A recent study on calcium has revealed that those who took calcium supplements had an 86% greater chance of a myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack than those who didn’t, and more than double the chances of a myocardial infarction (MI) than the previous study I wrote about a while ago.1
For the latest study, University of Zurich scientists followed almost 24,000 participants for an average of 11 years, and documented 354 heart attacks, 260 strokes, and 267 cardiovascular disease deaths.1
Smokers Were Included in the Study!
Amazingly, smokers were included in the study which was designed to:
“…evaluate the associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with MI and stroke risk and overall CVD mortality.”1
While the study mentions that “adjustments” were made for smokers and other confounders such as age, weight, and BMI, smokers were still accepted as study participants. Knowing this, take a look at the quote below, where the researchers openly acknowledge that there were more smokers among supplement users and worse, that they also smoked for a longer time than those who consumed dietary calcium for the study. Here’s the quote:
“Compared with non-users, users of calcium supplements were more likely to be women, physically more active and less likely to be overweight/obese. On the other hand, users of calcium supplements had an older age, an overall lower educational level and a longer duration of smoking.”1
But that’s not all, because the researchers show…
Ignorance About Nutritional Supplementation
Their observations reflect poor knowledge of the basics about vitamins and minerals. Take a look at the quote below, for example.
“Users of calcium supplements had a statistically significantly increased MI risk among users of calcium supplements, in agreement with the results of two meta-analyses of clinical trials. The more pronounced increase was seen among calcium supplement only users, suggesting that this adverse effect is mainly from calcium supplements themselves.”1
Notice that calcium supplements are once again singled out as the culprit for greater negative cardiovascular events, without distinction of formula and especially in the absence of other supplements.
For the near-sighted researchers, this is an indication that they can squarely place the blame on calcium – any form of calcium supplement. Straying from their usual microcosmic analysis, this time they are ironically focusing on the forest instead of on the trees.
Clearly, they don’t seem to know that when it comes to nutritional supplementation,
It’s About Synergy…
Nutrients interact in the body, and their proper function depends on the presence – or absence – of other nutrients. In the case of calcium, for example, vitamin D is essential for its optimal absorption. On the other hand, phosphorus increases calcium excretion.
And magnesium, most often ignored by the medical establishment, is crucial for the transport of ions (such as calcium) across cell membranes. What’s more, according to the Linus Pauling Institute:
“Inadequate blood magnesium levels are known to result in low blood calcium levels, resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH) action, and resistance to some of the effects of vitamin D.”2
These are just a few examples, and with this in mind, it’s easier to understand why those who only took calcium supplements had the worst side effects. The calcium they were taking was not being properly utilized by the body.
But there’s more to this story. A recent study on calcium and Vitamin D intake concludes that:
“Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D modestly increase the risk of cardiovascular events, especially myocardial infarction.”3
In other words, taking calcium supplements (again, with no distinction of what type of calcium ever mentioned in the study) along with vitamin D still showed a slight MI increase. That’s because…
It's About Quality…
As I wrote in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program:
“Studies have shown that taking calcium typically made from rock and limestone, may cause more harm than good… Your best bet is to use bioavailable supplements, such as those derived from marine algae, because the body treats them like a food, and therefore, it’s the most bioavailable form of calcium.”
The key word that makes all the difference is “bioavailability”. Let’s take a look at its definition:
“The degree of which a drug or other substance becomes available to the target tissue after administration.”4
In other words, just because calcium is circulating in the blood, it doesn’t mean that the body can utilize it. This explains why unutilized calcium residue can block arteries, cause or worsen cardiovascular disease (CVD), and even mimic arthritis, plus a whole slew of other health issues.
What You Should Look For in a Calcium Supplement
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Foundation Supplements
The type of calcium and the combination of minerals in the supplement is of great importance, and in particular the presence of as many Foundation Supplements as possible. These are vitamins and minerals that act synergistically with each other to nourish and build your bones, and include magnesium, zinc, silicon, boron, manganese, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin K2.
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Bioavailable Calcium
The ideal calcium supplement contains a highly bioavailable form of calcium, so that much like nutrients in food, the body will recognize it and utilize it at maximum efficiency, thus preventing detrimental calcium accumulation in the body. As you know by now, what a calcium supplement can’t do is as important as what a calcium supplement can do. Clearly, the body won’t utilize calcium from rocks the same way it would calcium from a plant or an amino acid chelate. Also, a calcium form with high bioavailability allows you to take a smaller dose than if you would take rock calcium, which in itself is a benefit.
