Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
See article keywords and concepts |
 Adams: So a person who's taking, let's say coral calcium supplements, if they're not getting sunshine or vitamin D to go with it, their absorption is halved.
Dr. Holick: Yeah, exactly, and it's really of little benefit.
Adams: That's fascinating. Once again showing that there's no single magic pill, you have to be healthy across the board.
Dr. Holick: That's right. And what I typically recommend to my patients is Tums or Os-Cal or Caltrate or any of the respected brands ... Super Cal or all good sources of calcium.
Adams: As long as you've got vitamin D.
Dr. Holick: Correct. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 These calcium supplements may contain substantial amounts of lead. In 1981, the FDA cautioned the public to limit intake of calcium supplements made from either dolomite or bone meal because of the potentially high lead levels. Unfortunately, even other sources of calcium from various chelates may also contain minute amounts of lead. In a 1993 study of lead content in calcium supplements, lead was the highest in bone meal, unrefined calcium carbonate, and dolomite and lowest in calcium chelate supplements and refined calcium carbonate. |
Ann N. Martin
See book keywords and concepts |
 Riveriene Farm, a holistic nutrition website, describes various forms of calcium supplements in their Nutrition Index and notes that some of the calcium supplements can cause problems when added to a pet's diet. According to Riveriene Farm, bone-meal used in many dog food recipes, "contains absorbable calcium but may be contaminated with lead." You can purchase bonemeal that is certified free of heavy metal contamination, lead, mercury, and arsenic. If you are going to add a supplement, certified bonemeal is the best choice. |
Bill Sardi
See book keywords and concepts |
 Recurrence rate of adenomas (polyps) in groups that took calcium supplements:
176 of 627 developed recurrent polyps for a rate of
28%
—? Recurrence rate of adenomas (polyps) in groups that did not take calcium supplements: 231 of 652 developed recurrent polyps for a rate of 35%
So the result of high-dose calcium intake produced a 7% reduction (7 in 100) in the recurrence rate of polyps. This is not a big difference. Many patients with polyps will take extra calcium and receive no benefit. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
See article keywords and concepts |
 The truth about calcium supplements
In terms of calcium supplements, I know that calcium is one of the most common supplements out there and researchers have managed to finagle a study that even shows calcium supplements aren't useful for boosting the bone density of elderly patients. People are being told that calcium is absolutely worthless if you don't digest it and absorb it. So how do you do that?
Well, you certainly don't take it with an antacid. That's a ridiculous way to get calcium. |
Dr. Steve Blake
See book keywords and concepts |
 For best absorption, iron or zinc supplements should not be taken at the same time as calcium supplements. Tetracycline should also be taken at a different time than calcium supplements.
Summary for Calcium
Main functions: bones and teeth, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. Adequate Intake: for adults and adolescents, 1000 to
1300 mg per day. Toxicity is rare.
Tolerable upper intake level is set at 2500 mg for ages one and above. Deficiency can cause stunted growth in children and osteoporosis in adults. Sources: dairy products, almonds, tofu, sesame seeds, vegetables, and beans. |
Ann N. Martin
See book keywords and concepts |
| Riveriene Farm, a holistic nutrition website, describes various forms of calcium supplements in their Nutrition Index and notes that some of the calcium supplements can cause problems when added to a pet's diet. According to Riveriene Farm, bone-meal used in many dog food recipes, "contains absorbable calcium but may be contaminated with lead." You can purchase bonemeal that is certified free of heavy metal contamination, lead, mercury, and arsenic. If you are going to add a supplement, certified bonemeal is the best choice. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
See article keywords and concepts |
 Exposure to sunlight, which creates even more vitamin D in the body, was not tested or considered, and the quality of the calcium supplements was likely not as high as it could have been (it was probably calcium carbonate and not high-grade calcium malate, aspartate or similar forms). What does all this mean? It means that if you take high-quality calcium supplements and get lots of natural sunlight exposure or take premium vitamin D supplements (such as those made from fish oil), you could easily have a greater reduction than the 77 percent reduction recorded in this study. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| In 1981, the FDA cautioned the public to limit intake of calcium supplements made from either dolomite or bone meal because of the potentially high lead levels. Unfortunately, even other sources of calcium from various chelates may also contain minute amounts of lead. In a 1993 study of lead content in calcium supplements, lead was the highest in bone meal, unrefined calcium carbonate, and dolomite and lowest in calcium chelate supplements and refined calcium carbonate.70 Calcium chelates are bound to citrate, fumarate, malate, succinate, and aspartate. |
Dr. Steve Blake
See book keywords and concepts |
| Tetracycline should also be taken at a different time than calcium supplements.
