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 calcium compounds.
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 of 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.
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 listed in the Osteoporosis Reversal 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 Osteoporosis Reversal 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.
Enjoy in good health!
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.
I am 64. After my Congestive Heart Failure diagnosis in 2009 my first symptom were feet swelling, energy loss and chest pains. Suddenly I got weak and dizzy and had severe shortness of breath. My blood pressure was 200/100, respiration was 28 with oxygen saturation of 88 percent. I was extremely short of breath. My doctor started me on blood pressure medications, Lasix and nitroglycerin, the medications helped but not much. In January this year my PCP referred me to Rich Herbs Foundation, i immediately started on their natural organic CHF FORMULA treatment. I had a total decline in all symptoms including the leg and feet swellings, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight problems, excess urination, chest pains and others. Visit Rich Herbs Foundation web page ww w. richherbsfoundation. com. The CHF treatment totally reversed my congestive heart failure condition and most amazingly i can go about my daily activities!
The study(ies) linking heart attacks to calcium use does not address the use of RAW calcium vs. 99% of calcium supplements.
What supplement do you recommend for osteoporosis as I do not eat right and need at least 1600 mg. My doctor and I fight all the time as he wants me to take calcium caltrate 600 mg 3xday. There are so many chemicals in that pill. I want to take something natural without lead! But I cannot find anything that aren’t horse pills! I use to take Garden of life raw calcium but they are expensive. He did not like Bone health as he said wasn’t enough!
I wish I could afford a natural path doctor as I would get rid of him in a minute!
I have been taking Garden of Life calcium without the strontium. My doctors have advised me not to use the strontium while taking alendronate. I am no longer on the alendronate (taking a break) and I’m wondering now if this would be worth a try. Also, how does Algae Cal compare with Garden of Life Raw Calcium?
What supplement do you recommend for osteoporosis as I do not eat right and need at least 1600 mg. My doctor and I fight all the time as he wants me to take calcium caltrate 600 mg 3xday. There are so many chemicals in that pill. I want to take something natural without lead! But I cannot find anything that aren’t horse pills! I use to take Garden of life raw calcium but they are expensive. He did not like Bone health as he said wasn’t enough!
I wish I could afford a natural path doctor as I would get rid of him in a minute!
Iam taking a VitD3 with 90 mcg Vit K2 , and the True Osteo Calcium which also has 90 mcg Vit K2. Is that too much K2? If so, what is the best way to take the Vit D3.
Thank you. I love reading your weekly e mails and exercises. Can I get the Densercise in a hard copy,not a download?
Thank you . This page is very helpful and informative.
I have just read for the frst time a very informative topics about how to take care our bones .I am taking algae cal as recomended by a friend about 4 mos. now… together with it i am also taking superCOD liver oil,VitC 1000mg,magnesium citrate 150 mg,centrum select,omega-300epa-200dha, i cap each daily….i am not sure if i have to take this all…can you please advice me a capsule that includes this all? thanks a lot!!!!
I can say that you are more than a doctor really .Thanks a lot to you .God bless!!!fely
I just read that AlgaeCal has lead in it. We take Garden of Life KIND Plant Based Calcium and have been for 6 years. My husband and I both had heart attacks in 2010 and we had been taking the wrong kind of calcium and were not aware of all the other minerals etc. We purchase our supplements at Amazon.com where they usually have the best prices. I’m sorry, I just had to reply when I saw AlgaeCal after reading about it only a few minutes ago. This is a GREAT site and I sent it to all my children (grown).
I too am taking garden of life … but mine is vitamin code raw calcium ..plant based from algae.
Dr. Vivian, I have been taking 250 mg of Calcium Citrate for 5 years as I was diagnosed with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. I thought they would help. My doctor just told me not to take them because they do not go to the bone as you might expect and they can cause heart attack. He told me to get the added calcium from foods. I stopped the supplements immediately. Can stopping them cause a bloating? Thank you.
Hello Dr. Vivian,
Quick question. Which is better, in your opinion, for osteoporosis, Oyster Shell Capsules or Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)?
Thank you!
