are on youtube.
So, reading about Aquamin (Red Sea algae) vs Laird Superfood creamer vs other Red Sea algae with many junk additives.
I don’t specifically need a Calcium but Husband does, and needs the
Fit D, all in the right amounts for his RA, but the best sources.
Ideas?
Please correct this article. The definition of organic should be based on chemical terminology. The amino acid chelates, as well as citrates, etc are organometallic salts/complexes, not inorganic minerals, and definitely should not be lumped in with inorganic minerals such as tricalcium phosphate, etc. Also, the bioavailability of these some of these organometallic salt/complexes is quite good, which is another misrepresentation in this article the way it is currently written. Note: The molecules (and our bodies) don’t care where the metal ions come from. The level and type of impurities are of much more concern, and these can be present regardless where the metal ion comes from. If the mineral source is from a reputable supplier and has been adequately tested to make sure the impurities are at an acceptably low level,there shouldn’t be a problem. This applies to both natural and synthesized compounds. That said, one should always check with health care professional(s) about which the supplements to take, especially since some forms of supplements could potentially interact with needed medications.
Thank you! This article is full of incorrect and misleading information
Hi Vivian,
I’m looking into switching from BoneUp by Jarrow to Agaecal Plus. I’ve read about Strontium controversies so would prefer not to take it.
Agaecal Plus is the one you recommend right?
Ok, now I am terrified. Not only have I had many spine surgeries(along w/ 3 fusions & 1 more pending). I had to have my thyroid removed(due to unidentifyable tumors). I also had to have a parathyroid removed that was leeching calcium from my bones(hungry bone syndrome). When they removed the affected parathyroid, it was discovered that one is missing and the other two were dead from first half of thyroid removal. I have been taking 500+ calcium + vit d3 4-5 times a day in order to stay alive. Now you are telling me it is gonna cause a heart attck or brain lesions among many other scary issues???? Why even try to take the calcium that my body “Has to Have to Live” if its gonna kill me in the long run? Very Scared right now, PLEASE RESPOND, Thank You
Hi V.P.,
Please don’t worry or give in to fear. Instead, take the information and use it to make informed decisions about how you will proceed with regard to your bone health. 🙂 Here are some links for further reading that should help:
https://saveourbones.com/can-calcium-cause-brain-lesions-kidney-stones-and-heart-attacks/
https://saveourbones.com/7-facts-you-didnt-know-about-calcium/
In addition, feel free to use our search feature and look for “calcium” for more information. 🙂
https://saveourbones.com/calcium-heart-attack/
The active ingredient in TUMS Regular Strength is calcium carbonate! So enough with the fear mongering.
And my great grandfather ended up with stomach cancer, he ate Tums like candy.
And…
@KP,
Let’s not confuse association with causation. It is extraordinarily likley that your grandfather had a helicopbacter pylori infection, which contributed to gastritis as well as his gastric cancer, and that’s why he took so much TUMS. The TUMsddid NOT cause his gastric cancer.
But exposure to fluoride may have caused a lot of cancers since it’s inception via community Water Fluoridation… not the same grade as pharmaceutical grade…but industrial waste by product of industry…and can and has caused most cancers in our country…My pet peeve is why do children seem to get so much bone, and brain and blood cancers ? I know that fluoride is one of the most mutagenic compounds…and the CDC has caused most of the the various communicable diseases.. how is it spread.? Answer maybe thru the water, air and what is processed with fluoridated water…hence ~>Flu~ oride… and so far, no one has studied that angle except me… Let this sink in some..
Meh whatever. Tums are not good for you. Tums helped subside my heart burn temporarily but I noticed an uptick in reoccurring heart burn. Take minimally processed baking soda. I know from person experience. Be careful of these the guys who claim to be doctors. They read peer reviewed papers and appeal to authority. They would rather give you chemo rather than finding a natural cure and they think there is no natural cure because again, they only read peer reviewed papers by corrupt institutions.
Yes and tums is not good for you. Take minimally processed baking soda for heartburn. Works instanteously and alkalines the system ?
Hi Vivian,
I have been subscribed meloxicam 7.5 mg capsules, vitamin d and glucosamine hydrochloride 1500mg for my arthritis. I have had psoriatic arthritis in the past and it went away with treatment over a few years. Now I am suffering again, haven’t been told with what really, so this has been subscribed. When I stopped taking the medication for a couple days, the pain decreased. But there is still some pain in the joints. Does what I have been subscribed seem correct?
Hello Vivian can u tell me what difference between the product EZorb and True osteo?
