1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

What supplements help Osteopenia, Osteoporosis?

Posted by grace1215 @grace1215, Feb 4, 2020

Hi, I am a new member here and wanted to find out if anyone has used AlgaeCal Plus & Strontium Citrate for Osteopenia? I have had this condition for 10 years now plus five years with Osteoarthritis of the hip which I am hoping will help not only my hip but the DEXA scan came up with Osteopenia scores.

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

sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Oct 2, 2020
In reply to @contentandwell "@criss I just tend to be a skeptic when a person advocates something that they will..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@criss I just tend to be a skeptic when a person advocates something that they will profit from. Hopefully if you do use it, it will be helpful. Since I am on the fence about osteoporosis prescriptions I may end up using it myself. First I want to have my consultations with my two endocrinologists.
JK

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Hey JK, I am the same way! Keep us posted on how your consults go with the two endocrinologists! And, if possible, definitely get a referral to a nutritionist specifically for osteoporosis diet!!!! Warmest wishes, Sunnyflower @contentandwell @criss

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bkmd | @bkmd | Mar 4, 2021
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @grace1215. I'd like to invite @bill54321, @mhalpin53, @beatlebassbabe, @rubywitch67, @butch24350, and @asegura to this discussion..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @grace1215. I'd like to invite @bill54321, @mhalpin53, @beatlebassbabe, @rubywitch67, @butch24350, and @asegura to this discussion as they have all talked about having osteopenia as well and may be able to share their experiences with management.

Here is a study that talks about the efficacy of AlgaeCal (AC) from the NIH, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3053489/. Of note, the study did conclude that calcium supplements in combination with increased activity did have positive results for many. It also mentions that adding any supplements should involve your provider as well. @healer74's experience with AlgaeCal is similar to what a study from the NIH confirmed through research results in 2010 when they determined mild to no side-effects, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20528255.

@grace1215, how bad is your osteoarthritis of the hip? I have experience with end-stage arthritis in knees and ankles and know that when arthritis reaches that point, it can cause pain and mobility issues.

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Please note that having a paper in the ncbi database, which is maintained by the NIH, in no way means that the paper is from the NIH. The database merely lists published information. Both of the papers you cite are from companies that do studies for hire, not the NIH. Although it is still possible that there may be accurate data contained in them, the studies' provenance makes the results less believable than if they were done by people with no financial interest in the conclusions.

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1 reply
bkmd | @bkmd | Mar 4, 2021
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @grace1215. I'd like to invite @bill54321, @mhalpin53, @beatlebassbabe, @rubywitch67, @butch24350, and @asegura to this discussion..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @grace1215. I'd like to invite @bill54321, @mhalpin53, @beatlebassbabe, @rubywitch67, @butch24350, and @asegura to this discussion as they have all talked about having osteopenia as well and may be able to share their experiences with management.

Here is a study that talks about the efficacy of AlgaeCal (AC) from the NIH, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3053489/. Of note, the study did conclude that calcium supplements in combination with increased activity did have positive results for many. It also mentions that adding any supplements should involve your provider as well. @healer74's experience with AlgaeCal is similar to what a study from the NIH confirmed through research results in 2010 when they determined mild to no side-effects, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20528255.

@grace1215, how bad is your osteoarthritis of the hip? I have experience with end-stage arthritis in knees and ankles and know that when arthritis reaches that point, it can cause pain and mobility issues.

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Also, please note that the second paper you cite was looking for toxic effects, including lethal doses, in rats. Concluding that this means "they determined mild to no side-effects" is far overstating the results.

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JK | @contentandwell | Mar 4, 2021
In reply to @bkmd "Please note that having a paper in the ncbi database, which is maintained by the NIH,..." + (show)
@bkmd

Please note that having a paper in the ncbi database, which is maintained by the NIH, in no way means that the paper is from the NIH. The database merely lists published information. Both of the papers you cite are from companies that do studies for hire, not the NIH. Although it is still possible that there may be accurate data contained in them, the studies' provenance makes the results less believable than if they were done by people with no financial interest in the conclusions.

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Thanks for that information, @bkmd, and welcome to Connect.

I often refer to the NCBI database myself and did not realize that. I have been told that Algaecal is no better than what you can do by supplementing with the same components, and also that you should not use strontium. The apparent increases in bone density are not a true representation of bone density.
JK

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hillclan | @hillclan | Feb 17, 2022
In reply to @dappy "I have wondered the same thing about AlgaeCal as well as any others. I just wish..." + (show)
@dappy

I have wondered the same thing about AlgaeCal as well as any others. I just wish I knew what is the best thing to take. There are so many conflicting answers.

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dappy, I agree with you. I wonder how many people who have taken the bisphosphonates end up having fractures anyhow. I have a sister who claims her osteoporosis was reversed after she started jumping on a small trampoline 10 minutes a day. She has been taking some kind of multi mineral supplement . My neighbor took the bisphosphates for 5 years, stopped, and later was found to have a fractured vertebra without knowing what caused it. I have osteoporosis of the spine but would rather avoid taking the medication unless the effectiveness is high enough to seem worth it.