Take care,
Vikki
I appreciate all the advice and read your information regularly. What calcium sources do you suggest for individuals who eat a 100% plant based diet and who also suffer from calcium oxalate kidney stones. I am having a hard time trying to adjust my diet and should be taking or eating calcium prior to my meals to allow the calcium and oxalates to bind. I’ve been taking an organic veggie calcium supplement but noticed that many of the veggies used are actually high in oxalates (not good!). But they are also veggies that are high in calcium. In addition to suffering from kidney stones, I have osteoporosis, and have read numerous articles about dairy not being the best source of calcium.. that it actually leaches calcium from the bones. In keeping with my vegan diet, what should I be doing to get the calcium I need for osteoporosis, and that will bind with oxalates I need to curb for correcting my kidney stones?
I’m sorry I did not include I also take d-3 5000 with K-2 50 MCG by solaray, I drink milk once or twice daily. As mentioned daily vitiman 50+Ultra potency Multi with (Correction 200 mg ofmineral source Red algae, from aquarim clacified.lumbar spine t score – 1.5 z- score – 0.1 ( 0.9 decress within 2 yrs incress in hip 4.6%) I walk 2x week I have a small body frame, do not want to lose weight.
I take liquid calcium by blue bonnet.once a day. I also take vitiman d 3 5000 with k2 m7 50 mcg. I drink milk once or twice daily. However, my daily vitiman has plant base algecal 300 mg. Will they conflict with each other?
I take liquid calcium by blue bonnet. However my daily vitiman has plant base algecal. Will they conflict with each other?
It’s been said many times but THANK YOU Vivien for this post. I was just about to order Algaecal with Strontium for my severe ostoeporosis and now I will nix the Strontium. My parathyroid test came out abnormal several years ago and my doctor re-ran the test after telling me to never go over taking 500 mg of calcium a day and drink plenty of water and since then my parathyroid has been ok. I am going to try the Algaecal without the strontium and see what happens. I too refuse to go on fosamax and actonel. Any advice is appreciated.
If your PTH is abnormal, you need surgery to remove the bad parathyroid gland or your osteoporosis will only get worse. GO to parathyroid.com and read about the parathyroid glands. I had surgery there this year and it was quick and next day I was back to work. My life has improved so much, I cannot believe it.
There is always more to know. You have 4 parathyroid glands and if you have all 4 removed you will have poor bone health because you can will not have the ability to absorb calcium.
Instead of surgery for abnormal PTH, you may want to try Modified Citrus Pectin to dissolve the nodes on the parathyroid gland and also on the thyroid gland if they are there also. Also look into glandular extracts to provide nutrition for the glands.
One thing I’d like to comment on is that weightloss system fast is possible by the right diet and exercise. Someone’s size not only affects appearance, but also the entire quality of life. Self-esteem, depressive disorder, health risks, along with physical abilities are influenced in putting on weight. It is possible to do everything right and still gain. If this happens, a condition may be the reason. While too much food instead of enough physical exercise are usually accountable, common health conditions and popular prescriptions can easily greatly enhance size. I am grateful for your post right here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBa8paFuhIg
If the calcium is building up in your arteries it’s because you’re lacking the ability to process the calcium correctly – a lack of K2 and D3. Most people have been on antibiotics and that kills your good microflora. Those microflora generate K2 in your small intenstines. Also, calcium is an element. So you can attempt to compare “organic” and “inorganic” calcium but an element is an element because it can’t be broken down any further. If you take calcium, doesn’t matter what kind, elements are elements, be sure to get a dose of K2 with it.
I agree an element is an element. On top of what you are taking with the calcium you need to look at the side of the dose. With calcium, taking 1500 mg at once is very different than taking 200-300mg doses several times a day with food.
I am so confused regarding the right calcium to take, I had a bone scan I have Osteopenia, do not want to start Fosamax etc. I want to try a good calcium supplement for one year then take a Dexi scan again. I heard about the Chelated Calcium from Neo life .what do you sugest. My rt knee hurts a lot arthritis. Sincerely awaiting your responce
Silvana,
If you don’t read my whole post, at least investigate using magnesium as it is a natural relaxant and helps to lessen fluid buildup you’re likely experiencing with your knee pain.
My wife was diagnosed with Osteopenia a couple of years back and was told by her physician that it’s irreversible and yet we chose not to listen to their ‘advice’ and did our own research finding out that it ‘can’ be reversed. At first we made the mistake of ‘increasing’ our calcium supplement intake and that only led to high blood pressure, volatility in moods, unable to sleep, etc. Turns out we already had enough calcium in our diets and it can lead to a myriad of health issues without several other nutrients helping the assimilation, magnesium in particular. We read ‘The Magnesium Miracle’ by Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, ND and realized we were causing more harm than good and have now flipped the recommended calcium to magnesium ratio from 2:1, to at least 1:1 or 1:2 with remarkable results. We’re much more at ease, better digestion, muscle recovery and for my wife, her bone calcium test put her out of the osteopenia area and into a healthy range. She can’t wait to go back to this physician that told her reversal was impossible and see what their response will be when she can prove them wrong.
