DOES YOUR CALCIUM CREATE MORE PROBLEMS THAN IT SOLVES?

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DOES YOUR CALCIUM CREATE MORE PROBLEMS THAN IT SOLVES?

 

Healthy Solutions, Spring 2003

Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink

 

 

 

It is important to take a supplement that provides key nutrients

for maintaining bone mass. But can too much calcium be a problem?

More than you ever thought possible.

North Americans have the highest rate of pasteurized milk and

calcium supplement consumption -

 

yet still have the highest rate of osteoporosis in the world. This

is because too much calcium can deplete magnesium, zinc and iron(1),

setting the stage for osteoporosis and fragile bones.

 

 

 

 

Why, when North Americans have the highest rate of pasteurized milk

and calcium supplement consumption - do they still have the highest

rate of osteoporosis in the world?

 

 

When choosing a calcium supplement it is important to consider

several key factors: Higher Magnesium to Calcium Ratio - High doses

of calcium causes magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency

negatively influences the quality of bone, has been linked with

arteriosclerosis and can cause calcium to deposit in soft tissue.

 

Without adequate magnesium, calcium cannot be properly utilized and

becomes a pollutant rather than a nutrient.

 

A study by Dr. Abraham that used a ratio of 1.2:1 magnesium to

calcium, along with other nutrients (co-factors) resulted in

significant increases in bone mass (3). So, I recommend this higher

ratio of magnesium to properly utilize both supplemented and dietary

calcium in the body.

 

 

 

 

 

Liquid Form - Liquid supplements provide enhanced availability, as

they do not require breakdown by the digestive tract before the

active ingredients can be released and absorbed.

 

Liquids also have a much larger surface area to volume ratio that

allows for a greater number of absorption sites in the digestive

tract. Decreased absorption of calcium supplements has been noted

with patients with osteoporosis.

 

 

 

Form of Calcium - I recommend calcium lactate and gluconate, which

are ready to absorb because they are in an ionized and soluble

state. Their absorption is approximately 45% even with low stomach

acid, compared to calcium carbonate at only 4%. Those with low

gastric acid (1/3 of people over age 60 and close to 1/2 of post-

menopausal women) can absorb these forms of calcium. For those who

have adequate acid levels, ionized calcium is still a benefit

because it can be taken at any time and will not interfere with the

absorption of co-factors since it does not need food to increase

stomach acid.

 

Dose of Calcium - I recommend low doses of calcium because they

allow for the absorption of other nutrients (co-factors) which are

absolutely essential for the proper utilization of calcium. Large

doses of calcium, especially without the presence of adequate

magnesium can cause the body to deposit calcium in soft tissue where

it causes problems such as kidney stones and arteriosclerosis.

 

Fruit Juice and Herb Base - The presence of fruit juice has been

shown to enhance mineral absorption and retention (4) because it

enhances stomach acid and because certain nutrients, such as calcium

and zinc, only absorb together in the presence of food. A formula

with added digestive herbs will stimulate digestion and reduce the

common side effect of bloating.

 

Added Co-factors - Clinical trials have shown vitamin D enhances the

absorption of calcium (2). Zinc helps form the proteins found in

bone tissue, is involved with the formation of the bone matrix, and

also enhances the action of vitamin D. Unless food is present,

calcium interferes with the absorption of co-factors, so it should

not be found in high amounts in a non-food based multivitamin. Take

your multi and calcium supplement at least 2 hours away from each

other for the best results.

 

 

 

 

No Harmful Additives - 70% of calcium supplements tested were found

to be contaminated with lead (5). Ensure that heavy metal testing

has been completed on your calcium product. A quality supplement

will also guarantee no pesticide residues, preservatives, food

colouring or added sugar.

 

 

 

A liquid supplement that provides lower, absorbable doses of

calcium, with a higher ratio of magnesium and a balance of added co-

factors, is safe to take throughout one's life cycle.

 

Those who have adequate absorption and proper utilization of calcium

throughout their life are at the least risk for osteoporosis.

 

 

 

Resources

1. Gaby, Alan R. Every Woman's Essential Guide to Preventing and

Reversing Osteoporosis Prima Health, 1990

2. Peacock, M., Calcium Absorption Efficiency and Calcium

Requirements in Children and Adolescents. American Journal of

Nutrition, 1991. 54: p. 261S-265S.

3. Abraham, G. E., and H. Grewal, A Total Dietary Program

Emphasizing Magnesium Instead of Calcium. Effect on Mineral Density

of Calcaneous Bone in Postmenopausal Women on Hormonal Therapy.

Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 1990 35: 503-507.

4. The Experimental Study of the Absorption and Utilization of

Oyster Shell mixed with Fruit Juice. Wei Shen Yen Chiu, 1997. 26

(5): p. 333-6.

5. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements by Michael Murray, 1996,

Prima Publishing

 

 

About Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink

Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and

Registered Midwife. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree

with Distinction in Physical Education through the University of

Saskatchewan and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.), with

a postgraduate specialization in Midwifery, from Bastyr University.

She is recognized across Canada as the first licensed Naturopathic

Physician also practicing as a Registered Midwife. She is a member

of the B.C.N.A., the C.N.P. of B.C., and the C.N.A., and an

instructor of Obstetrics and Pediatrics at the Boucher Institute of

Naturopathic Medicine.