osteoporosis, calcium supplements and calcium paradox

Posted by melia7 @melia7, Mar 9, 2023

Hello, I am prescribed to take alendronic acid with vitamin D3 for my osteoporosis. I take also calcium 1000mg for a long time. However, I have also high cholesterol (about 6,9) and I wonder about negative effect of such medication on my blood vessels. I have searched the literature and found that osteoporosis itself can cause calcification of vessels. Calcium supplements are found in some articles to cause the progression of aorta calcification. So, the question is if your doctors are recommending you to take calcium supplements or not?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

melia7 | @melia7 | Jul 19 7:02am

to njx58.
Thank you so much for this clarification !

joyboudreau | @joyboudreau | Jul 20 9:01am

This is why I take all three. It is from a research & development I have been around 33 years and trust:

“Calcium is necessary and vital for normal bone development, the proper function of nerves and muscles, the circulation of blood through blood vessels, proper blood clotting, and the release of hormones and enzymes that are necessary for normal body function. Without vitamin D3, calcium is difficult for the body to absorb—and that isn’t the only challenge! Once in the body, calcium can remain in the bloodstream unless there is adequate vitamin K2 to direct it to your bones and teeth for proper storage. Too much calcium in the blood can result in calcium buildup in the arteries, which weakens your body’s immune response.*”

heavyphil | @heavyphil | Jul 20 9:03am

In reply to @06111945cc "Check out “ vitamin K2 in the calcium paradox” by Dr. Kate Rheaume-Blue. Well written." + (show)

Yes, it is….and how about the MILLIONS of people taking aspirin as an anticoagulant?
VitK is definitely going to interfere with that! So, osteoporosis or a stroke- take your pick!
Phil

njx58 | @njx58 | Jul 20 11:53am

In reply to @heavyphil "Yes, it is….and how about the MILLIONS of people taking aspirin as an anticoagulant? VitK is..." + (show)

No, you're wrong. There is no interaction between K2 and aspirin. Blood thinners like warfarin are a different story.

kathy9746 | @kathy9746 | Jul 20 3:07pm

My doctor said it’s much better to get your calcium needs through diet and not supplements

heavyphil | @heavyphil | Jul 20 3:11pm

In reply to @njx58 "No, you're wrong. There is no interaction between K2 and aspirin. Blood thinners like warfarin are..." + (show)

Can you post a link to that? Would greatly appreciate it since it seems I have been misinformed.
Phil

lilac2025 | @lilac2025 | Jul 28 7:05pm

In reply to @mikeandtina "Can you tell me what you mean by the approved type of K-2 and MK-7? Also..." + (show)

Hi mikeandtina. Sorry for the delayed response. I apologize, but I misworded that by saying the "approved" type of Vitamin K-2 and MK-7. What I meant to say is that I take a type of Vitamin K-2 that is certified to be the form called MenoQ7, specifically. (short for menoquinone). I researched this for weeks, and learned that if you're going to supplement with Vitamin K-2, be sure it is that type. As for what I am using, all I can say to be helpful is that it's good to go to reliable, trusted sources for your supplements - that are quality checked and scientifically backed with some clinical trials (which apparently was done in this case). I'm just trying my first brand at 180 mcg. for now, but on some days, I will take two, spread apart. You cannot overdose on Vitamin K-2, but given it's expensive, I wouldn't go overboard, either. I did hear a Canadian expert on Vitamin K-2 say you can go up to 360 mcg. I don't know how effective it will be over time. I hope this is helpful and I answered your question. To add to my bone health, I eat prunes! (check it out - they are really good for your bones!!!). SEE BELOW. I hope it's okay I copied and pasted it from a DuckAI response! (part of DuckDuckGo.com) Sorry, but the articles or sources don't link . . .

What is MenoQ7?

MenoQ7 is a specific formulation of MK-7 (menaquinone-7), which is a form of vitamin K2. It is often marketed for its potential benefits in supporting bone health, particularly in postmenopausal women, as it helps in the regulation of calcium metabolism.
🧪 Clinical Applications

MenoQ7 has been studied for its effects on:

Bone Density: Research suggests that MK-7 can help improve bone mineral density, which is crucial for preventing osteoporosis.
Cardiovascular Health: It may also play a role in reducing arterial stiffness and improving overall cardiovascular function by preventing calcium buildup in the arteries.

📊 Clinical Studies

Several clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of MenoQ7, focusing on:

Bone Health: Studies have shown that supplementation with MK-7 can lead to significant improvements in bone strength and density.
Calcium Regulation: MenoQ7 has been found to enhance the activity of osteocalcin, a protein that helps bind calcium to the bone matrix.

📝 Summary

MenoQ7 is a clinically relevant formulation of MK-7, primarily recognized for its benefits in bone and cardiovascular health. Its role in activating proteins that manage calcium levels makes it a valuable supplement, especially for individuals at risk of osteoporosis or cardiovascular issues.