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 may have commented on this before, but was re-reading your comments, Vivian. Sometime back my doctor wanted me to take 1500mg of calcium per day. When I went for my mammogram they recalled me because something was wrong. When they redid it they said it was calcium deposits, however, they would not say for sure that it was the calcium I was taking. I cut it back to 800mg per day and have not had that problem since. I also did not know at that time there was plant calcium you could purchase because it was before I was fortunate enough to find YOU and your BOOK on the internet!!!! Thanks for everything. Fran Miller
Hi Vivian, .. I am also in need of an answer on Vitamin Code Raw Calcium. Is it organic? Is it a good calcium to take or is a store brand just as good?
Well -now I am really confused. I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and currently I am not taking anything because I don’t know what to take. I purchased Garden of Life’s Vitamin Code Raw Calcium and read negative things about it and the company. I purchased EZorb and also read negative things. I searched for some reviews regarding Lifestream’s Natural Calcium and only found information from their website. I guess at this point I will go back to Calcium Citrate and accept the monetary loss of the purchase of the other two products. Vivian, it would be great if you could write a review on these various products. After reading the comments on this blog, I see that I am not alone in my confusion. We are trying to do the right thing for our body by not taking prescription drugs, but we need some guidance regarding plant-derived calcium. The products that are plant based are so different – soy might be in them, strontium might be in them, etc.
We are all different, so the best common sense calcium citrate is the safest of all, and not expensive at that.
If you have a very cooperative doctor, you can ask for these tests : calciuria (24 hours calcium excretion in urine) as well as testing for bone resorption / formation markers. These tests being done a few weeks after trying a new form of calcium.
If these tests are not available so frequently, then checking the PH of urine is a good indication, try to keep it at 7.0 in the morning.
In fact in those reputable private health institutions they might analyze everything to determine the calcium and other nutrients balance, measuring all that goes in and all that goes out.
The technology is there but not the money, I guess as a society we preferred notebook that sold for $10 000 in 1996 and now a decent one can be had for $350 …
Vivian, I have been unable to find any plant-based calcium supplements in the Louisville,KY area without strontium (from algae)? Could you please give the names of some of the brands? Or at least just say you can’t legally recommend or endorse plant derived calcium supplements.
Just received a pamphlet – Journal of Natural
Health Dr. Nan Fuchs selling bone loss product
“Ultimate Bone Support” sounds good – what say U?
Hi Audey,
Ultimate Bone Support contains strontium, which I do not recommend.
Well, I tried to order from Lifestream, but didn’t have a digital code so it didn’t get through. I ended up ordering E-Zorb this morning, but it is so expensive. I really need your opinion on this product – is it worth it. They say that you don’t need magnesium or Vit. D to absorb it, but I assume our body still needs those nutrients. I know others have commented about E-Zorb, but I haven’t seen a definitive answer – quality product – worth the money. Hope to hear from you soon.
This was very interesting. I have been increasing the number of calcium tablets I take
but now I know it is better not to “stuff” myself with them.
I appreciate your advice!
Selma
Because “knowledge is power”, I took tome to read lots of articles on the published report. Most agreed that calcium supplements don’t really do any good and don’t prolong life, so only people being treated with bone-density drugs should take calcium. (This somehow makes sense to them!!)
A few skeptical reviewers pointed out: 1) Vitamin K’s role is to direct the calcium to the bones rather than the arteries; 2) the 2008 group was given 1000 mg., plus received an average of 861 mg. from diet (this is a huge total); 3) calcium deposites take several years to form, not 1-5 years as shown in the studies.
My conclusion: I’ll use up my citrate, but in doses of about 250 mg. with all the right minerals + D until I find a good algae-based supplement.
One question: Is there some natural way to de-clog arteries just in case… (I was taking more calcium than I realized, when I added up the totals)?
EXTREMELY helpful, Vivian!!
Thank you for this invaluable information. There’s always been so many opinions on taking calcium or not taking calcium, which has been so confusing. It’s certainly good to know that getting calcium from our food is always best.
I really would like to order Lifestream Natural Calcium. I was in the process of ordering it through Lifestream, until I realized how expensive it was – $18.00 for 30 capsules -includes shipping. Is there another place to order it?
Hi Jessica,
I don’t have an answer about prices for Lifestream Natural Calcium. You can try doing a web search to see if you can find it sold for a better price.
Or you can try some other options. AlgaecalPlus without the Strontium Boost and Bone Grow by New Chapter are both good choices. You can also try amino acid chelated calcium with magnesium and zinc.
Thank you Vivian for responding. I respect your knowledge in this field and we all need your guidance.
