Inferior Calcium Supplementation
Is it possible that your calcium supplement is NOT winding up in your bones but in the lining of your arteries instead? This process is known as arterial calcification which can cause arterial dysfunction. The answer is a resounding yes!
Let's take a look at what needs to happen for calcium to deposit into the bones and alternatively, not into the lining of the arteries!
The Misunderstood Benefits and Risks of Calcium
Just take some Calcium and call me in the morning...
It perplexes me as to why some physicians and even dieticians and nutritionists aren't a bit more careful when they tell patients or customers to take 1000-1500 mg of calcium per day because its "healthy for their bones"?
The assumption being made is that all or most of this large amount of calcium being recommended is actually getting into the bones. Many healthcare professionals will also recommend that the calcium be coupled with aVitamin D, because it helps to increase the absorption of calcium into the blood (which is true).
The question not being asked or answered is where is this calcium going once its in the blood and available systemically? Is it possible that some of this calcium is NOT winding up in the bones but in the lining of the arteries instead? (a process known as arterial calcification which can cause arterial dysfunction) The answer is a resounding yes! Let's take a look at what needs to happen for calcium to deposit into the bones and alternatively, not into the lining of the arteries!
Calcium is positively charged atom called a cation. It's charge is +2 (divalent). In order for calcium to be absorbed into the bone matrix, a protein named osteocalcin has to undergo a process called carboxylation to be able to bind with the calcium. When osteocalcin is "under" carboxylated, the calcium will not be absorbed well or at all. Another protein called Matrix Gla Protein is found in the arterial cell wall, MGP maintains healthy soft tissue calcium metabolism protecting against arterial calcification.
So what do the bones and the arteries have in common regarding calcium? Vitamin K ! Via the process of carboxylation, Vitamin K assures that both osteocalcin is carboxylated so that calcium can be deposited into the bone matrix, and matrix Gla via carboxylation is synthesized to prevent the deposition of calcium into the arteries.
While vitamin D is necessary, plays a role in the carboxylation process and has many other wellness benefits... healthy calcium metabolism both in bones and arteries is very dependent upon Vitamin K. It seems that Vitamin K-2 (menaquinones) may have more cardiovascular benefit while Vitamin K-1 phylloquinone may work better for bones... so a combination of Vitamin K-1* and K-2 * might be advisable to a dosage of at least 1mg of K-1, plus 100 mcg (micrograms) of a form of K-2.*
Taking therapeutic amounts of Vitamin K has been shown to significantly reduce fracture rates at the hip and spine, yet it does not seem to increase Bone Mineral Density (BMD). This does not surprise me because BMD does not accurately measure the architecture of the bones, just the mineral presence. Obviously, the mechanism of Vitamin K is working in a different manner. Additionally, other health benefits for Vitamin K are being written about in the literature. It seems that this vitamin may be involved in prevention of osteoarthritis, has anti-inflammatory mechanisms, may be of real benefit in preventing prostate cancer, deficiencies may be involved in progression of Alzheimer's.
To sum up, calcium intake of greater than 500-600 mg per day is not necessary or useful in preventing bone fractures. Adding at least 5000 IU per day of Vitamin D-3 and at least 1-2 mg of vitamin-K and 500 mg/day of magnesium to your daily diet will give you the protection against bone fractures that you need.
For these reasons and to insure that calcium ends up in your bones not lining your arteries, it is very important to take a properly formulated supplement. A supplement with the right combination of high quality vitamins and minerals at the proper doses for healthier bones and ultimately to prevent fractures.
*Vitamin K-1 is also known either as phylloquinone or phytonadione.
*Vitamin K-2 is also known as menaquinone-7.
(There is a menaquinone-4 but preliminary research seems to indicate that more of it is necessary to achieve results the MK-7 can yield at mcg levels.
The assumption being made is that all or most of this large amount of calcium being recommended is actually getting into the bones. Many healthcare professionals will also recommend that the calcium be coupled with aVitamin D, because it helps to increase the absorption of calcium into the blood (which is true).
