As it relates to osteoporosis news, this past September will be one to remember. In response to a growing number of reported adverse effects linked to bisphosphonates – the most commonly prescribed osteoporosis drugs such as Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva, to name a few – an FDA advisory committee met this past Friday to discuss yet one more label change.
Indeed, as the problems caused by bisphosphonate therapy keep piling up – including Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and esophageal cancer – it seems that health regulators cannot look the other way.
But this is really not so “new”. Last year, bisphosphonate drug labels were required to warn of an increased risk of atypical femur fractures, based on a study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Bisphosphonates Suffer Yet One More Blow
Now the label change needs to warn that the drug should not be used long term, but it fails to establish a more detailed guideline. As Medpage Today reports,
“… committee members voted 17-6 to endorse a label change — but then backed away from setting a hard deadline, citing a lack of data to pinpoint an ideal therapeutic time limit.” 1
The panel has called for more studies to determine the benefits and long-term risks of these drugs. However, some health practitioners, as is the case of Dr. Sonia Hernandez at Harvard School of Public Health, are openly expressing concern about long-term bisphosphonate therapy. Quoting from the same article, she states that,
“What we're talking about today is using these drugs for more than three years, and I'm not convinced at all that there are any good data that, even for subgroups of patients, they should be continued [past three years].” 1
Of course here at Save Our Bones, we question if these drugs should be taken at all.
And in other osteoporosis news…
Lakes Suffering from ‘Aquatic Osteoporosis’
Queen’s University researchers have discovered that some Canadian lakes have increased algae growth due to falling calcium levels in the water.
According to John Smol, one of the university’s Biology professor and Canada Research Chair in Environmental Change,
“It's aquatic osteoporosis. The calcium is washed off (by acid rain) to the bottom of the lake. The water fleas (that feed on the algae) have quite high calcium needs and without the calcium they can't reproduce, so there's a lot more algae.” 2
Another research team member explains that besides logging, the main culprit is “acidification”, which
“Has washed the calcium reserves off the bedrock.” 2
In ‘What the Oceans Can Teach You About Your Bones', I discuss ocean acidification and its deleterious effects on marine life skeletons. I also comment that since biologists are not held captive by Big Pharma, they seem to easily draw the parallel between human and environmental osteoporosis.
This is now further confirmed by the Canadian researchers, who are quick to acknowledge that osteoporosis is caused by too much acidification.
Stay tuned for more osteoporosis news…
Till next time,
References
1 https://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Osteoporosis/28442
2 https://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3319083
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Update: The 2022 Dirty Dozen And Clean Fifteen ListComments on this article are closed.
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The marine osteoporosis / acidification affects on rocks, fleas algea and the lakes : Vivian you really put it together again for us! Thank you. Will share this post too!
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Too much acid in the body can cause Cancer. Too much acid can cause Osteoporsis, which I didn’t know until I read “Save Our Bones”. Thanks to Dr Goldschmidt – I’ve been off Fosamax for two years, and there are no changes
in my bones. If I continue to eat non acidic foods and water, that will continue. I have a Kangan water machine to remove the acid. And now to begin the exercise program!! -
I was taking Fosomax for several years, then it was not included in my health plan, so I started taking Boniva once a month. After reading your book, I stopped taking Boniva (against the advice of my doctor.) Since I stopped it in 2010, could I still be having side effects from it? I ache on and off on the right side of my face. When it happened before, I went to the dentist and he couldn’t find anything wrong. I’m going back to the dentist on Tuesday to see if the pain is due to tooth prolems or if its something else, like neuralgia or could it be necrosis of the jaw??? How do I find out for sure?