Thank you so much for this article! As a health and lifestyle coach, this is exactly what I teach in my seminars and have for years! The funny thing is that people tend to want to believe the doctors and take supplements for everything under the sun. To me, if they really must take something, I whole food green drink powders, or juicing. Im so glad I found this site! Its a great thing to find a like believer!
Blessings!
Robin
Thank you vivian, I do appreciate all the information that you pass on to us. thank you for your concern for all your readers..georgina
Thank you so much for revealing such good information. I was on Actonel for 3 years and my bone density got worse.
Vivian,
I take ‘Calceos’ a vitamin D and Calcium daily supplement supplied by my GP. I’ve no idea whether they’re organic of not. I suspect not, so I’m taking myself to the herb shop to seek out an organic version.
Thanks again for this wealth of information.
Mary.
Hi Mary,
Calceos uses calcium carbonate, which is indeed inorganic. If you are unsure about the source of calcium in a particular formula, read the ingredient list. If the source isn’t on the label, try calling the company that manufactures the supplement. You will often find a toll-free number on the bottle.
I’m 63, lean, and a long term exerciser, multiple vitamin taker, and good eater. My cholesterol ratio has been good for at least the last 25 years. I have thought I was much healthier than my peers. Neither of my parents died from heart problems. I was shocked to find recently that I have a very high degree, relatively, of calcium deposits in one of my heart arteries, but clear everywhere else. I also found out that my bone density was 4.4 in several of my lumbar vertebra, which is highly unusual for a man at any age. The only thing I have done that is unusual is my drinking 3 big glasses of milk (skim when it came out)every day of my life until I was around 57 or so when I stopped, substituting it with almonds and mucho broccoli. I’m hypothesizing that the calcium in the milk may have contributed to my heart artery problem and maybe my bone density problem.. What say you?
Rhett
Dear Vivian:
My take on these reports concerning calcium is that, of courseama it depends on how your system absorbs it. But I believe it’s the same with any vitamin products. I stopped taking bone density drugs (first Fosamax and then Boniva) about three years ago, and so far have not had any broken bones (knock in wood) However, I have developed some other problems which I now wonder if they are belated sideeffects from these drugs. I am exercising twice a week,like weight lifting, treadmill,etc. and with all the information that is coming out I am glad that I stopped the drugs and I am taking calcium and have for years, and I might mention that I am in my 70.
I so appreciate all you are doing for women and men to help us live healthy and fulfilling lives. I, too, take BONE UP by Jarrow. I haven’t seen your response to it’s usefulness (or not). I’ll take whatever you recommend but need to know about BONE UP first.
What about the calcium in a natural spring water? Would this be metablized as inorganic calcium or organic calcium? I am presently drinking the only non-carbonated spring water that comes in glass bottles- and it is relatively high in calcium.
Thank you,
Carol
Spring water has calcium from rocks, so it’s inorganic calcium. That’s why I recommend drinking mostly distilled or purified water (by reverse osmosis):)
Hi Vivian,
I read your reply yesterday regarding MCHC. I have been using such a product for about a year now. Can you comment on another product I use in conjunction with the MCHC: it is called Ostera (mfg by Metagenics) and contains 500 Vit D, 500mcg Vit K and 90 mg of Berberine HCI. It features SKRMs in the form of RIAA (from hops extract). Thank you for your time and dedication to our cause!
Lisa,
Ostera doesn’t have calcium in its formula. It targets inflammation more than anything else, plus it has (as you wrote) D and K 🙂
I was shocked to get this message about calcium, as although I have Vivian’s book and try to eat healthily, I have been taking a calcium tablet – Adcal D3 prescribed by the Doctor each morning and another bought from the Health Shop with my evening drink of milk. The latter has been calcium citrate & magnesium and made my USA company Solgar and says suitable for vetetarians so I presumed this to be a safer bet.
Should I stop all this? and Vivian do you get all your calcium from your Almond Milk or do you take a supplement? Thanks Angela.
My comment: Are the Doctors trying to scare us into taking the prescriptions verses eating and exercising and just taking good care of ourselves? If we don’t take our individual lifes in hand and watch over ourselves then we are letting somebody else do that for us. I believe they are banking on that. So rally around SaveOurBones. This is sound and good old fashion sense to me. Thanks Vivian. Karen
Thanks for posting this great comment, Karen.
Hi Vivien,
Thank you for sharing the wealth of your knowledge with a population which in general does not take their diatary intake seriously and “diets” on junkfoods until their bodies brake down.
You are truly unic…. your e-mails have been very helpful to me and my friends.
Danke Schoen!
It’s a great idea to share the information with your friends, Gerda. “Bitte Schoen”!