Summary for Calcium
Main functions: bones and teeth, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. Adequate Intake: for adults and adolescents, 1000 to
1300 mg per day. Toxicity is rare.
Tolerable upper intake level is set at 2500 mg for ages one and above. Deficiency can cause stunted growth in children and osteoporosis in adults. Sources: dairy products, almonds, tofu, sesame seeds, vegetables, and beans. Forms in the body: free calcium ions in blood and hydroxy apatite in bones. |
| Fifth percent
(d) Seventy percent.
10. calcium supplements with the best absorption are composed of:
(a) Calcium carbonate.
(b) Dolomite.
(c) Calcium ascorbate.
(d) Oyster shell.
CHAPTER 10
Major
Minerals
Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Sulfur
Phosphorus is needed in every cell in the body. The name means "lightbearer," which comes from the Greek word for light, phos, and the Greek word for bearer, phoros. The chemical symbol for phosphorus is the letter P. About 85 percent of the phosphorus in the body is in the bones. |
Bill Sardi
See book keywords and concepts |
| Recurrence rate of adenomas (polyps) in groups that did not take calcium supplements: 231 of 652 developed recurrent polyps for a rate of 35%
So the result of high-dose calcium intake produced a 7% reduction (7 in 100) in the recurrence rate of polyps. This is not a big difference. Many patients with polyps will take extra calcium and receive no benefit. [American Journal Gastroenterology 100: 390-94, 2005] Furthermore, researchers remain ignorant of any side effects from high-dose calcium. |
Mehmet C. Oz., M.D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Some brands of calcium supplements have been known to contain lead. It's wise to choose a name brand-such as Caltrate or calcium citrate chewables-over ones in bins from coral, or whatever, in natural-food stores, where you may be unsure about whether or not the companies test for levels of lead. We prefer calcium citrate, since your stomach doesn't need to be acidic for this to be absorbed. Plus, the citrate, combined with the magnesium, reduces the chance of constipation and can even loosen your poop.
How about taking Turns, Rolaids, or another antacid with calcium? Not so fast. |
Bill Sardi
See book keywords and concepts |
| The use of calcium supplements is often suggested, based upon population studies which appear to show decreased risk for colon cancer among persons who consume more calcium. However, researchers critically examined 24 studies and could only find three that met proper criteria for analysis. Patients ranging in age from 35-76 years were involved in the three studies and were followed for periods ranging from 3-4 years. Colonoscopy was used to identify the existence and recurrence of adenomas. Calcium supplementation ranged from 1200 to 2000 mg in the three pooled studies. |
Frederic Vagnini, M.D. and Barry Fox, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Other researchers have examined the effects of calcium supplements during pregnancy. They found that there "was a modest reduction in high blood pressure with calcium supplementation" and that those who were at the greatest risk of developing hypertension and those who had lower levels of calcium to begin with benefited the most.2
CALCIUM 23
Selecting Supplements
There are many calcium supplements on the market, and the difference between them goes beyond brand name or price.
The calcium in a calcium supplement comes attached to something else. |
Bill Sardi
See book keywords and concepts |
| They concluded: "Although the evidence from two studies, using 1,200 and 2,000 milligrams of calcium per day, suggests that calcium supplementation might contribute a moderate degree to the prevention of colorectal polyps, this does not constitute sufficient evidence to recommend the general use of calcium supplements to prevent colorectal cancer." [Cochrane Database System Review 20; (3):CD003548, 2005] Despite advertising claims that milk prevents cancer, "available evidence does not warrant an increase in calcium intake to prevent colon cancer. |
Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph. D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan
See book keywords and concepts |
 Yet another reason to take calcium supplements.) Sweating also stresses the heart. So if you have cardiac problems or are elderly, don't overdo it. nipples, and on hairy places, such as the scalp and genital region. Unlike eccrine glands, which regu-
SIGNIFICANT FACT
A single bead of sweat the size of a pea can reduce the temperature of a quart of
Excessive sweating in older women is often a telltale sign of menopause, and the sweating is usually worse at night. (See Night Sweats, below.) These hot flashes—or hot flushes, as they're sometimes called—are due to a drop in estrogen. |
Frederic Vagnini, M.D. and Barry Fox, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| The authors concluded that calcium supplements produce a small reduction in systolic blood pressure. (Systolic pressure is the first or upper number in the blood pressure fraction, that is, 120 in 120/80.)
* Other researchers have examined the effects of calcium supplements during pregnancy. They found that there "was a modest reduction in high blood pressure with calcium supplementation" and that those who were at the greatest risk of developing hypertension and those who had lower levels of calcium to begin with benefited the most. |
Ray D. Strand
See book keywords and concepts |
 Indeed, calcium supplements in these women did seem to increase bone mass, but the supplements had no effect on the other 75 percent who were not calcium deficient. Recent studies of calcium and vitamin D supplementation present a slowing down of osteoporosis but in no way demonstrate that supplementation prevented it. These studies have also shown a reduction in fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist.12 In other words calcium is helpful, but it isn't the answer.