The Perfect Calcium Supplement that Found Me!
One of the many product samples I received not long ago was a plant-based calcium supplement made with Algaecal®, a marine algae, named TrueOsteo™
The manufacturer requested that I review and possibly endorse it.
I was surprised to find that it also includes crucial Foundation Supplements such as magnesium, Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, and other bone smart trace minerals.
Also, I was pleased to discover that it contains valuable extracts from fruits and plants that you won’t find in other supplements. They are:
The Right Calcium Supplement Can Make a Huge Difference…
I was so impressed by the unique combination of ingredients, that I contacted the manufacturer of TrueOsteo™ and was able to arrange a special 20% off coupon available exclusively to the Save Our Bones community.
Click here to order TrueOsteo, then enter the coupon code SAVEOURBONES at the checkout page to save 20% off your order.
I would like you to try TrueOsteo™, so you can maximize your bone-building with the best organic calcium supplement available today.
Exclusive 20% OFF TrueOsteo Coupon Code for Save Our Bones Readers!
Use coupon code: SAVEOURBONES at checkout to get 20% off your order!
Plus they offer a one year money back guarantee.
If for any reason you’re not satisfied with TrueOsteo™, you can return your remaining bottles any time over the next year for a refund.
Read more about TrueOsteo™ here →
Please note that TrueOsteo only ships to the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. So if you live elsewhere, I apologize for the inconvenience.
To your “organic” bone health!
References
1 Li K, Kaaks R, Lenseisen J, Rohrman S. “Associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with myocardial infarction and stroke risk and overall cardiovascular mortality in the the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study (EPIC – Heidelberg).” Heart 2012;98:920-925.
2 https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/magnesium/
3 Bolland MJ, Grey A, Aveneil A, Gamble GD, Reid IR. “Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D and risk of cardiovascular events: reanalysis of the Women's Health Initiative limited access dataset and meta-analysis”. BMJ. 2011 Apr 19;342:d2040.
4 https://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Bioavailability
5 Biswajit A, PhD et al. “A Standardized Whitania Somnifera Extract Significantly Reduces Stress-Related Parameters in Chronically Stressed Humans: A Double-blind Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA) Vol. 11, No 1, 2008.
Hi Vivian,
Please, as I am from Czech Republic (it is EU country – unfortunately not U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.)
So I can´t reach the TrueOsteo normally. Please, could you consider to put it in customer disposal through iHerb as well to help other people (including me) to buy the product too ? Please, could you give me an answer regarding this matter, best in mz e/mail address too 🙂
With my warmest regards from Prague, Czech Republic (EU),
Monika (Saver community member)
HI Vivian:
I purchased your program and I used to receive emails from you with various exercises. I enjoyed receiving them. I have not received any in a while. Is there a reason why these stopped?
Hi Vivian, I have been taking Bone-Up for 2 years and am feeling good. I do try to walk at least 5 times a week for at least half an hour a day which I feel makes me feel stronger.
Thanks so much for the comment section.
Thanks for helping us !?
You’re welcome, Paulette, and thanks for contributing to the conversation. Walking is excellent exercise for your bones, so keep it up! 🙂
Just what you were saying in your article is completely resident with what I have known to be true all of my life…. Sources of nutrition that come from inorganics and especially animal sources cannot make good blood & consequently good bones either. The reason why they like to obscure the lines between products is because they care to never admit this & admit what sources are true to your health. And they allow these individuals that violate their health the most in their habits into these medical studies to blur the lines even more to keep people ignorant of what is best for their health and well being. So I thoroughly agree with you that these plant sources are what is best for us in the long stretch. Blessings and many thanks!!!!
I take a plant base calcium containing dandelion leaf, alphalfa leaf and stem, flaxseed oil, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, vitamin D…hopefully it’s okay? Also I’m doing your densercise exercise program and I’m having a lot of pain while doing all of them is that normal?
Vivian…
Just bought your program.
I can’t find where you recommend glucosamine, MSM, Willow Bark, or Turmeric. Can you clarify?
thanks.
alan scott
Hi Vivian,
I have just purchased your program and am reading regarding calcium.