“Minerals such as magnesium, zinc, boron, and the others I list in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.”
Just because vegetables CAN contain these substances doesn’t mean they DO. Since America went onto a steady diet of chemical farming in the 1940s and 50s to now, they concentrated on only three things: NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potash), totally overlooking all the other nutrients and minerals that plants (and humans) need. In the last 75 years, the nutrition in our food has dropped to 30-70% of what it used to be.
Not only were the other nutrients depleted due to not being replaced, many parts of the country are very deficient in magnesium, zinc, boron and others.
There aren’t any guarantees unless you grow it yourself and know what you’re doing, or buy from a local farmer who remineralizes his soil. Nothing is simple these days, is it?
p.s. Don’t you just HATE this gray type? Save your bones and lose your eyesight… YEAH!
Dear Vivian,
Could you please comment of taking calcium by eating sea vegetables as Wakame (contains 1300mg of calcium/100grams of wakame); Arame (contains 1170 mg of calcium/100 grams of arame); Hijiki (contains 1400mg of calcium/100 grams of hijiki) and so an, as reported in the book “The Macrobiotic Way” by Michio Kushi, table 6.3. Mineral content of various Sea Vegetables.
Thank you so much.
Mirjana
I take a 1:2 cal/mag + bit d supplement to assist me in falling asleep. I suffer from chronic stress, I feel it really helps me get a good restful full nights sleep. I am a runner and weightlifter (also helps with stress). Should I be concerned? I’m pushing 40 and aside from stress disorder I’m in good health?
My son who is 18 broke his back. The back Dr. told him to rest and start taking Calcium supplements. I did some research and found Vitamin Code Raw Calcium and after rest (hes a football player) and taking these Calcium supplements he was able to go back to football. He is going to go to college to play football and I’m wondering if I should continue with supplements? Hes still growing and lifting and pounding of the body. Any thoughts??? Thanks
Take calcium via food (raw milk) and fat-soluble vitamins like K2, also via food, and vit D through sunshine.
how many a day dose your son tak i have osteoporisis in my lrgs and lower back i was takeing a medcation that coast over 100.00 dollars a month but now i can’t aford them any more and they made me sick someone told me about raw calcium im kind of scared to take them because i read that too much calcium can cause heart prblums
thank you janet
My friend just recommended USANA’s chelated calcium supplement but I just found out that, although it is active chelated calcium, it has calcium citrate and carbonate. Is this safe? Thanks.
We’ve been taking Usana supplements long time ago and it is the best. After a lot of research I found it’s the best designed program to get healthy at any age. I first use it to lose weight and later to became a runner. My body became an fast autohealing machine.
Control of bodys pH balance in the prevention of a host of diseases including accelerated aging , increase oxygen storage , This is a good alternative for those who are lactose intolerant thus lowing the chances of Osteoporosis , coupled with magnesium will help with nerve impulse transmission , healthy bones andteeth , detoxification, energy production
https://www.generalhealthproductstx.com/
Is the New Chapter version of calcium from Algae a safe supplement if one is being diagnosed with osteopenia in the lower spine and spine of the neck?
I use new chapter and love it for the plant based calcium
I have the same problem. And need answers too Please help with some advice. thanks
I stopped taking my regular calcuim with vit D since I had terrible digestive problems. Recentlymy Chiropractor suggested plant based calcuim. I researched and found that it includes also Vit K2. My problem is that I’m on warfarin Vitamin Ks should be avoided. Is there any plant base calcuim without K…I have atrial fibrillation and need to be on warfarin.
See what you can do to drop the warfarin. There are natural blood thinners and vit K is one! If that is why you take warfarin?…See if you can do it naturally and biologically more compatible that fits with your other body needs.
Vitamin K is not a blood thinner,it is used to help blood clot.
Both Ezorb and Algaecal are quite expensive; there are other algae based or organic calcium supplements available. I’ve been taking BoneBlast, and hoping for the best. But my real question is I wish someone would tell me how to test my alkaline/acid levels. Every time I see the results at my annual physical, the urinalysis has always tested acidic. Help! I’m doing my best to stay on the program.
