Originally published January 2 2006
Health writer believes calcium and vitamin D should be taken in natural forms
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Seattle writer Herb Weisbaum talks about the vital roles of vitamin D and calcium in protecting the skeletal system and the skin.
If I say "calcium," you'd probably say "strong bones," and you'd be right.
But this important mineral, when taken with Vitamin D (more on that in just a few sentences) may also lower your risk of colon cancer, help reduce your cholesterol and lower your blood pressure.
Recent research indicates the calcium/Vitamin D combo may reduce a senior's risk of hip fracture and help women with PMS.
Now, more on the connection between calcium and Vitamin D; it turns out your body needs this vitamin to absorb that calcium.
Without it, the calcium in your food and in your supplements will go right through you.
That's right; your body needs sunlight for the skin to produce Vitamin D. At this time of year the sun just isn't strong enough in the northern U.S. and Canada for our skin to make Vitamin D. So we need to take supplements.
According to the October 2005 issue of the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, 1,000 IU (International Units) is the goal "for those 70 and older, and for adults with dark skin, especially blacks.
The best way to get that amount is by eating calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat dairy products.
Still, many people prefer to go the supplement route, especially those who are lactose intolerant.
Health experts say it's wise to choose a brand that also contains Vitamin D.
Costco's Kirkland Signature Calcium plus Vitamin D at just 2 per 500 mg tablet Walgreen's Finest Natural Calcium 500+D at just 4 cents per 500 mg tablet Both cost less than any top-rated product that contains just calcium alone.
Some stores sell what's called coral calcium.
Consumer Reports says getting your calcium from dairy products can actually help keep stones from recurring, although no one knows why.
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