I would like to know whether you have done some more research into ground up eggshells for supplementation. I am talking about good quality eggs, washed properly.
Your expertise would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi Vivian,
I just purchased your program. However,I take New Chapters Bone Strength which is Algae based and I also take Dr Rob Kellers Glutathione. Do I need to take the the calcium you recommend?
Debi Oakes
KC MO
Hi Debi,
There’s no need to switch your calcium supplement unless you want to. 🙂 Algae-based calcium supplements are within the Program recommendations.
The AlgaeCal or calcium from Algae in the TrueOsteo supplement is coming from AlgaeCal company. It contains 5.2 mcg of lead in a daily dosage of 4 capsules. What do you think Dr. Vivian about consuming this amount of lead everyday?
Hi Connie,
I have researched this issue, and I conclude that the small amount of lead found in AlgaeCal is naturally there from the earth’s crust. The bottom line is that calcium supplements typically have lead in them. The question is how much and where it’s coming from. A study conducted in the year 2000 checked 23 OTC and prescribed calcium supplements, and all were found with lead (Source: Ross E, et al. Lead content of calcium supplements. JAMA 2000; 284(11): 1425-1429).
The reason for lead appearing in calcium supplements is because lead is a naturally occurring chemical element, naturally found in combination with other elements as lead compounds in rocks and soils.
Here are some possible solutions:
1. Take less calcium in supplement form and make up the rest with calcium-rich foods.
2. Do the same as above, but alternate one day with chelated minerals.
3. Take organic chlorella, since it naturally binds all heavy metals. This could be especially beneficial if you have amalgam fillings that leach mercury. You should check with your doctor before taking chlorella.
I just don’t understand Vivian why you cannot recommend AlgaeCal Plus when the ratio of calcium to magnesium is 2:1 which is the ratio that you recommended plus it has Vitamin D3, K2, Vitamin C and Boron without strontium. Why are you stuck in recommending just TrueOsteo when the amount of serving for each nutrient does not match your recommended ratio. Secondly, why don’t you answer everyone who asked you about AlgaeCal Plus. Is this supplement in competition with TrueOsteo that you are asked to promote with 20% discount? I am already worried of my health. I bought your book hoping it will help me. It is sad when you don’t even answer some questions that does not pertain to TrueOsteo.
Hi Vivian,
I am assuming you take the Trueosteo. I have stage 3 degenerative arthritis in my neck with a joint fusion. I was told by the chiropractor to start glucosamine supplements which I have. I was wondering your opinion on the glucosamine? Also, I have read, our bodies supposedly quit making glucosamine after the age of 40 which I am 66. I have been taking a calcium algae product also. Thank you for your important info.
Hi Kathy,
Yes, I do take TrueOsteo. 🙂
Studies have shown that glucosamine helps slow degeneration of cartilage and relieves pain. In addition, glucosamine has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant factors.
Glucosamine is produced in the body by the combination of glucose with the amino acid glutamine. Glutamine levels do tend to decrease with age. Eating foods rich in glutamine is one way to boost your glucosamine production. Youc an read more about these foods and glutamine in general here:
https://saveourbones.com/fountain-of-youth-the-anti-aging-bone-building-amino-acid-that-helps-maintain-your-ph-balance-and-much-more/
I had an 80% blockage in my lad. They put in 2 stents. Now I have osterporsis. Can I take this calcium
I had breast cancer, went through chemo and radiotherapy, Now I am on Letrozole, which can cause osteoporosis. In May I had my osteo densitometry and my T-Score is -2.8. As I cannot afford your True Osteo and I live in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, can you tell me which is the best calcium brand to buy? Do you know this product: FemmeCalm™ Osteo Formula from Webber Naturals. Thanks to let me know if this is good.
VIVIAN,
TRUE OSTEO, WHICH YOU NOW RECOMMEND HAS ONLY 64 MG OF MAGNESIUM AND 720 MG OF CALCIUM. YOUR LAST RECOMMENDATION WAS FOR OSTEO PLUS AS IT HAD ALMOST AS MUCH MAGNESIUM AS CALCIUM (600 MG).
IS 64 MG OF MAGNESIUM SUFFICIENT NOW? OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE SUPPLEMENTED AND IF SO WITH WHAT BRAND OF MAGNESIUM? I AM CONFUSED.