The question not being asked or answered is where is this calcium going once its in the blood and available systemically? Is it possible that some of this calcium is NOT winding up in the bones but in the lining of the arteries instead? (a process known as arterial calcification which can cause arterial dysfunction) The answer is a resounding yes! Let's take a look at what needs to happen for calcium to deposit into the bones and alternatively, not into the lining of the arteries!
Calcium is positively charged atom called a cation. It's charge is +2 (divalent). In order for calcium to be absorbed into the bone matrix, a protein named osteocalcin has to undergo a process called carboxylation to be able to bind with the calcium. When osteocalcin is "under" carboxylated, the calcium will not be absorbed well or at all. Another protein called Matrix Gla Protein is found in the arterial cell wall, MGP maintains healthy soft tissue calcium metabolism protecting against arterial calcification.
So what do the bones and the arteries have in common regarding calcium? Vitamin K ! Via the process of carboxylation, Vitamin K assures that both osteocalcin is carboxylated so that calcium can be deposited into the bone matrix, and matrix Gla via carboxylation is synthesized to prevent the deposition of calcium into the arteries.
While vitamin D is necessary, plays a role in the carboxylation process and has many other wellness benefits... healthy calcium metabolism both in bones and arteries is very dependent upon Vitamin K. It seems that Vitamin K-2 (menaquinones) may have more cardiovascular benefit while Vitamin K-1 phylloquinone may work better for bones... so a combination of Vitamin K-1* and K-2 * might be advisable to a dosage of at least 1mg of K-1, plus 100 mcg (micrograms) of a form of K-2.*
Taking therapeutic amounts of Vitamin K has been shown to significantly reduce fracture rates at the hip and spine, yet it does not seem to increase Bone Mineral Density (BMD). This does not surprise me because BMD does not accurately measure the architecture of the bones, just the mineral presence. Obviously, the mechanism of Vitamin K is working in a different manner. Additionally, other health benefits for Vitamin K are being written about in the literature. It seems that this vitamin may be involved in prevention of osteoarthritis, has anti-inflammatory mechanisms, may be of real benefit in preventing prostate cancer, deficiencies may be involved in progression of Alzheimer's.
To sum up, calcium intake of greater than 500-600 mg per day is not necessary or useful in preventing bone fractures. Adding at least 5000 IU per day of Vitamin D-3 and at least 1-2 mg of vitamin-K and 500 mg/day of magnesium to your daily diet will give you the protection against bone fractures that you need.
For these reasons and to insure that calcium ends up in your bones not lining your arteries, it is very important to take a properly formulated supplement. A supplement with the right combination of high quality vitamins and minerals at the proper doses for healthier bones and ultimately to prevent fractures.
*Vitamin K-1 is also known either as phylloquinone or phytonadione.
*Vitamin K-2 is also known as menaquinone-7.
(There is a menaquinone-4 but preliminary research seems to indicate that more of it is necessary to achieve results the MK-7 can yield at mcg levels.
Calcium and Osteoporosis
The Misunderstood Benefits and Risks of Calcium Supplementation
Facts:
* Calcium supplementation is big business
* 50% of all women over age 65 and 25% of all men will experience at least one
osteoporotic fracture in their life time.
* The governments' understanding of micronutrient requirements as expressed
in the RDI's is archaic.
* Most if not all RDI's for vitamins and minerals are woefully low, while the RDI of
1,000-1,500 mg. per day of calcium could be dangerously high.
FACT: Bantu women in Africa have lower estrogen levels than U.S. women both before and after menopause. They consume less than 500 mg. per day of calcium yet osteoporotic fractures are extremely rare;
FACT: The Japanese dietary calcium intake is 540 mg. per day yet their hip fracture rate is half of western countries.
FACT: A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that post-menopausal women who took 2,000 mg. of calcium per day had the same rate of bone loss as those on placebo.
FACT: A study done by the Mayo Clinic on 106 women of various ages demonstrated that over a 2.6-6.6 year observation period there was no correlation between calcium supplementation and the rate of bone loss.
FACT: Calcium by itself doesn't work very well. A study of 26 post-menopausal women who were placed on HRT and a "bone healthy" diet demonstrated a meager increase of BMD (Bone Mineral Density) of .7%. The group that was given a mixture of calcium and other supportive and synergistic micronutrients demonstrated an increase in BMD 16 times greater than the control.
