Has anyone tried Red Algae for bone health

@joycecates Have you used the search bar on Mayo Clinic Connect? It's very useful. You can find the search bar at the top of this page. There is a magnifying glass icon and the word "Search".

I typed "red algae" in the Search bar and found many Discussions where our members have shared about their experiences and thoughts about the use of red algae for bone health. I did not list those discussions here as they are numerous and I thought you might like to pick and choose what to read.

Are you taking a calcium supplement currently and deciding whether you'd like to switch over to red algae?

Many people think that red algae, plant-based source for calcium and some other good things is better, more easily absorbed like what we get in food…so I tried AlgaeCal, very good and expensive…for me personally, I had to switch to a supplement with less magnesium, which can loosen stool, etc…so I joined ConsumerLabs and found one that’s organic, plant-based and 3rd party tested and has lower magnesium : New Chapter…..also, it comes in a version with smaller dosages, so you can adjust….there actually are a lot of such supplements, so it can be confusing…as always, i check in with docs first. Wish you all good luck, because this does require individual research.

@nycmusic - I have found a mineral complex w/the same bone minerals (except Cal, Mag, K, D) as AlgaeCal, but not algae-based. AlgaeCal caused loose stools for me, which could have been the algae base or the magnesium or the calcium or??? I prefer to take my calcium, magnesium, k-2 & Vit D separately so that I can choose my own dose & type.

@nycmusic - I have found a mineral complex w/the same bone minerals (except Cal, Mag, K, D) as AlgaeCal, but not algae-based. AlgaeCal caused loose stools for me, which could have been the algae base or the magnesium or the calcium or??? I prefer to take my calcium, magnesium, k-2 & Vit D separately so that I can choose my own dose & type.

@singingbones thanks,,, makes me wonder if docs prefer that we do separate elements…simpler chemically and easier to know what’s in those…though it’s is harder to find calcium by itself, especially plant-based (red algae)…usually is combined with D3…one idea I read somewhere was to alternate combo plant-based with Citracal (calcium citrate/D)… all ideas welcome, as your help better focuses my own research.

@nycmusic - yes, it's tricky--especially if you want to monitor your own personal needs/levels. I take less D3 in the summer (perhaps every other day), more in the winter--depending on the blood lab results. My integrative dr prefers a higher reading for D3; the conventional drs like it in a bit more conservative range. It's certainly a challenge w/calcium, too. I want to be able to take it a couple times a day for absorption purposes. If it's combined w/D, then how does that work?

As you know, I gain a lot of info from Inspire.com forum too, in addition to my own research/reading. Their format is changing, so not sure I'm a fan of it--we'll see. However I have found favorites (like yourself), where I feel I can trust their research.

I have been taking Calcium Hydroxyapatite for bone health--at least for now!

@naturegirl5 thank you

@singingbones thanks,,, makes me wonder if docs prefer that we do separate elements…simpler chemically and easier to know what’s in those…though it’s is harder to find calcium by itself, especially plant-based (red algae)…usually is combined with D3…one idea I read somewhere was to alternate combo plant-based with Citracal (calcium citrate/D)… all ideas welcome, as your help better focuses my own research.