I always spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s content daily along with a mug of coffee.|
https://lakefeststormlake.com/aqualytebenefits/2016/01/21/age-just-a-number-that-is-better-off-ignored/
I was wondering if anyone could recommend a multivitamin that does not contain calcium or vitamin D but does contain the other foundation vitamins Vivian recommends like B complex and C? Also Vivian, you do not mention Vitamin A and E and some others vitamins found in basic multivitamins. What is your position on those? Thanks.
Could I please ask your opinion of the XtendLife Bone Support Supplement (see multivitaminguide.co.nz/bonesupport/) and how it compares to TrueOsteo? It’s a high quality supplement that seems to contain mostly the same ingredients as TrueOsteo, albeit from different sources, plus a couple of others, but at a lower cost.
Thanks in anticipation.
Update to my last comment on the True Osteo discount link not working. Apparently the link is working….sort of. I kept getting an error message when I tried to place the order, and the error message told me to try again…which I did…big mistake. I ended up with 3 duplicate orders plus the one that I placed directly on their website. I called Nature City on their 800 number and they were very aware of the Save Our Bones discount. I cancelled all the open orders and just placed a new one directly with them for the 20% discount.
Dear Vivian
About Ashwagandha, do you know if its also good if you have low cortisol ?
Thanks
Susanne
Hi Susanne,
Several studies have shown Ashwagandha to be effective at reducing cortisol levels, stress, and anxiety. Here are links to a couple of studies:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/13880208209083282
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/
How can you recommend TrueOsteo when the Calcium to Magnesium ratio is so high? It should be 2 to 1 at its highest.
Started following this website after age 55 dexa scan showed some osteopenia. I did the diet + exercise + algae based cal/mag/D supplement from the food co-op ( the brand Now Foods, Illinois). Follow up dexa scan a year and a half later shows no change. At least it was no worse. I suspect my biggest downfall is not being very good at always taking all the pills every day. Any tips for making it easier to remind oneself, and can we take the powder and pour it into shakes, etc?
Just ordered 3 bottles of TrueOsteo , going to see if that makes a difference in this next year.
calcium+vit D without vitamin K2 is not only usesless but could also be dangerous,read up about vit k2 (both the mk7 and the mk4 types,mk7 stays in the body longer while mk4 is much more potent but only stays in the body a couple of hours.
Is the gelatin for TrueOsteo from vegetable or animal sources?
Hi Vivian,
I recently acquired your whole SOB Program, and am so glad I did! I am 40 years old, was “diagnosed” with Osteoporosis last month, due to a prolonged use of the Depo Provera shot. My doctor recommended all the supplements you talk about, and she also talked about the absorption of calcium, and Vit D, K and magnesium, so she suggested I got it on the “isotonic” form. Have you tried it before, what do you think about it, and do you recommend it?
Hi Simone,
Glad you’re here at the Save Our Bones site! Almost every day, manufacturers are coming out with new calcium supplements; there is just no way to assess all of them. I can tell you that I recommend algae-based, organic calcium without added strontium, as you will find as you peruse this site. 🙂
Ms. Vivian, I want so much to order ‘Trueosteo’ supplament and to my great disappointment there are no shippment to Israel… Can you do something about it?
Thanks so much!,
Tagil
I broke/damaged bones in my back (L5 mild compression fracture and tip of L3 broken off. Pain lead me to emergency and it was discovered that I have myeloma bone cancer. I am currently taking dexamethasome, Revlimid, and Zometa every 28 days. I also take
calcium supplements with D3(Citracal 4 a day), 1 asprin(1 regular) a day to prevent blood clots, and a potassium supplement(KlorCon 2 a day). Would your product be compatible with the medications I take?
calcium+vit D without vitamin K2 is not only usesless but could also be dangerous,read up about vit k2 (both the mk7 and the mk4 types,mk7 stays in the body longer while mk4 is much more potent but only stays in the body a couple of hours.
Many readers are asking about cheaper, more readily available brands of algae based calcium supplements. At our local big box national chain pharmacy they have a brand called with the word “Alive” in it which is made from algae. It is about $17 for 60 pills, and you take four a day (two at a time) with food. So that is 15 days worth of supplements, or $34 a month.
I’m wondering if the Algae-Cal supplement is okay to take since it is mixed with Strontium and I was under the impression that the two should not be taken at the same time, thoughts? Thanks!
