When the prestigious American Medical Association in it's journal (JAMA) issues a wake-up call, conventional physicians usually pay attention. In a recent issue JAMA has indicated that a very large scale study has shown that those with osteoporosis have four times the chance of breaking a bone within a year, than those that do not have this disease. The lead researcher indicated that "there is under-diagnosis and treatment" of this problem.
The breaking of a bone, especially the hip, is a most serious matter and often tragically leads to a downward slope which debilitates an individual. The complications of such fractures sometimes involve blood clots which may be most serious and sometimes fatal.
What can be done about this situation? Nutritionists and wholistic physicians advise women, especially those over fifty, to take a proper dose of calcium daily. People who may be prone to this disease (individuals who are thin or of small frame or with a history of osteoporosis in the family) should probably start much earlier. In fact, it is probably a good idea for even young girls to put the "money (calcium) in the bank (bones)" early in life. Among negative factors are lack of exercise, cigarette smoking and the ingestion of soft drinks containing phosphoric acid (see label). When children do a science experiment and put a chicken bone in a soft drink and in a few days it dissolves, this is the work of phosphoric acid. Certain foods may also contribute to the lack of calcium absorption in the system and chief among these are rhubarb and chocolate.
It is most urgent that all users of drugs like Fosamax realize that unless they take calcium and other co-factors (Vitamin D), Fosamax alone is of little value. This is because Fosamax helps to get the calcium into the bones. If there is no calcium present, little benefit will be seen.
In so far as calcium supplementation is concerned, it is important to remember that while osteoporosis is mainly a problem with women, approximately two out of every ten patients are men. This would indicate that males should also be alert in this area.
Another key factor is the ingestion of a sufficient amount of Vitamin D. With many individuals limiting exposure to the sun because of the risk of skin cancer, Vitamin D should usually be obtained from a nutritional supplement. It is not imperative that the Vitamin D be taken together with the calcium. As long as the body receives its daily dose of Vitamin D, whether from a calcium supplement containing Viamin D or a multi-vitamin, the absorption will be proper. Most physicians feel that the proper dosage factor here of Vitamin D is between 400 and 800 IU daily. Doses over 1000IU should be under the care of a physician.
What are the best forms of calcium? Here we come to an area in which different experts have come up with different answers. Most nutritionists feel that calcium citrate is the preferred form of calcium. This form of calcium contains approximately 25% elemental calcium. It is very important to understand what is meant by "elemental" calcium. For example if a tablet has 1000mg of calcium citrate total, of this only 250mg is pure calcium. The other part of the product is the "citrate" part which does not add any nutritional benefit, but is necessary since one cannot ingest pure calcium. All minerals have both the "elemental" part and the "base" and it is important to understand how much actual active mineral is delivered by the specific form being taken. An advantage of calcium citrate is that acid is not required in the stomach for absorption.
Another form of calcium, calcium carbonate, contains 40% elemental calcium but a possible draw-back here is the fact that if individuals are lacking in stomach acid (as is sometimes the case of older people) the absorption of calcium carbonate is greatly limited.
In addition to calcium and Vitamin D, there are several other nutrients of great importance for calcium metabolism. These include magnesium, silica and boron. While many physicians are under the impression that as people get older they must loose calcium, this is not necessarily so. A comprehensive program organized by a physician and nutritionist stressing diet, supplements, exercise and life style can probably cut the toll of osteoporosis by over 90% thus saving lives and the quality of life for many individuals.
Those interested in a free sample of the product I have designed which may be helpful in this area should call 1-800 777-3737 and ask for a sample of Fem-Cal Citrate.