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Hi Vivienne,
What is the connection between Whey and Osteoporosis? I take Solgar Whey to Go and assume it will help to build muscle and bone. What are the pros and cons concerning this? Thank you. -
VIVIAN, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR POSITIVE INFORMATION. IN 2008 BOTH MY YOUNGER SISTER (MELISSA) AND I WERE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER. ALSO, MELISSA HAD 2 PRIMARY CANCERS BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER. I LOST MELISSA 15 MONTHS LATER. AFTER MY BILATERAL MASECTOMY, CHEMO, AND THE “MIRACLE: HA HA” INFUSION OF ZOMETA. IN COMES THE BON! THE ONCOLOGIST TOLD ME ZOMETA WOULD BE BETTER FOR ME SINCE I ALREADY HAD G.E.R.D. SHE NEVER MENTIONED ANY SIDE AFFECTS. WOW HELP FOR MY OSTEOPENIA WITH A 15 MINUTE INFUSION AND I’M GOOD TO GO! SO NOW I’VE HAD MY FIRST CASE OF BON (NECROSIS OF THE JAW” I SUFFERED FOR 5 MONTHS, 6 ROUNDS OF ANTIOBIOIC TREATMENTS, BONE EMERGING FROM MY GUMS. WHEN MY DENTIST REMOVED THE BONE FROM MY JAW, IT HAD LITTLE CRATERS ALL ON IT (LIKE A SPONGE). AT THIS TIME MY INFECTION WAS IN MY RIGHT JAW, NECK, RIGHT SIDE OF MY HEAD AND ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY UPPER CHEST. THANK THE LORD ALL THE MEDS FINALLY STARTED WORKING. SO TOMORROW I GO OFF TO BAYLOR DENTAL SCHOOL AND HOPE THEY CAN SAVE 3 TEETH WITH ROOT CANALES. STILL TAKING ARIMIDEX FOR CANCER CALCIUM, PLUS D, FISH OIL, MULTIVIATIMS. OSTEOPENIA IS HERE TO STAY. PLEASE INFORM PEOPLE ALL BISPHOSPHONATES ARE BAD BAD BAD FOR THE HUMAN BODY!!
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I have received the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. Thank you for all your research work in compiling this information for us. I couldn’t find any information regarding oxylates/oxylic acid and it’s effects on calcium absorbtion in the Save Our Bones program. Did I miss it? My understanding is that many of the foods that are high in calcium also contain oxylates that prevent the calcium from being absorbed. Could you please let us know what you have found in your research or point us to some resources?
Thank you very much.-
Concerning oxylates in food and calcium absorption, food such as spinach has oxalates. To have maximum absobtion of calcium you should not eat these foods at the same time that you consume calcium products or calcium supplements.
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After reading many of comments, my understanding is that Fosomax is the cause of many problems. Does anyone know if Fosovance (which is being perscribed in place of Fosomax)is just as bad. Since being switched from Fosomax to Fosovance, I have noticed throat problems that were not there before using either of these drugs.
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My mother died of esophageal cancer in June 2003.
She had been taking Fosomax for 2 years prior!
In April 2003, she started choking and could not swallow.
After a miserable month of choking, horrible pain and tests,
it was confirmed she had inoperable esophageal cancer.
She died a month later June 7,2003.
This post is in memory of my beautiful mother
Carol J Kurpiers
(1940-2003) -
Can anyone answer this question?
How does gastric-by-pass surgery affect the absorption of all the nutrients and vitamins a 55 year old female needs to be healthy?
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Yes, you are considered malabsorbtive for the rest of your life. I assume you have had the roux-en-y procedure. I am a pharmacist that councils bariatric surgical patients prior to discharge. It is is good idea to get supplements formulated specifically for your type of surgery. Taking supplements in divided doses several times a day is also better for absorption. Use calcium citrate instead of calcium carbonate because it is not dependent on acid of the stomach for absorption body can only absorb so much at one time. It is also a good idea to stay away from medicine OTC or by prescription that are extended release or time released. You should use immediate release products. You have to understand that your small intestine has been shortened and hence the surface area for nutrient absorption is smaller. Hope this helps you.
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Hi Vivian; Just dropping in to say thank you again for keeping us up-to-date and helping us to be alert for our own good. Just got back from a long trip to Italy where I walked many hours with some of my family, with no bad effects. I really don’t think I have
osteoporosis at all. So glad to have stopped taking the pills some time ago. Be well.Louise
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ON SEPT. 27TH I RECEIVED MY FIRST SHOT OF PROLIA. TODAY, OCTOBER 15TH, I HAVE A SERIOUS BLADDER INFECTION WITH HEAVY BLEEDING.
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Yes, I think I’ve got a bad case of the “spook” factor. This is because I’ve already fractured T7. The pain, the tests, and the diagnosis has scared me so much. I’m now scared NOT to take the “Atelvia” I’ve been prescribed. I believe the answer is NOT drugs, and that dietary factors are by far more important than any drug! What makes me believe this is the fact that I’ve known elderly people who do NOT have osteo-whatever and I’ve known those who obviously have it but their Drs. don’t bother to diagnosis it. I assume they chalk it up to “a bad case of old age”. I have done geriatric home health for many years and the one thing I’ve learned the most is that the most frequent causes of disease in the elderly is malnutrition and lonelyness.