Hello Ma’am,
In your savethebones program and blog, the Vit D AI guideline was 400. The IU listed in the TrueOsteo supplement is 500. If I take that supplement 2 x twice a day, is that way over the guideline?
Vivian, you give an online address in your original book to go to to find out specific brands of supplements you recommend but it has either not been available or there is nowhere to go at your website to find this information.
I also need more information on TrueOsteo…do you recommend taking a calcium supplement? I’m confused because in your book it’s not clear how much, etc…there is a lot of negative information about calcium supplementation.
Thank you.
Kathleen, Vivian is not currently recommending any particular brand of multivitamin, but you can read about TrueOsteo (and get a coupon for 20% off) at the bottom of this post. You can read about the potential dangers of calcium supplements here:
https://saveourbones.com/calcium-heart-attack/
and here:
https://saveourbones.com/beware-these-two-supplements-can-hurt-more-than-help-your-bones/
My bone density scan indicated a loss of bone mass over the last two years. I have used TrueOsteo for this time. My doctor has recommended Reclast because my bones are not absorbing the calcium. My medical insurance has not agreed to pay for the IV. What is your advice? I am 66 years old.
Await your reply.
Thanks,
Kathy Bradley
I am intrigued by your article on Calcitonin Salmon. I have kidney stones and stage three kidney disease. My nephrologist took me off of calcium because of the kidney stones and had me start the calcitonin salmon. With my co-morbidities I have to be careful what I take. Now, I am confused on taking the Calcitonin Salmon. Suggestions then…
Is True Osteo gluten free?
Hi! Vivian,
I’m Highly Allergic To Cilantro, So Can I Still Take TrueOsteo? Please Let Me Know! And I Thank You VERY MUCH!
LOVE, LESLIE (MS. L.)
I have just received the “TrueOsteo” and have a question about the amount of vitamin D3 you can safely take. I take “Osteo Bi-Flex” for my joints, and it contains 2,000 IU of D3. Is it safe to also take “TrueOsteo” with 1,000 IU of D3?
Take osteo bi flex that has no vitamin d. They make both.
I started taking magnesium supplements years ago on the advice of my doctor as I suffered badly from cramps, not only in the legs and feet, but all over my body, including my hands, neck, back and elsewhere. This did help and I was pleased to see in your newsletter that magnesium is good for the treatment of osteoporosis as I have now been diagnosed with that, although I have always done sports since my school days, play tennis now, go to gym and walked 5 km x 3 per week for years before I was diagnosed. I used to take calcium but have since given it up and my gynae was most insistent I take Protos or Fosavance, otherwise I would end up in a wheelchair (I am 74). I have had a back fusion and neck fusion in the 1990’s and afterwards, again, was told by my surgeon that I would have to have another fusion otherwise…. guess what, I would end up in a wheelchair. Well, I am still playing tennis, still not taking Fosavance and still manage to do my own housework etc. so although I “should have another back op” and “should take Fosavance”, I am managing very well. Just thought I would send this to your Save Our Bones, as doctors are not always right.
Headline “Confused about Calcium? After reading the article and comments, Yes, now I really am confused about what calcium to take esp. when important questions were not answered.
You can send your specific questions to my Customer Support team 🙂
I have.been usin Cal-Max, Ostinol, and CALCIDRIN…..Cal Max is derived from potatoes…..please comment on these products…Cal Max is dissolved in hot water of 1/2 cup, followed by 1/2 cup of cool liquid.
diagnosed with kidney stones….also have Barretts Esophagus…must take omeprazole or Prevacid…I understand calcium cannot be absorbed without stomach acid…therefore I feel at a loss…..have a-3 TScore…osteoporosis….please share comment/info…..Thank You!
Marcella
Hi Vivian:
Just read about the new calcium supplement and am wondering about the strontium in there knowing you are not in favour of it???
Also the shipping to Canada is very expensive and I can’t seem to get it shipped to the US (my daughter lives in Pittsburgh) via a Canadian credit card.
Thanks!
The strontium is present in negligible amounts, Mary. It doesn’t pose a problem.
I tried to order TrueOsteo. I filled out the order form and entered the promo code. It said the code SAVEOURBONES is invalid. What can I do?
You can try again, Annett. The code has been working, so it might have been a temporary glitch.