More than half of all Americans older than 50 fall into a high risk group for experiencing broken bones resulting from osteoporosis, according to the Surgeon General and reported by the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. An additional 10 million already have osteoporosis and 34 million more are at risk, notes the same report. Hydroxyapatite, boron, and magnesium are important minerals that contribute to bone health, protecting against osteoporosis, and complementary to elemental calcium. Many use calcium supplements extracted from oyster shells, which is not as beneficial to the body as other forms.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a debilitating bone disease whose onset often occurs in those over 50 years of age. Bone loss begins at about 35 years of age, according to the Pacific College, and continues until the end of an individual's life. Taking calcium supplements may help slow down or halt the rapid loss of bone density seen in osteoporosis patients. Many calcium supplements are augmented by the addition of other minerals from food or in supplement form.
Calcium Hydroxyapatite
The most common mineral to support bone strength is calcium, although not all calcium sources are equal. Calcium hydroxyapatite is the only form of calcium found in food. It occurs naturally in bone, which is made from both calcium and phosphate. Osteoporosis results when there is inadequate calcium intake or poor absorption of calcium, causing the body to leech calcium from the bones.
Best Calcium Supplements
The best products, according to The Weston A. Price Foundation are microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate, extracted from raw bone from New Zealand cattle. These cows are raised free-range with no exposure to pesticides, antibiotics, hormones and other chemicals that might compromise their purity and quality. The Foundation notes that the bone extract must be processed at low temperatures to maintain the full spectrum of minerals. This type of calcium is alleged to be more easily absorbed and usable by the human body.
Magnesium and Boron
Many types of calcium supplements, including those with MCHC, have the addition of magnesium and boron which aid with absorption. Some of the more easily absorbed forms of magnesium are magnesium glycinate, magnesium aspartate and magnesium oxide. Magnesium is necessary for good energy production, cellular replication and the formation of protein in the body. It contributes to the reducing of blood pressure, improves heart function and the regulation of calcium metabolism. Boron is necessary for health bones and joints. It works in concert with magnesium and other trace elements to help regulate calcium metabolism and absorption through the regulation of steroid hormones, such as vitamin D, according to Vitamin and Herb University. Both minerals support the action of calcium on the bones, contributing to a flexible bones and a healthy skeleton.
Food Sources for Calcium
According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, only about 30 percent of calcium consumed in the diet is actually absorbed. One factor that inhibits calcium absorption is the presence of aluminum in the body. Aluminum can contaminate your body through the use of aluminum pots and pans, foil, antiperspirants and antacids. Some of the best sources of calcium come from foods, not supplements. Bone broths, whole raw milk, Celtic sea salt, sea vegetables such as kelp. molasses, brewer's yeast, green leafy vegetables and cooked soybeans are excellent sources.
Calcium and Shellfish
Most of the less expensive, common forms of calcium included in commercially made supplements consists of calcium carbonate, made from oyster shells. Calcium carbonate is not the best form of calcium to take for supplementation and is not as well absorbed as calcium hydroxyapatite. Additionally, some forms of calcium carbonate have been found to contain small amounts of lead, a known toxin, according to Go Ask Alice. Calcium in the form of dolomite, an extract from limestone, has also been found to contain trace amounts of lead. Not only is calcium carbonate sometimes tainted with lead, but your body also needs nearly twice as much to supplement calcium supplies compared to other forms of calcium, says Go Ask Alice. If you choose to consume calcium carbonate, it is better absorbed when taken with your meals because stomach acids help to break it down.
Supplements
Some types of calcium supplements must be taken with food to ensure maximum absorption. Smaller amounts taken in several doses are more easily absorbed, according to MIT. The Weston A. Price Foundation recommends taking 500 milligrams of MCHC daily and double or triple the amount if you don't drink raw milk. Taking the calcium in a premade formula that includes magnesium, boron and other trace elements is probably the easiest and least expensive way to get the right mineral balance from the least number of pills. Too much calcium in supplement form can be toxic. Always consult with your health practitioner before taking supplements.
References
- Go Ask Alice: What's Up with Calcium Supplements?
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Optimizing Your Diet
- The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Osteoporosis Update
- The Weston A. Price Foundation: Dietary Supplements -- What the Industry Does Not Want You to Know
- Vitamin and Herb University: Boron
- Project Aware: Osteoporosis -- Foods, Herbs and Supplements for Bone Health
- Orthomolecular.org: Micronutrients -- Minerals
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