Hi Jean,
You can get ph level test strips from almost any store and they’re inexpensive. Target, walgreens, whole foods, cvs…etc
I am again asking about taking calcium since I have very painful calcified ribs. Do you think the ribs could ever heal? They are very painful. I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis of the spine over a yr ago. I read your book and stayed on the bone program partially for a yr. Last MRI showed I now have Osteopina. But my ribs are still very painful.any suggestions?
You might want to try taking a high quality magnesium supplement. Magnesium balances out calcium in the body and helps to neutralize and dissolve any abnormal calcifications. You most likely have an imbalance of calcium and magnesium in your body – not enough magnesium to balance out the calcium. This alone will cause calcifications. Good luck!
Hi, I was wondering if the Algae-Cal you are talking about is a particular brand or if there are different brands out there that contain it. I’ve read good reviews on a particular product called Garden of Life RAW calcium, and was wondering if you knew if this product is one of the good ones. Also, if it would be safe to take during pregnancy to up the calcium intake. What do you say?
I take Chia seeds, I’ve found that Chia seeds has high calcium in it. I have Osteoarthritis, so I am taking Glucosamine with Boswellia regularly (3-4 times a week) and I also take Chia, Flax seeds daily. I like to listen to my own body and take more or less supplements base on body reactions, such as whether it is giving me headaches, constipation or insomnia. I have tried very standard Caltrate-calplus and Ostelin with D in the past, both gave me terrible headaches within an hr and made me sleep for hours. My recommendation is that we should listen to our own body, every person’s body is different. I’ve realised that the body can store stuff for days like Vitamin D and will give you a sign when it runs out. All I can say is that I don’t really any supplements if I eat right and exercise regularly, but because of we would all like to save time, supplements becomes the easy way out, but there is never one cure for all.
You are right, Jane – it’s so important to listen to your own body! Very few people are attuned to their body’s signals.
I have osteoporosis and I have a lot of food allergies and vitamin allergies. Every time I take a calcium pill, I get very fast heart beats so much that I cant sleep. Is there a way I can take calcium and not have the fast heart beats? Thank You.
Vitamin B deficiency or overdose can cause heart palpitation (fast beat).
This is an old post and question, however this is a common problem and some enlightenment is needed for others.
Each mineral is an antagonist to another–there’s a mineral wheel online to reference. That is why you shouldn’t just take one mineral, it will cause a deficiency of another, such as magnesium, potassium etc. Those other minerals play a part in regulating the heartbeat etc. Each mineral is known for its strengths: Magnesium is a nerve tonic and involved in many enzymatic functions in the body, Kalium (potassium) is known for muscle functions etc. and many more…
Although, each mineral has known functions in the body, like drugs (isolates), man can not assemble together in perfect balance an effective supplement because there are unknown variables and specific ratios of nature’s laws that must be followed.
If you must take minerals with your food, then it should be from a clean (away from industrial toxins), natural and unadulterated mineral source and rich in naturally occurring trace minerals.
Ideally, growing foods in healthy soil with an abundance of natural minerals would make the food’s minerals most bio-available. This is something that was a concern in the U.S. in the early 1900’s before glyphosate was even used, yet the mineral deficiency in the U.S. soil still exists today.
A can of spinach in the early 1900’s had many times the nutrient value of one in the 50’s, and one of today far less.
Whether it’s because of microbes or minerals, the bottom line: get minerals in food form; our bones are not frail because we are deficient in pharmaceutical drugs, it is because our foods are mineral deficient, our bodies are full of toxins and we have become hosts to pathogenic microbes.
†
Looks like a good program and I’m considering purchasing it, however, want to make sure it is vegan-friendly. Also, what is the difference between this and the other program available online? I also see that many of these questions are not answered. So is this only a blog or does Ms. Goldschmidt even read this?
Thanks, Mary
Hi Mary,
The program doesn’t provide specific adjustments for vegans, but for the most part, it is tailored quite well for those who don’t consume animal products. Because meat is acidifying, there is no need to include it in your diet; this goes for dairy products as well. 🙂
Flax, chia, and hemp seeds are vegan sources of omega-3 fatty acids and good alternatives to fish oil.
No single food is required on the Osteoporosis Reversal Program; it’s all about balance and proportion. So it should be quite easy to simply eliminate animal products and choose from the wide variety of available bone healthy foods.