I am 51 yrs old post menopausal. (genetic early menopause at age 40). in 2008 i had a spinal tscore reading of -3.5 and did not treat other than healthy living and calcium/D3 and multivite. My recent scan showed a spinal tscore of -4.8. The other findings are in the -2 and -3 range. My doctor wants me to start Actonel, but I am really concerned about this medication (like everyone else) She is really concerned about a spinal fx if I fall even though I am active and healthy. I just ordered Algaecal and Strontium, but I am reading that Strontium is not the best. Can you help please? This is such a hard and scary decision!
I am 57 years old my scores are a bit worse. I am in the same boat….and leaning towards Algaecal myself. All very confusing Doctors pushing prescriptions . Ezorb sounded good but almost to good to be true and no money back if it doesn’t work. Its all a crap shoot. Good Luck, Stay Strong. would love to know what you decide to do.
Hi I 38 , was in a severe car accident 7 years I ago, I’m still having surgeries, Nov 2015 had a lumbar fusion due to cyst forming around a re fracture 3 months later my screws came loose, I just had a second surgery via the abdominal area and back to cage ,rod the spine. I wanted to know what other supplements I should take to help my back re grow bone and fuse. I take 1000iu C, calcium,magnesium,and zinc, and vitamin D3.
Hi Jill, I too have had two back fusions, fell three years ago and had a fracture L-5 through endplate, lost two inches in one day and have had horrible pain last 3 yrs. they want to got in through my stomach and redo it all creating more curvature in my back. I have Osteopenia, severe arthritis I may not be a candidate. But I need it. May I ask how the surgery you had in the FRONT of back turned out? and these supplements? thanks so much.. Catherine
I simply cannot trust an article that contains spelling errors so basic they make me wonder whether the author went to primary school. The same goes for articles that purport to be scientific or at least somewhat technical yet include insertions such as “yuk” and fearmongering couched in false correlations, specifically the notion that calcium carbonate is harmful because it’s used to make paint (as is water). I feel bad for readers who are genuinely concerned for their health. I would encourage all readers to continue their research.
Question:
Is it possible True Osteo Advanced Bone Support could cause Crystals or stones in the Kidney?
Hi Shirley,
Because TrueOsteo is absorbed so well by the body, there is much less “stray” calcium left in the bloodstream to cause problems like kidney stones.
Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would love
to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would appreciate your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.
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Doctor , I am a nearly 12 year old ( I am going to turn 12 Noveber 20th 2016 ) and i think i am getting taller, but very slowly ( like I grow half an inch in a month ). So, Do you think that i should take one pill a day of Bluebonnet calcium citrate , magnesium and vitamin D3 to promote bone growth ?
What a crock. NO, doctors do not just tell people diagnosed with osteoporosis to “drink milk” or “take calcium”. What’s wrong with you???
YES, they do, tell patients to take calcium. I WAS Told TO TAKE JUST TUMS/With Calcium. They never even mentioned milk. Besides everything is bad for you.
TUMS? The worst ever for mineral assimilation… lol
My doctor absolutely told me to “take calcium” and “drink milk.” He absolutely did.
Vivian, I am 60 yrs old, have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis and have also just passed my first ‘calcium oxalate’ kidney stone. I am a vegan (4 years) so only eat a plant based diet, no refined sugar, little sodium, and I take additional supplements. My urologist said to not take any calcium tablets, but later said calcium citrate would be ok. I have quit the calcium I was taking (Advacal) but am now considering getting the calcium citrate. I’m having a hard time trying to figure out how to eat less high oxalate vegetables, and still get the necessary calcium and protein in the foods I eat. I’ve increased my water and am adding lemon juice. I walk at least 2 hours per week, more in the summer. What do you suggest I do to avoid worsening my osteoporosis and also prevent more kidney stones?
Taking Nature City TrueOsteo recommended by Vivian. However I can’t find anywhere how some of these ingredients translate to daily minimum requirements. Very frustrating. Hope you found your answer.
I don’t mean to hijack someone’s advertising site, but I was diagnosed with osteopenia 5-6 years ago. About 4 years ago, I started taking Bonexcin, which has D3, K2, Manganese, and Zinc, among other things. I have had 2 bone scans since then and each one showed a small increase in numbers. My doctor was pleased and told me to keep doing what I was doing. He looked over the ingredients, determined it was safe. He would not say that was the cause of my results. He didn’t know if it was that, my diet, or exercise, but I was doing well on the latter two when I was first diagnosed. I’m convinced it is Bonexcin. I have had no side effects. With the discount for buying 3 bottles at a time, I spend about $25 per month. Well worth my results!