Calcium is an essential nutrient in the fight against osteoporosis. |
| Calcium
People tolerate doses of calcium supplements of up to 2,000 mg. It was once thought that high levels of calcium supplementation could lead to an increase in kidney stones; however, a recent study showed that higher levels of calcium actually decreased the risk of kidney stones. In other words those patients who had the highest intake of calcium actually had the lowest risk of kidney stones."
Iodine
Iodine supplementation greater than 750 meg can suppress thyroid hormone secretion. Reports have also been made of acne-like skin eruptions at higher levels of iodine intake. |
C. W. Randolph, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 I will address calcium supplements later in this chapter.
Fruits
/ EAT 1 SERVING EACH DAY.
Fruits are an important source of fiber, and they are also low in fat and sodium while containing antioxidants and vitamins that contribute to your health. Reach first for color-rich fruits such as blueberries or strawberries.
I recommend the following single serving of fruit each day: half a cup of berries; one medium apple, pear, peach, or banana; or one medium avocado.
Healthy Oils
/ USE AS NEEDED IN COOKING OR AS A CONDIMENT.
For cooking and salad dressings, you can use extra-virgin olive oil. |
Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph. D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan
See book keywords and concepts |
| Antacids, calcium supplements, and some antidiarrhea drugs can have the same effect.
On the other hand, persistently pale poop—medically known as acholic stool—can be a tip-off that bile is not reaching the intestines. The blockage can be a sign of a tumor in the bile duct or the pancreas. Acholic stool can signal a number of serious liver diseases that involve blocked bile ducts, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. |
Mehmet C. Oz., M.D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| In other words, you can take all the calcium supplements you want, but if your diet and lifestyle choices are unhealthy (like too many caffeine- or phosphate-laden carbonated blood are essential for proper muscle and nerve functioning. To ensure normal levels, you decrease excretion in your urine, increase absorption from your gut, and increase resorption of bone.
Active vitamin D, manufactured when skin is exposed to sunlight, is the key that unlocks the gate and allows calcium to leave the intestine and enter the bloodstream. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Interestingly, for many years physicians cautioned against the use of calcium supplements by kidney stone patients, but now it looks as though calcium supplements are beneficial via their ability to bind the oxalate in the gut, thereby preventing oxalate absorption.
A low-oxalate diet is not always effective in reducing urinary oxalic acid levels because dietary oxalate contributes to less than 50 percent of the oxalate found in urine; the rest is made in the body and does not come from the diet. |
Mike Adams
See book keywords and concepts |
 Calcium supplements alone won't solve this problem
You might think you could solve this problem by simply taking calcium supplements. But think again: the high consumption of phosphorus actually makes it difficult for your body to absorb calcium. Phosphorus competes with calcium for absorption in the intestines, meaning that the more phosphorus you have in your diet, the less calcium you can actually absorb. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
See article keywords and concepts |
 Mineralization strategies (taking trace minerals, zinc, magnesium, and quality calcium supplements) to boost cardiovascular health, eliminate excess stress, accelerate tissue repair and recovery speeds and resist infectious disease.
Planned sunlight exposure for enhanced creation of vitamin D which prevents gum disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, heart disease, obesity and all kinds of cancers including prostate cancer. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| However, in women with a history of kidney stones, calcium supplements are contraindicated except with medical testing/assessment and supervision. Calcium intake greater than 2,500 mg per day, taking into account diet and supplement, should be avoided. Some women become constipated or have nausea and indigestion with calcium supplementation, especially calcium carbonate. In these cases, calcium citrate will less likely cause these problems. |
| From the conventional scientific viewpoint, the main reason why magnesium is part of calcium supplements is that carbonates are constipating and magnesium has a laxative effect, and therefore the combination is usually better tolerated.
Even though calcium has received the most attention, alternative medicine views the importance of magnesium in skeletal metabolism and calcium regulation in a little bit different and perhaps broader context. Magnesium influences both matrix and mineral metabolism in bone. |
| In a 1993 study of lead content in calcium supplements, lead was the highest in bone meal, unrefined calcium carbonate, and dolomite and lowest in calcium chelate supplements and refined calcium carbonate.70 Calcium chelates are bound to citrate, fumarate, malate, succinate, and aspartate.
When the calcium is taken on an empty stomach, calcium citrate is absorbed better than calcium carbonate. |
Email this page to a friend
