Bone Health

          Bones, like any other body tissue, are constantly changing.  Their dynamic includes constant rebuilding and breaking down.  These changes are beneficial for bones until the rate of breaking down exceeds the rate of rebuilding.  This excessive breakdown can result in porous bones, osteoporosis.  This condition is characterized by fragile and thin bones, loss of height, fractures in the wrist and spine, or a dowager’s hump (progressive curvature of the upper spine).

          Bones are composed of a variety of minerals and proteins.  Minerals make bone solid and ensure its integrity, while proteins allow for torsion and compression in bone.  The bone minerals are constantly undergoing processes of building and breaking down.  The rate of bone turnover and resorption often indicates the need for calcium supplementation to maintain healthy bones.

          Supplementing the diet with calcium supplements is a positive addition for those struggling with declining bone density.  Calcium is supplemented orally in carbonate, citrate, gluconate, and hydroxyapatite forms.  Calcium carbonate and gluconate are the cheapest forms of supplemental calcium.  They contain more elemental calcium by weight; however, they are poorly absorbed by the body.  Calcium citrate is highly bioavailable for the body’s use.  Because it contains less elemental calcium by weight, the citrate form must be taken in multiple doses.  Calcium hydroxyapatite is the most natural form of calcium.  It is a microcrystalline form that contains a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorous that is naturally found in healthy bone.  Each form has its advantages and disadvantages. 

          Often supplementing a healthy diet with just calcium is not enough.  Calcium works in conjunction with seven other vitamins and minerals.  Calcium is best absorbed and deposited in bone when the body’s vitamin D levels are sufficient.  Vitamin K holds calcium in the bone by producing osteocalcin, a protein matrix that retains calcium.  Magnesium keeps vitamin D in its active form so that calcium continues to be placed into bone stores.  Manganese stimulates mucopolysaccharide production for calcium deposits to cling to.  Zinc ensures the functionality of bone building cells, osteoblasts, and bone remodeling cells, osteoclasts.  Boron reduces the amount of calcium excreted in the urine and increases the amount of circulating estrogen and testosterone (both prevent bone loss).  Copper inhibits bone resorption, the release of calcium from the bone back into the bloodstream.  All of these work synergistically to maintain optimal bone health.

          All women are at risk of calcium deficiency.  If you are currently diagnosed with osteopenia, osteoporosis, or are menopausal, your need for calcium is much higher.  Now is the time to prevent or repair the damage of calcium deficiency.