Research VitaminK2 I heard that should be taken when your taking VitaminD or Calcium or both supplements because it’s a vehicle for calcium to go to your bones and not to your soft tissue which you may pass kidney stones because your body has calcium but don’t know where do go so vitaminK2 direct it to bones not soft tissue.
I have read that milk (1, 8 oz. glass) helps with kidney stones. There are unconfirmed/anecdotal threads about vitamin C (250 mg – 1500 mg of ascorbic acid) and its impact on dissolving kidney stones….of course, drinking plenty of water is important, which it sounds like you’re doing.
Drink warm organic apple cider vinegar with mother with minimally processed baking soda twice day to help with prevention of kidney stones and for current kidney stones.. Research that for more info.
Hi Agustin,
You are absolutely right about the unpleasant effects of calcium carbonate. However, TrueOsteo contains AlgaeCal, which is an organic, plant-based calcium that is world’s away from rock-like calcium carbonate.
While I agree we need the appropriate forms of calcium for assimilation, we also need the correct ratios and the supplement being offered has a whopping 11:1 Calcium-Magnesium ratio! Even the FDA recommends 2:1 but having experienced too much calcium in my diet and supplementation, symptoms of tension, agitation, added stress and heart issues, I came to the realization I needed to take another look at my intake. I found I already received more than enough calcium in my diet but not enough magnesium, nor enough Vitamin D-3 or K-2. I’ve stopped calcium supplementation and if anything have turned my once 2:1 calcium-magnesium ratio to at least 1:1 and my overall health has improved greatly. Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, ND has valuable information on magnesium its benefits and the fact it’s underused in our diet and supplementation.
Whatever you do, don’t overuse Calcium, while we need it, if not properly assimilated will ‘not’ reach the areas of need so much as it leads to calcification of bone and hardening of the arteries.
Hi Vivian,
I follow your diet and exercise recommendations. I have also been taking True Osteo, at your suggestion. Recently there have been reports in the news about herbal remedies sold at major pharmacies that were examined and found to have none of the substances in them that they were supposed to have contained. I’m wondering if True Osteo has been analyzed by any outside testers. Thanks.
Dear Vivian,
I have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis in my right femur. I have been taking a product by Natural Vitality called “Natural Calm Plus Calcium”. Do you have any information about this product, and if so, what is your opinion of its worth to my cause of building my bones without causing damage to the rest of my body.
Kind Regards,
Lauren
Get your levels checked to see where your D3 and K2 level is because if you are deficient no matter how many calcium pills you take it won’t save your bone, it’s D3 and K2 that guide the calcium to were it needs to go. There is a lot of researched done about these 2 Vitamin’s. The best was to get VitaminD3 is from the sun 10-15 minutes should be good enough between 11-2pm when the sun is at it’s peak and uvb is at it’s strongest.
Sorry I meant to say the best way to get VitaminD3 is to sunbath
Dear V, I read all your mail. I am truly blessed and satisfied with you, such a wonderful person and friend to all of us here, and for such a great task you have, and the sacrifices you make to give us so much help that we all need. Thank you again. In time, I will get your exercise program, and your recipe book. I am vegan, so I will know how to substitue for the meat kine. God bless you and family daily is my prayer. Hugs. Abigail
I have also reviewed a product called AlgaeCal Plus that recommends a Strontium Boost supplement also. The ingredients are close to this TrueOsteo. What are the feelings onthe strontium boost being needed??
A scientist said that we should not eat chore lla because of the polluted oceans!
What is your take on this? I hope you write Bout it!
Do you know of a supplement that has aquamin ,vit k2,
Vit d3 and other minerals???
Thank you for the info!
I am actually enquiring if there is any corn, dairy or soy in this product?
Dear Vivian, After reading your article about cow’s milk having added vitamin D, you stated that it has vitamin D2. I checked several brands in the stores, and every one had vitamin D3 added. Thanks, just wonderin!
Who teaches much of you guys to speak english hey?
Much of you? That would be muches of youses guises. Always important to check your granma.
Hi! Vivian,
Thank You Very Much For Answering The Question About Cilantro And TrueOsteo! It’s Helped Me A Lot.
You Are A Life-Saver!
LOVE, LESLIE (MS. L. CARMEL)
I am disappointed that customer service fails to respond to my e-mails concerning my order A1A-201305272236-144840.
The material was ordered on May 27 nearly three weeks ago. Help!
I am sorry you didn’t receive our reply to you, Carolyn! Customer Service will be glad to contact you again about your order.