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Regarding the acid content of our lakes in Canada our small community gets its water from a very small lake that is over populated with peat that hasn’t been cleaned out since 1995. Our understanding is that peat thrives in an acidic environment. Could you please comment about our water source and the likely hood that our water is too acidic. My wife has osteo and we have the Save Our Bones book and she is trying to stay on top of the recommended programs and not presently taking the meds mentioned in the above stated article. Thank you in advance Gerry / Barbara
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I was recently diagnosed with Osteonecrosis of the Knee and was told that I have to do a knee replacement…A friend told me about stem cell surgery to replace the knee Don’t have a clue about stem cell surgery…any advice???
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Is anyone taking foreto injections? Just started a month ago and having problems with my stomach.
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I don’t take any drug since April 2010, I follow your program, even not all as you stated, I feel good. Thank you for your research.
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Hi! Vivian,
As Always This Article Is VERY GOOD, And VERY IMFORMATIVE. Thank You VERY MUCH For Sharing It With Us!
LOVE, MS. L.
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I was taking Fosamax for 6 months dentist told me to get off of it which doctor stated it was safe but change me to Actonel took it for 18 months during this time(March 2007) twisted my left knee which shattered and split the tibia have two bolts in knee which was build up with artificial bone and a plate in the tibia which the taking of Actonel did not help any as bone density was lower than previous scan. Was taking Boniva for 18 months had same problem as another lady stating the pain in legs relating to a severe toothache which also the doctor blew me off as a nut case was to investigate which was six month ago. He has to yet discussed it with me. Stop taking Boniva in September 2011 have been doing great no acid reflux or pain in legs. Think we women need to keep abreast to the drugs companies and their $ sign don’t forget about doctors think they must get a kickback from the drug companies.
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Cindy I feel for you. You’ve been through a lot. I’m dealing with a lot of the same stuff. My health was like a snow-ball going downhill….I’m gonna keep trying to learn and hopefully I’ll improve my health. I hope the same for you!
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Ruth, read https://saveourbones.com/strontium-demistyfied/ for my take on strontium. I can’t tell you whether your husband’s twitching is a direct result of taking strontium, but the blog post does go into several of the potential side effects.
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Thanks so much Vivian…I’m always amazed when I read some” new “information in the papers or medical articles about one things or another only to know I already knew about that “new info” thanks to you and your book and updates I receive from you via email. Had a parathyroid removed a few months ago due to a benign tumor and had too much calcium in my blood which was eating away at my bones as well so now I’m waiting for another bone scan in a few months to see if I am still osteopenia status. I still do all the good stuff I learned from you so hopefully there will be some improvement. Here’s hoping…
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MY PHARMASIST RCOMENDED STRONTIUM, WHY DOES VIVIAN SAY NOT TO TAKE IT
PLEASE REPLY VIVIAN
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I too took Strontium, on the recommendation of a Health/Herb Shop (to replace Fosomax).. took just ONE strontium tablet..immediately my left left felt as though it was put into a vise…the pain was unbelievable!!…it’s been 3 years and I still have the same onlgoing pain in my leg. …. When I asked the herb shop…they just looked at me ‘blankly’ and said that they had not ‘heard of that experience from anyone else’ .. DO NOT TAKE STRONTIUM!!!!! ..and just to prove (to myself) that it was the Strontium…a few months later I took one more….same results. So it was no fluke. DO NOT TAKE STRONTIUM!!!!! Fosomax is off the market, for ‘similar’ results.
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Grace, read https://saveourbones.com/strontium-demistyfied/ for my take on strontium.
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Vivian -I am so excited I have just had my new dexa scan and the results are amazing – I have a 10.3% bone mineral increase on my spine and 9% on my hip my doctor is amazed.
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Thanks for sharing these fantastic news, Sandra! And keep up with the Program 🙂
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Thank you Vivian my doctor is so amazed -and one of my co workers has borrowed my book. She has been encouraging me but had her doubts and even my family said if I had a bad result I would have to consider trying medication again – I said never- but now now I have mastered this programme I am now going to concentrate on loosing weight. Again thank you.