If there is a specific nutrient that I recommend in an animal-based product, you can always find an alternative by doing an online search for “vegetarian source for [nutrient name]”. I hope this helps, and best of luck moving forward!
Hi!
Have your book and read your e-mails
Which plant based supplements do you recommend.?
I have very serious osteoporosis and have been takin up to 1500mgs of Ca a day . Am getting worried about all the warnings about heart attacks, plaque, etc.
Thanks.
Franchise khettry
Still asking about my calcified ribs. Does calcium effect them. Are they the same as calcified arteries?
I am 59 years old probably the best shape of my life.I exercise everyday,eat clean,don’t smoke or drink.I can’t think of anything I can do to be more healthier than I am.Recently I was told I have premature heart beats.Wore a EKG halter for 24 hours.This has been going on for a little over a month.Don’t know where this came from.Just read today there could be a link to calcium tablets and heart attacks.I take New Chapter…Bone strength take care…been on them for years.It crossed my mind of course,no heart disease runs in my family.My parents are in there 90’s!!
Hi Vivian,
I found what looks like an excellent calcium supplement. It is called AlgaeCal made from algae. It contains Vitamin D, Magnesium, vitamin K and Boron. The capsule is made from vegetable oil and it is a sustainable product. The reviews have been fantastic. What are your thoughts on this?
Thank you,
Donna
Greetings-My mother gave me cal-mag sel salts as a child and Advise I should never take these nutrients in any other form. I’m reminded of this following my search for safe cal-mag and discovery of cal-mag orotate. Why is this so poorly reported,including by you. I’m not trying to br rude,but would like an answer to this question. Thank yiou. Joan
I have read Vivian’s book and all the comments so far. No one says anything about Calcium Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite, which I am reading elsewhere is a very absorbable form of Ca and also contains all other minerals and Vitamins in the right proportion for the absorption of Ca and is very efficient in containing and reversing osteoporosis. Has anyone any experience with using Calcium Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite?
I would also like to know about this MCHA.
Actually, MCHC is form an organic source and is not prone to contmaination whereas Algaecal is loaded with cadmium and other heavy metals incldung lead thta we wll above an accpetable range. It is harvested from the ocean which are far from clean and thought nor clearly labelled, deep research will revwal some very disconcerting info on red algae, algaecal etc. This site is designed to sell specific products. Nettle and oatstraw are the anti osteoporsosi herb. Drink a qt a day for the best calcium and minerla rich tea there is.
Nettles, Urtica dioca and Oatstraw , aevna sativa are what we herbalists use. A qt a day, Foregt expensive supplements and flase advertising.
Visit The Herbal tarot . com for solid info on calcium and absorption. The site is educational and does not sell anything.
Herbs are inexpensive, safe to use and reliable.
One 8oz cup of oatstraw tea has 300mg of elemental calcium.
It is not harvetsed form the ocean floor or cattle
For calcium supplements, MCHC is excellent.
It is inexpensive, try MRM or Swanson brands , they are also mineral rich but the teas are the best as are oatstraw vinegear which you can easily make.
Don’t be duped by marketing . Educate, research and research more.
All the herbs you mention are either strongly diuretic, and/or contain anti-thiamine factors. Google is your friend…
San, I have been taking this supplement for several years given from my natural care practitioner. I take half the dosage that is recommended on the bottle. I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2010 and it has not gotten any worse. I love that all the vit/minerals are all in the supplement that we also need. I always take a vit D supplement with one calcium supplement since I heard Dr. Oz mention that Vit D should be taken with calcium to prevent heart issues.
I took Bone Up by Jarrow with this MCHA calcium. It is made from the bones of baby cattle and is probably a by-product (it is not necessarily bad to be a “by-product”), of killing these animals for veal. While I had no problems with the product, I decided to stick with vegan sources, such as Aquamin or AlgaeCal–hich is IMO expensive.
I think you made a wise choice, Johnny – calcium derived from bovine sources is Calcium Hydroxyapatite (usually known as MCHA or MCHC), and it is neither organic nor chelated and has the potential problem of contamination.
With all due respect, the fact that “Bone Up” isn’t chelated is probably a good thing. I don’t know if it’s officially labeled ‘organic’ or not, but it’s certainly ‘organic’ compared to man-made chelates.
And I’m also not sure, but I would think that in this century, Jarrow probably checks for any heavy metal issues (or “contamination” as you say), as their reputation would be ruined if it had high levels of lead or whatever.