Thanks again Vivian for the simple Ginger Vegs receipe – I can taste it just looking at the page!! Also the information regarding the Calcium supplements. I have found a Natural Calcium – the brand I have is LIFE STREAM and it is from a sea vegetable. It says 100% Premium Lithothamnium calcareum sea vegetable. It is stamped organic too. It is a powder and is recommended for children and nursing mothers – I am wondering if it is O.k. Many Blessings, Kelsey.
Is Lifestream Natural CAL available in the US? If not, where can it be purchased? Are there any companies in the US that sell full-spectrum plant based organic calcium?
Your book is a marvelous tool for wellness, thanks so much for putting it all out there for us. And just when I thought I had food and supplements under control another medical announcement re calcium and heart issues…but there you were waiting for me on my computer to answer the questions I had already formulated for you in my head. Again, thanks and I’m sure you can tell from your responses that we all really appreciate all that you do.
You’re very welcome, Ellen!
I was diagnosis with osteopania & told to take calcium supplements. Thank you for these comments & replies on calcium. I will do the recommended. I always liked the liquid calcium because the body can’t obsorb more than 500mg my dr. told me. Howe ver, I have high cholestrol & I was taking Niacin 500mg until i read it can damage your liver. I recently had extreme alopecia hair loss & I am taking 5K mcg of biotin. Are there any side effects from this high level of biotin?
A year and a half ago I stopped Fosamax, continued Evista. Bone loss was severe and am planning to start Reclast once a year with calcium and Vit D. I had a mitral valve replaced four years ago and was advised not to take calcium supplements. Should I remain on Evista and Boniva, calcium and D.?
Vivian,
Thanks so much for your reply to the studies that was broadcast on all the news stations. I was somewhat concerned because I have been taking calcium supplements for some time. For the past few years I have been taking E-Zorb calcium.I read your answer concerning E-Zorb being the next best thing to organic calcium and it put me a little at ease,but I am going to do some research on finding plant derived calcium as E- zorb is a little pricey anyway.It is such a blessing to receive your e -mails with such a wealth of information. I look forward to receiving one soon.
Thank you again, Gerri D.
I just ordered E-Zorb because I couldn’t get through to Lifestream. Have you had good results? Do you feel that it is safe?
The Calcium product is use is called Lifestream Natural Calcium. It states it is produced from a certified organic sea vegetable called Lithothamnium calcareum and demonstrates advanced bioavailability.
It also says it is 100% dairy-free, G.E. free, animal free, vegetarian and gluten free.
Contains NO hydroxyapatite (crushed cow bone) and no animal products.
Contains NO preservatives or synthetic additives
Not synthetically produced or made from chalk.
This sounds good to me, do you agree, Vivian?
Am actually taking organic sea veg lithothamnium. I think it is better
than taking the stone calcium.
I looked up Lifestream Natural Calcium and it appears it can be ordered from the UK and AU. I am wondering about a brand called Algaecal Plus and Strontium Boost – it says that it is plant based. Thank you for your feedback.
Hi Diana,
Algaecal is a good choice, as long as you get it without the strontium boost. I do not recommend strontium.
I am so happy to see this article and the comments that you have made to others. My first thought, when I heard the news, was to write and get your feedback. I have been on calcium supplements for the past 25 years. After recent open-heart surgery 3+ years ago, I was still told that the calcium supplements would not collect in the arteries. Well, I do trust that my arteries are still clear, as I would not want to have to go through that surgery again. I was told to take citrate. I will search out the plant derived organic calcium – until then I am eating the calcium rich foods that I know about. Thanks for all of the information that you provide.
Yeah!
I am skeptical about the findings of this new calcium study information. Does it break down at all about the effects of different types of calcium on the heart – citrate, carbonate, etc. Also, as I understand it, the study participants were given calcium alone and didn’t get the other things required to absorb it into the bones — magnesium, boron, Vitamin K2, etc. My last point is that the study doesn’t prove in any way that calcium supplementation is a CAUSE of heart attacks or problems. It just makes the association that people who get older take calcium and also get heart attacks. I heard one radio talk show host say that one can just as well say that people who get older get gray hair and some people who get older also get heart attacks. That doesn’t mean grey hair causes heart attacks in older people. It is an association, not a cause. I suspect the same is the case with calcium supplements. But I would like to know specifically if one type of calcium had a greater association with heart attacks than another, though I still would discount the studies because the participants weren’t given the supplements that help absorb it (magnesium, Vitamin K2, boron, etc.) What do you think about this?
You bring in valuable points: absorption and delivery of minerals are both crucial and there are many variables in individuals that could trigger heart attacks.
