Does Your Calcium Cause more problems than it solves??

[Guest guest]

Does Your Calcium Cause more problems than it solves?? JoAnn Guest Jun 24,

2005 10:50 PDT

Healthy Solutions, Spring 2003

http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/usa/healthexperts/floraarticle46.asp

 

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 (2).

 

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.

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html