FACT: A 1981 study of calcium versus calcium and supportive co-factors demonstrated that the mixture increased BMD 200-300% greater than calcium alone.
DANGER: Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is caused by calcification of these and other soft tissues throughout the body.
DANGER: When calcium is supplemented by itself and is not being incorporated into the bone matrix, the difference between what is consumed and excreted contributes not only to arteriosclerosis but accelerated aging of soft tissues throughout the body.
FACT: Two forms of a lesser known vitamin have been shown to be 56-74% deficient in people with osteoporosis.
FACT: This same vitamin has been shown to increase the absorption of calcium into the osteocalcin matrix by 50% in just 14 days.
FACT: This same vitamin has been shown in vitro and in animals to draw calcium out of soft tissues and reverse calcification.
FACT: Several studies have shown that absorption of calcium by humans decreases with age. Calcium absorption can be enhanced by a particular kind of health promoting fiber.
FACT: Deposition of calcium into the bone matrix is only half of the BMD equation. Bone Resorption (the loss of bone) must also be addressed!
FACT: Two herbs with substantial health promoting benefits in areas other than BMD have been shown in vitro and in animals to decrease osteoclast (cells that consume bone) activity and decrease bone resorption. This is a mechanism similar to the bisphosponate drugs like Fossamax. But these drugs have side effects like esophageal irritation and are expensive.
FACT: Slowing down calcification and glycation (the aging effects of sugar on the organs of our body) is a major anti-aging benefit.
FACT: Homocysteine which is a marker or indicator of many chronic degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular disease, and diabetes , is also higher in patients with osteoporosis. A combination of three common vitamins has been clinically shown to reduce homocysteine.
FACT: In addition to the role it plays in bones, Calcium is essential to over-all health and longevity. But calcium must be taken correctly and with the proper supporting co-factors which are most often not included in calcium containing products.
The combination of biochemically, synergistic ingredients in a product I formulated: "Cal-Vantage" includes these important co-factors and will go beyond just reducing your risk for bone fractures due to osteoporosis.
Please continue to read about the scientific data reviewing the benefits of the ingredients in Cal-Vantage relating to osteoporosis, risk of bone fracture, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. (see link below)
* Calcium supplementation is big business
* 50% of all women over age 65 and 25% of all men will experience at least one
osteoporotic fracture in their life time.
* The governments' understanding of micronutrient requirements as expressed
in the RDI's is archaic.
* Most if not all RDI's for vitamins and minerals are woefully low, while the RDI of
1,000-1,500 mg. per day of calcium could be dangerously high.
FACT: Bantu women in Africa have lower estrogen levels than U.S. women both before and after menopause. They consume less than 500 mg. per day of calcium yet osteoporotic fractures are extremely rare;
FACT: The Japanese dietary calcium intake is 540 mg. per day yet their hip fracture rate is half of western countries.
FACT: A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that post-menopausal women who took 2,000 mg. of calcium per day had the same rate of bone loss as those on placebo.
FACT: A study done by the Mayo Clinic on 106 women of various ages demonstrated that over a 2.6-6.6 year observation period there was no correlation between calcium supplementation and the rate of bone loss.
FACT: Calcium by itself doesn't work very well. A study of 26 post-menopausal women who were placed on HRT and a "bone healthy" diet demonstrated a meager increase of BMD (Bone Mineral Density) of .7%. The group that was given a mixture of calcium and other supportive and synergistic micronutrients demonstrated an increase in BMD 16 times greater than the control.
FACT: A 1981 study of calcium versus calcium and supportive co-factors demonstrated that the mixture increased BMD 200-300% greater than calcium alone.
DANGER: Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is caused by calcification of these and other soft tissues throughout the body.
DANGER: When calcium is supplemented by itself and is not being incorporated into the bone matrix, the difference between what is consumed and excreted contributes not only to arteriosclerosis but accelerated aging of soft tissues throughout the body.
FACT: Two forms of a lesser known vitamin have been shown to be 56-74% deficient in people with osteoporosis.
FACT: This same vitamin has been shown to increase the absorption of calcium into the osteocalcin matrix by 50% in just 14 days.