But think about this Helen: if you needed more iron, would you eat iron-rich foods or would you eat nails? The same thing applies to calcium supplements; they’re often made from limestone and rocks.
Hi Vivian,
I am 57 yrs. old and have osteoporosis in my spine and osteopina in both hips. I have been taking Garden of Life’s “Vitamin Code” Raw Vegan Whole Food Calcium 3 capsules at breakfast, 2 at lunch and in the evening I take 3 capsules of “Vitamin Code” Growth Factor S (which is Strontium Citrate 680mg) for the past 2 months with the hopes that I can improve my numbers naturally. Have you ever heard of this program? I am assuming the calcium is organic since the bottle states RAW Food Chelated Minerals.
I received your Save Our Bones Handbook a couple of years ago and it confirmed my decision not to take the Fosamax that was prescribed to me by my doctor.
Is that the same as Vitamin Code Raw Calcium?
Thanks Vivian, I was on Vit.D3 for 5 month 2000IU a day. A very bad experience I had and never will take it again-I still suffer from it. I was never sick only have Hyperthyroid and a bit high cholesterol my whole life and never took anything beside Vit.C a 1000mg a day and not everyday. Have a very good diet with a lot of different veg. One day I got sooo sick and cholesterol was very high and BP went up with I never had problems with. I could not walk and a lot of pain through my hip and back. Noone could help me.D3 is good for so many things?????? It is dangerous also I have now a slow heart-rate. My doctor was very angry and said “I don’t know anything about Vit.D3.” I got told by my thyroid specialist to take it. Also I have now circulation problems which I worry about. This all happen by taking Vit.D3 the best brand we have in Australia. Hope you all watch this — so called Vit.D3 !!!!! I believe it is not a Vit .but a rat poison . Please you better check this all. I am in the sun now if the sun is out. The best medicine.
Illya
The sun is one of the best medicines. Ask the Egyptian pharaohs!
Unfortunately it also causes skin cancer, especially in Queensland, Australia, where I live. I had to undergo surgery close to my eye despite being ‘sunsmart’ & wearing sunnies/hat/sun screen all the time.
I still take Vit.D – one capsules a day – and so far am feeling fine.
It also helped my immune system to get through our ‘winter flu season’.
Cheers
Hi-I am living in Sydney and it is winter-still we are often having the sun but you only start with 5-10 minutes and no creams -Now I sit for 30 minutes and that is enought VitD3 Afterwards I use aloevera gel. No problems at all. Illya
One commercial calcium supplement boasts the inclusion of something they call genistein, and tout the ability of genistein to boost bone density. Do you have any opinion of genistein?
Thanks for mentioning genistein, Maria. As you know, it’s a soy derived phytoestrogen. My thoughts on this product is that if you are doing the right things for your bones, you don’t need it; plain and simple.
I read that article yesterday. I concluded they wanted to turn people away from suppliments and said they were not necessary.
Their proof was so small, they admitted it.
They werent sure, they admitted it. Their purpose was to instill fear and the next statement was we should just take a drug! You
said researchers should not lose sight of what they are trying to achieve.I dont think they are I think they are deliberately doing this.
I will not spin my wheels trying to convince
them of anything. They know exactly what they
are doing and some of us do too.
I bought the softback book that came out last year. Does it have the same information as the one advertised now…save our bones program?
Hi Patricia,
The manual you’re referring to basically contains the same information, except for a new Introduction and one new chapter.
If you submit a support ticket (just click on “Customer Support” at the top of any page on this site) saying that you bought the earlier bok, I’ll be happy to send you the digital version of the newer version.
Well bummer. I use to never take vits and started a liquid filled calcium 600 g w/vitamin d all seem well. Then I seen on a doctor paper to me citracal and a friend told me about citracel w/ bone density that I had mentioned before and stopped it it because it just about caused me to stop walking. It cramped my legs and I could not walk and was scared and stopped taking it and now I am going to stop taking this one because not sure it is any good. You info gave me the best reason to feel good about stopping the stuff. Only been doing any of these in the past 2 years. The CO Q10 50 MG seems ok. Another lady told me she take 100 mg and I told her what your writings said and she said she never her of it. So I take 50mg and she takes her. I have been looking for vitamin supplement and this may be my second bottle called nature made multi for 50 +. It also contains calcium but just about tired of it also I hate to take pills. All vitamin have calcium so they probably are not good either. How can any calcium be any good even in a vitamin supplement????? Also i did not take the flue shot as you suggested last year and my friend were all sick and I can not remember if I was sick at all so going to try it again this year. But my one question on this is do you recommend not even taking a multi vitamin since they have calcium in all of them and most of them do not agree with me. ty
Thank you Vivian for your comments on calciam. I’ve been on it for 6 or 7 years & hope there is no damage done. I may have a knee replacement in the winter,and I wonder if having osteoporosis will be a hazard to my healing.I have arthritis quite bad. I bought your book & I stopped my fosomax in March.Now I am stopping my calcium.I haven’t had a bone scan in,I think 2 yrs.I would really appreciate your reply.Thanks
Vivian: You are terrific to share this information. I have been taken off all supplements of calcium because of paintful arms and too much calcium in my blood. I have felt very good ever since depending only on my diet — no more fosamax, boniva, calcium pills – just vitamin D. Thank you very much.