Respectfully,
Kelly
MCHA calcium (used in Ultra Bone Up) is the exact alcium the body uses to build bones. It is the most superior form of supplemental calcium.
Bioavailable silica (JarrowSil) is what prevents brittle bones.
The one problem I find with Ultra Bone Up is that like so many other products (they just use MK-7), it leaves out the use of Vitamin K2 MK-4 which most research has used. I am using an high dose 15000mcg 2Xday of MK-4. I wouldn’t trust using just the MK-7.
Jarrow’s Bone-Up was recommended by my husband’s doctor as the best calcium supplement for him to protect his bones in prostate cancer…. We both used it for a while. Later I switched to Ultra Bone-Up. After a while I started having both bone pain and kidney pain. So I researched the product and found out what MCHA really is. I was disgusted as those animals get so little chance at life anyway that it seems horrific to use their baby bones for this purpose…. and the idea that it is done as a byproduct of the veal industry certainly does not make it any more appealing to me.I stopped taking the Jarrow and very soon thereafter had no more bone or kidney pain. Now I use E-Zorb which is supposed to be calcium from a plant source. E-Zorb has helped my low back pain, actually eliminating it. What about E-Zorb Vivian? Is that a helpful product in your opinion?
San, I too heard about MCHC from a professional brochure at my Natural Doctor’s office and he recommended it to me. The brochure quoted studies that were impressive. Since it was very expensive and would be unaffordable every month I looked up another brand that had all the bone nutrients as you suggest and the identical amount of MCHC Calcium, and I started it two months ago.- I would also like to hear bone density results from anyone who has used this type of calcium. One thing I have noticed immediately within one week was that my nails have smoothed over (they used to have ridges vertically) and they are growing pretty fast. I have to trim them every other day. If it works like that on my osteoporotic bones I would hope that is a good thing! ?
I have a question. I have been diagnosed with calcified ribs. My entire left rib cage is very painful. Should I be taking calcium for my Osteopinia? Or is the calcium supplement causing or contributing to the calcified ribs? I have been using your program for a yr, and it has helped my osteoporosis of the spine tremendously. These ribs are almost constantly painful . Will your program do the good for my ribs as it has the spine.? My Dr is of no help along these lines.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ann C
A high quality magnesium supplement will help to dissolve bills calcifications
My apologies for the typo in my first reply, I am using voice recognition on my phone and bills was obviously a typo, lol then I accidently hit the submit comment button. Ugh!
Anyhow as I was saying, a high quality magnesium supplement such as Pico magnesium or even magnesium citrate (though less thoroughly absorbed), will help to dissolve those calcifications on your ribs. Magnesium balances out calcium. You most likely have calcifications on your ribs due to insufficient magnesium intake. Your calcium ratio is too high – you have too much calcium in your body and not enough magnesium. Magnesium can dissolve bone spurs as well as help to get rid of calcium kidney stones, therefore it should also be able to dissolve calcifications on the ribs. Also FYI: check out Carol Dean’s book called The Magnesium Miracle. She also has numerous videos on YouTube and many excellent online articles regarding the topic of magnesium. Good luck! 🙂
The most recent studies correlating calcium supplements with cardiovascular risk indicated that taking calcium with other supplements like vitamin D and magnesium didn’t affect the cardiovascular risk. The risk was due to how fast the calcium supplement was absorbed into the blood stream – the surge of calcium – which allowed the calcium to cause arterial plaque (if I remember right). So I’m nervous about all supplements. I have considered AlgaeCal but it contains lead. A less costly form of algae is Aquamin sea algae in NowFoods and other products. What do you think of algae cal vs aquamin, etc.? Will these food based algae forms absorb more safely? Of course, they are carbonate which absorbs less efficiently than citrate. But perhaps that’s safer? I would love to know what you think. It’s difficult to get enough calcium if you don’t eat dairy. And I also have osteopenia. But I’m at risk for heart disease too. So this is perplexing! Thanks again!!!!
From what I’ve read the traditional calcium supplements, and even the MCHA are absorbed only slightly.
vitamin D is what draws calcium into the body. once it gets into the body, it becomes dangerous unless the other cofactors like K2 and other minerals are there. if vitamin D is low, it will effect calcium absorption.
Does anyone (Dr. Vivan) answer these questions?
I am a 64 old female and taking Coral Calcium with Acai produced by Nutrimax. 1 capsul daily after dinner. What do you think ? Should I continue taking the supplement ?
Thks & rgrds.
Herawati.