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You should alkialze your body to prevent further bone loss by eating lots of vegetables and make sure you are taking a quality calcium/magnesium/vitamin D/boron and other trace minerals supplement.Take a look at products from Metagenics. Beware of coral calcium because it can contain lead.
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Thanks,
Shula -
vivian Pls. help. are you familiar with Prolia?
took injection 6 months ago for first time. anyone you know have any
ill effects? bert-
Hi Bert,
Here’s a link to my blog post about Prolia, which discusses side effects and other issues with Prolia: https://saveourbones.com/prolia-denosumab-review/
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I have a relative right now with a bad back and I’m just waiting for her Doctor to issue one of those terrible drugs and I’ll be in there letting her know what it can do. As I’ve told you before I’ve been there, done that and it didn’t work other than to cause me Jaw problems and a very sick stomach. Keep up the good work Vivian.
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Thank you again, Vivian for being way ahead of the game.
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I took Fosamax for over 5 years. I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2008.
There’s no doubt in my mind it was caused by the Fosamax.
I was also diagnosed with kidney stones, thats how they found the cancer. A couple of years prior while on Fosamax I had 2 fractures of the wrist. Prior to taking Fosamax I never had a broken bone in my life. I’m a walking testament to the dangers of Fosamax. Please people don’t take it short term or long term. It could cost you your life.
Esophageal cancer has increased over 400% in woman, whats the common denominator. The osteoporosis drugs, they all have the same side effects. risk of esophageal cancer, kidney disease (stones are considered kidney disease), increased fractures. These drugs are big money and they won’t take them off the market. You have to take yourself off them.
Women need to look after woman the drug companys are looking out for the almighty buck.
Also men are taking it too and esophageal cancer has doubled with them. I never had acid reflux in my life, no history of cancer or kidney disease. I had a healthy life till I took Fosamax. PLEASE BEWARE IT CAN KILL YOU!!-
I’ve had cancer twice. I, too am scared of all the drugs. Even after breast cancer I did not have bone pain until after chemo, radiation, and then the drug, “Arimidex” I then began to suffer terribly from pain, from my shoulders to my hips. After I fractured my arm, my wrist and then my vertrabrae I was put on “Atelvia” Now I’m really worried,,,,which came first,,,,the chicken or the egg
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Very informative, I have the Save our bones book.
In your video you say that we can get all the necessary supplements in one multi vitamin, could you please recommend a product I can buy in Canada that would cover all the supplements.I have all the vitamins and minerals you recommend in individual pills and it is a meal in itself.
I also take Diclofenac 50mg once a day for aches and pains, and worry about interaction with these vitamins. Your advise would be appreciated.Thanks
Judy
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I have hyperparathyroidism is this program safe for me as I cannot take calcium supplements. The Dr said that would only increase the amount of calcium in my blood
I’m 69yrs old and now have severe osteoporosis but no deformities as yet so far I have refused the medications advised due to the side effects.
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A patient of osteoporosis I was diagnosed in a study of hyperthryroidism (took fosamax, then Boniva and last year took the first (2010) -yearly IV and low dose synthroid.
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Posted on Some great advice here Werner, it is true that if you do no SEO on your site then you can’t expcet anything to happen. Whether you pay for it or do it yourself, it has to be done
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GreAt article! I was on fosamax and my doctor took me off of it a few months ago. Would like to know if one of the side effects would have your liver function elevated? Also my locker back and legs are always very sore sand every so often I have the twitching at night when I am asleep. What can I do?
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Do you have any comments about swimming pools and any side effects from the water.
Thanks,
Helen duey-
The big problem with swimming pools is the amount of chlorine that we are absorbing while swimming. Some pools have been converted to salt water pools…maybe you might be able to find one in your area.