FACT: This same vitamin has been shown in vitro and in animals to draw calcium out of soft tissues and reverse calcification.
FACT: Several studies have shown that absorption of calcium by humans decreases with age. Calcium absorption can be enhanced by a particular kind of health promoting fiber.
FACT: Deposition of calcium into the bone matrix is only half of the BMD equation. Bone Resorption (the loss of bone) must also be addressed!
FACT: Two herbs with substantial health promoting benefits in areas other than BMD have been shown in vitro and in animals to decrease osteoclast (cells that consume bone) activity and decrease bone resorption. This is a mechanism similar to the bisphosponate drugs like Fossamax. But these drugs have side effects like esophageal irritation and are expensive.
FACT: Slowing down calcification and glycation (the aging effects of sugar on the organs of our body) is a major anti-aging benefit.
FACT: Homocysteine which is a marker or indicator of many chronic degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular disease, and diabetes , is also higher in patients with osteoporosis. A combination of three common vitamins has been clinically shown to reduce homocysteine.
FACT: In addition to the role it plays in bones, Calcium is essential to over-all health and longevity. But calcium must be taken correctly and with the proper supporting co-factors which are most often not included in calcium containing products.
The combination of biochemically, synergistic ingredients in a product I formulated: "Cal-Vantage" includes these important co-factors and will go beyond just reducing your risk for bone fractures due to osteoporosis.
Please continue to read about the scientific data reviewing the benefits of the ingredients in Cal-Vantage relating to osteoporosis, risk of bone fracture, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. (see link below)
More links and information
- Calcium Supplements
- Cal-Vantage: A Superior Source Of Calcium For Bone Health
- Curt Hendrix, MS CCS CNS
- Curt Hendrix is a multi-disciplined scientist whose research, patents and teachings focus on improving health and fighting the war on aging at the cellular level.
About the Author
Curt Hendrix is a multi-disciplined scientist whose research, patents and teachings focus on improving health and fighting the war on aging at the cellular level.
His unique combination of education, training and experience in chemistry, medicine, nutrition, the supplement industry, NIH sponsored research and pharmaceutical drug development, generates a perspective leading to an intimate understanding of the working of the human body. Curt is a considered a foremost authority on nutritional applications of herbal medicine (based on scientific application). He has spent the last 20 years researching and archiving the potential benefits, effects and mechanism of literally thousands of naturally occurring compounds (plants, amino acids, vitamin/mineral and their metabolites and other nutrients and supplements).
As the Chief Science Officer for a privately held, specialty pharmaceutical company, Concourse Health Sciences L.L.C. At Concourse, Curt is in charge of formulation and development of new drugs derived or based upon naturally occurring compounds. He is currently working on "safer-medicines" for; Cardiovascular Disease, Endometriosis, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Interstitial Cystitis, Infectious Diarrhea, Type I & II Diabetes, Weight Loss and Alzheimer's. (More Info..See Bio)
His unique combination of education, training and experience in chemistry, medicine, nutrition, the supplement industry, NIH sponsored research and pharmaceutical drug development, generates a perspective leading to an intimate understanding of the working of the human body. Curt is a considered a foremost authority on nutritional applications of herbal medicine (based on scientific application). He has spent the last 20 years researching and archiving the potential benefits, effects and mechanism of literally thousands of naturally occurring compounds (plants, amino acids, vitamin/mineral and their metabolites and other nutrients and supplements).
As the Chief Science Officer for a privately held, specialty pharmaceutical company, Concourse Health Sciences L.L.C. At Concourse, Curt is in charge of formulation and development of new drugs derived or based upon naturally occurring compounds. He is currently working on "safer-medicines" for; Cardiovascular Disease, Endometriosis, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Interstitial Cystitis, Infectious Diarrhea, Type I & II Diabetes, Weight Loss and Alzheimer's. (More Info..See Bio)
by curthendrix
Curt Hendrix, M.S, C.C.S, C.N.S,
Curt Hendrix, M. S., CCN, CSN, is a multi-disciplined scientist whose research and teachings focus on improving h... (more)
Curt Hendrix, M. S., CCN, CSN, is a multi-disciplined scientist whose research and teachings focus on improving h... (more)
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