Regarding the post...

When I first started researching osteoporosis, I saw many articles about various supplements, not just calcium but copper, silica, Vit K, boron, strontium, zinc, magnesium and even probiotics. I saw the collagen and AlgaeCal articles. It's almost overwhelming after awhile...overdone. I have a friend (who doesn't have osteoporosis) who practically lives on supplements and takes high doses of Vit C, glucosamine chondroitin, fish oil, Vit E, tart cherry, melatonin, and on and on. Every supplement you can think of, he takes.

Supplements are expensive too, and it's concerning that someone is gobbling down a "mixture" of all sorts of supplements without really knowing if they are effective.

Regarding calcium, my friend who has "mild" osteoporosis in her hip was told to take 1500 mg of calcium every day--about half is in food sources. Her follow up Dexa scan showed "stable". But NOT improved. She is happy with these results and isn't exploring medication at this time.

I have severe osteoporosis and already tried a period of "natural" treatment without any luck. I'm now taking medication. I've had 2 doctors tell me that severe osteoporosis can't be improved using just supplements (or even HRT, but I'm too far past menopause for that anyway). Supplements might help maintain what's there but won't build the bone back. So if you have osteopenia or maybe just mild osteoporosis, perhaps supplements will maintain what's there. But perhaps not. I learned that there are underlying condition that CAUSE the osteoporosis in the first place. So the underlying condition has to be addressed. Taking supplements will not address the underlying issue (whether it's autoimmune or other problem).