But remember that the use of chlorine is very widespread and more importantly found in our tap water. Make sure to get a good filter that removes the chlorine both from your tap water and from your shower. We absorb a lot more chlorine on a daily basis via unfiltered tap water and showers than we do from an occasional swim. My green tips for today 🙂
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I started taking Fosamax in 2004 and took myself off of it in 2010. I was having side effects with upper GI problems. Also, I started having extreme pain in my hips and down the backs of my legs. I am still having the pain but not as badly. The pain feels like it is down in the middle of the bones. I asked my doc about the pain, and she said she doubted the Fosamax caused it – that it is probably arthritis, since I am 67 years old. I have never had any form of arthritis and the pain is only in hips and backs of legs. I am now wondering if this is a side effect of the Fosamax. I had a heel spur last year as well and had Plantar Fascitis, so I am wondering if all of this is connected. The doc said she could prescribe something for the pain, but the side effects were bad from that. I take Alieve and Tylenol when it gets really bad. I walk a lot and also eat a healthy diet. I am hoping the pain will eventually go away.
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Thanks for this update. I will see my doctor soon and must give him the news that i stopped taking Actonel in July. Now I have more info to back up my decision. I specifically asked him the last time I saw him about long term use of bisphosphonates and he said “Oh, you must take these for life”!!! I am 58, and have already taken various forms since 2003. How ignorant the medical world is.
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OSTEOPOROSIS!!!!!I just got my results and have a t score of -2.9 in my femoral nack. They want me to go on actonol. I tried fosomax over a year ago but it made my body ach to much. My last t score was 2.4 a year ago. I am getting worse and at this point dont know what to do and I am really depressed about what lies ahead for my future it I go back on the meds, Please …someone tell me where do I go from here??
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Beth – My concerns are exactly like yours. My last T score was -2.5 and 2 years before that was -1.7. I, like you am getting pretty scared and don’t know what more I can do or take. I do weight bearing exercises 3 times a week, take supplements and still my scores get worse every 2 years. My physician agrees with Vivian’s opinions on the bisphosphonates family of drugs. If you or anyone else has any more information on what more can anyone do please reply.
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Linda, I was on ACTONEL for 5 years and would still be on it if it wasn’t for my own research and Vivian’s book. ACTONEL did not improve my bone density at all. I took myself off 2 years ago and followed Vivian’s diet guidelines. With all the necessary supplements I improved my bone health dramatically. I went from a moderate/high fracture risk, when first diagnosed, to a low fracture risk -within 2 years of stopping this terrible drug!
Either doctors don’t know or don’t care! They should be held accountable for the damage these drugs cause, and the drug companies, of course! Unfortunately, it does not help the poor ‘victims’.
Take care and do what I did; it’s worth the effort!
Cheers
Trudy
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I am using ” Mica Miracle ” to clear our drinking water of flouride,and other pollutants…it is a black mica product. It is made by Purium Health Products…I trust them, they make green drinks & other super products.
The company says that this exfoliated form of black mica does decalcification in the body, & alkalizes it.
Would you please look into this to see if it’s good for us in your community?
THANK YOU< How will you let me know what you think, Vivian?
Liz -
Many thanks Vivienne for your all great & logical advice. I have recently received a letter from Act Now Plus sanifo-aventis advising me that Actonel Combi & Combi D are being replaced by a new formulation of Actonel??? sometime early 2012.
I have not taken Actonel Combi for 12 months. -
I know you do not recommend using strontium. Could you tell me why. Could using this product cause a person to twitch, especially at night while sleeping. It is nearly constant small movements of the arms and wrists and can bevery annoyng,
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Since two people here mentioned that sinse takeing Strontium they Twitch.
I’m wondering if Strontium robs the bones of Magnesium?You might need more Magnesium, which I’m starting to hear, is more inportant then Calcium!
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Thanks for telling us all this about bisphosphonates. I wish more people would take note of what you say and that the information was more widespread. As with statins, the pharmaceutical companies are trying to persuade the medical profession to prescribe dangerous drugs. IMHO, these are criminal acts as the pharmaceutical companies are well aware of the dangers to our health, but continue to suppress any test results which don’t suit them!
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Dear Vivian. Thank you for doing all this research. I am impressed that the human breakdown and the ecological breakdown are in synchronicity. I also see that some things are being done by corporations and promoted by wellmeaning people. I am thinking of this new promotion of things like something called “Adya Clarity.” It is recommended to drink it to remove Calcium blockages in the body. It is recommended to put it in water to clear it of Calcified toxins. It is recommended to put it in water ways in nature to clear it of pollutants. It is supposed to be “black mica.” I would really be interested in your research because a lot of people are buying it and I am worried. Thanks. LynnCS
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Lynn,
I never heard of this, but I do know, that K2 Mk-4 will take the calcium to your bones, instead of your arteries!
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