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Should I continue to take Calcium supplement?
After my last Dexa scan results, I asked my GP if I should continue to take Calcium. She stated that my bones are so bad that there is no use. My Vitamin D levels are fine. My scans indicate -1 and -2.5 and T score at or below -2.5. She didn't want to take the time to discuss what the scores mean, so I am out in the dark reading as much as I can. I am only 61. Unfortunately, I live in a very rural area of NW Wisconsin and the medical care up here is the worst I have ever seen in my life. I do not drive so I have no choice but to continue care up here. I also have malabsorbtion, so I do not absorb vitamins efficiently.
Thank you for your feedback.
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@joyboudreau,
Would this mean that the algae calcium/ mineral supplements would also cause problems? It is supposed to be more easily absorbed than the other calcium supplements.
If this platform allows me to post with a link, you will find simple explanation and details explanation options on this page:
https://m.melaleuca.com/Oligo/Content.aspx?Page=SuperiorScience
Be sure to check on the links - several there; this one shows leading scientists behind the research:
https://m.melaleuca.com/oligo/Content.aspx?Page=Oligo_Life_Changing_Research
Simple explanation is that plants protect the minerals that they take from the soil by wrapping them with amino acids and fiber. So this R&D copied that process as much as humanly possible providing the protection for each mineral molecule so they are not affected in small intestine like unprotected minerals.
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1 ReactionYay - my post with a link was rejected a couple months ago. Glad you have this.
There is definitely more absorbing types of calcium - but this is dealing with not destroying the minerals in the small intestines - where they are proven to crystalize in large percentages - regardless of how much was absorbed or not.
This is an uneducated comment, but I would think that if the calcium in algae calcium is as it is in the algae, it would already have any protection it needed by God's design.
Our R&D was not allowed to list the 250 companies they tested for this, but I have wondered about "whole food" supplements - versus processed. IDK. Consistency in whole food supplements is a concern, but algae??? That is not like growing plants on depleted soil.
Thanks so much @joyboudreau for your information and response. This is all new learning for me.
If looking for a natural calcium "supplement", you might consider ground eggshells. One quarter teaspoon has about 380 mg, half an eggshell has about 780 mg. Since we can't absorb more than 500 mg at a time (and really best to have 300-350 mg at a time so as not to have your excess calcium possibly ending up in your arteries) just a quarter tsp at a time (or just a sprinkle) is best. Bake the eggshells till a little crisp, grind them up and use in food. I use the shells from my hard boiled eggs so they're already cooked but I still bake them before grinding and then add them into my nut and seed crackers for some powerhouse nutrition. You can make a batch of ground eggshells and store in a little jar in your freezer. Easy, free, natural and less waste.
For more info, you might want to have a look at this:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6221107/
For those considering Algae Cal, here's a good analysis of their product and claims from the Women's Health Network. Both the WHN and Consumer Lab express concerns with their self-funded and poorly structured studies as well as their claims.
https://nwhn.org/have-you-ever-heard-of-algaecal-im-being-deluged-with-ads-saying-any-nutrient-supplied-in-natural-form-such-as-from-plants-is-better-absorbed-than-nutrients-supplied-from-rocks/
If you like to read I recommend the book Great Bones by Keith McCormick. You may have to order it from his website. I read through the whole book and I am going back and studying individual chapters. I have gotten so much out of it.
I’m sorry your GP isn’t more helpful. You can learn a lot from Dr McCormick’s books as well as the people in this support group. They will often post links to books or YouTube videos and these can be great sources of information.
I think with a chronic issue like osteoporosis you have to educate yourself about it, learn about the different treatments and decide what YOU want to do for YOUR body.
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1 ReactionJasperina already mentioned reading McCormick's Great Bones, but you could also make an appointment with him for a phone consult. It's not covered by insurance. But he may be able to give you a firmer course of action to consider. He could also give a second opinion on your DEXA scan. I have access to Dr. Bush in North Carolina and he noted that there was more than a standard deviation between the lowest and highest scores, which is something that McCormick mentions in his book as a red flag to look out for. Second opinions with someone who specializes in the condition sometimes are worthwhile. At any rate, I highly second the advice to read the book so you are better educated about your condition and options.
If I were not deeply involved with the company behind it, learning their heart of integrity - I would probably not believe it. Ha.
It started 32 years ago (with their former mineral protection science) when my life was transformed energy wise with JUST their multi mineral pack - I suspected some artificial energy boost.
Took it all to my doctor and he told me that the higher absorbency of minerals alone would account for the change.
Before, for 18 years), I had (HAD!) to take afternoon naps to survive. That was even with healthy diet and doctor directed supplement routine costing me over $100 a month.
You can understand why I was skeptical when a $23 a month supplement deleted the naps in one month.
Wow! @joyboudreau that is amazing! It sounds like something I could use. I always feel like I need a nap. Thanks for posting.