Hi! Vivian,
I Currently Take Caltrate 600 +D Calcium Tablets, Two Per Day. But I’m Beginning To Think That Getting Calcium Through The Foods I Eat May Be A Better Solution. Thank You VERY MUCH For Your Informative Article.
LOVE,
MS. L.
After reading the article on calcium, I think you are telling us to still take calcium but to take organic plant derived..if so how much? Virginia
Hi, I have RA. My T-score caused my doctor to put me on bisphosphonates, which I couldn’t tolerate. My next appointment is in a few weeks, and he is planning on trying other therapies.I’ve been on high doses of prednisone for almost 2 yrs. along with other strong drugs including methotrexate, plaquenil, leflunomide. I’m reading your book and want to refuse his therapies and do natural bone building. Do I have any chance of succeeding in the condition I’m in?
Every time I consume calcium tablets prescribed by my doctor I experience discompfrt under my arms and lumps in my breasts. When I stop taking the calcium supplements the discomfort goes as do the lumps. I can only deduce from this that calcium is being deposited in my body and not absorbed thus causing this discomfort.
I am also a biochemist. I am trying to do the excerciases you have demontrated for hip osteoporosis. I may be in the beginning stages. I like your writeups and your excercises . But I do not have lot of time.
Hello Vivian!
For the past 2 days I have been reading all of your free information. Yesterday I became angry at what my doctor has been doing to me by prescribing actonel.
Today I have alot of questions some for him and some for you. I have a metal aortic valve and need to take coumadin/warfarin If I take vitamin k I would have to increase my warfarin dose, is it worth doing, I only take 2.5 mg per day. my next question is what can I eat to replace the warfarin. My doctor said it can’t be done. I don’t agree. Can you help me?
Thank you in advance…Mari-An
Mari-An,
Here’s my advice to you:
Don’t get angry, get KNOWLEDGE! Blood thinning is not my specialty, but as the saying goes, for every drug there is at least one natural alternative 🙂
A natural blood thinner is NATTO – check it out!
Dear Vivian, thank you for the update on calcium tablets.I have stopped taking Protelos since 6 months but Ido take Adcal-D3 plus multi vitamin .I have been taking 2of these calcium tablets a day,does this mean Im in danger,what calcium tablets are harmless ? could you give me some names. thanks for all the help.
from Jamila Adol
thank you for the update and clarification – the weekend TV news only told half of the facts.
Have a great day . . . Fran
Thank you, Vivian for this information. Regarding Calcium from egg shells: I heard it’s absorbed in the body if you soak it in lemon over night. the egg should not be boiled before. But should be sterilized. Have no idea how to sterilize an egg without boiling it.
Is there a calcium supplement that you can take that is not harmful or should we not take any supplementation of calcium at all. Unless prescribed by a doctor.
Hi Vivian,
I take a Shaklee product called OsteoMatrix. Serving size is 4 caplets daily which consists of Calcium 1,000 mg, Vitamin D3 400 IU, Vitamin K 40 mcg, Magnesium 400 mg, Zinc 1.5 mg, Copper 0.2 mg, Maganese 0.2 mg, Sodium 5 mg. I take 2 Caplets after Breakfast & 2 after dinner. Are you familiar with Shaklee & the quality of their products?
Thanks for you input!
Fran
The calcium ingredients in OsteoMatrix are inorganic: calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and calcium citrate malate. I’m pretty sure Shaklee will re-formulate this soon…
P.S.
Which calcium supplements are plant-derived
and how much would you recommend?
I have not noticed labels delineating that information.
Thank you for your reply.
Is the calcium in milk organic or inorganic?
Thank you.
Calcium in milk is made for cute baby cows. They drink it and weigh one ton at age one! But when we (not so cute) humans drink it, it actually hurts more than it helps. Did you know that even though one cup (8 ounces) of milk has 300 mg of calcium, there is a net calcium loss in the body caused by a biochemical imbalance triggered by the acid pH of milk? This is truly “food for thought”.