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1 reply
windyshores | @windyshores | Feb 18, 2022
In reply to @criss "For those who are on the fence about whether or not to take biphosphonates or Prolia..." + (show)
@criss

For those who are on the fence about whether or not to take biphosphonates or Prolia for osteoporosis, look into Lara Pizzorno's book "Your Bones". She explains how osteoclasts and osteoblasts work on bone rebuilding and how those medications negatively affect the process in the long term. She recommends natural supplements of AlgaeCal, Strontium and perhaps some others to safely rebuild strong bone. Support is also available through The AlgaeCal Community on Facebook. Lara will often answer specific questions there. Here's a link to her personal story: https://www.algaecal.com/expert-insights/lara-pizzorno-shares-her-personal-story/ I took Actonel for 4 years and Boniva for another 4 years. My bone scans showed some improvement while on the drugs but a decrease in bone density after discontinuing after the recommended length of time. You can't stay on these drugs indefinitely. I've been taking AlgaeCal and Strontium for over a year with no problem. I expect my next Dexa scan to show improvement.

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Your DEXA will show improvement if you are taking 680mg strontium daily because strontium is heavier than calcium and makes bone density look better than it really is.

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rmc7 | @rmc7 | Apr 10, 2022
In reply to @criss "For those who are on the fence about whether or not to take biphosphonates or Prolia..." + (show)
@criss

For those who are on the fence about whether or not to take biphosphonates or Prolia for osteoporosis, look into Lara Pizzorno's book "Your Bones". She explains how osteoclasts and osteoblasts work on bone rebuilding and how those medications negatively affect the process in the long term. She recommends natural supplements of AlgaeCal, Strontium and perhaps some others to safely rebuild strong bone. Support is also available through The AlgaeCal Community on Facebook. Lara will often answer specific questions there. Here's a link to her personal story: https://www.algaecal.com/expert-insights/lara-pizzorno-shares-her-personal-story/ I took Actonel for 4 years and Boniva for another 4 years. My bone scans showed some improvement while on the drugs but a decrease in bone density after discontinuing after the recommended length of time. You can't stay on these drugs indefinitely. I've been taking AlgaeCal and Strontium for over a year with no problem. I expect my next Dexa scan to show improvement.

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Can I absorb the AlgaeCal calcium? I had RNY gastric bypass in 2000. I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and really don’t want to take the meds if possible.

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2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 10, 2022
In reply to @rmc7 "Can I absorb the AlgaeCal calcium? I had RNY gastric bypass in 2000. I have been..." + (show)
@rmc7

Can I absorb the AlgaeCal calcium? I had RNY gastric bypass in 2000. I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and really don’t want to take the meds if possible.

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Welcome @rmc7, I'm not sure anyone can answer your question but it would be an excellent question to ask your doctor. From what I've read calcium absorption decreases dramatically after gastric bypass surgery. Mayo Clinic has some information that might help answer the question or at least gives you more information --- Should I take vitamins and supplements after weight loss surgery?: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/should-i-take-vitamins-and-supplements-after-weight-loss-surgery

Here is another article that may help explain the problem --- Intestinal Calcium Absorption Decreases Dramatically After Gastric Bypass Surgery Despite Optimization of Vitamin D Status: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4593653/

Can you ask your doctor if they have any suggestions vs taking the meds?

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callalloo | @callalloo | Apr 10, 2022
In reply to @contentandwell "@criss It sounds as if Lara Pizzorno may have an interest in Algae Cal. Do you..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@criss It sounds as if Lara Pizzorno may have an interest in Algae Cal. Do you know that she does not? Obviously if a person has a stake in it then they are going to recommend it highly.

I am still in the process of figuring out what course I will take. I have a DEXA at the end of the month and then appointments with two endocrinologists about my osteoporosis. I have heard from other sources that Algae Cal is no better than taking the recommended supplements like Calcium, Vitamin D, and possibly K and Boron. I have seen Strontium not recommended.

I am not an expert in this area at all, like all of us, I am just trying to make sure I have the most accurate information which can be difficult because there are those who favor drugs and those who vehemently oppose them. I was prepared to start with something but then it occurred to me that I tend to have negative side-effects very often from drugs. Knowing the potential side-effects of these drugs is pretty frightening.

I have this habit of not really looking into side-effects so then when one presents itself I am perplexed not knowing what could be causing whatever my problem is. That happened recently when I complained to a friend about my legs aching badly. She immediately asked me if I was on a statin which I had started a couple of months previous to that. Sure enough, that was what was causing the problem. I explain this because I would not want it to be thought that I read the side-effects and then immediately imagine that I have them.
JK

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The number one reason that people discontinue statins is muscle cramping, usually starting in the legs. I tried all of them and on one occasion almost called 911. One episode was so severe that a friend visiting at the time was afraid that it would tear a tendon. My cardiologist said that that's the biggest downside of statins and its not clear what they do that triggers the cramping but her husband had the same experience.

As for bisphosponates, I hope people do read up about the very well-known side effects, including the not-common osteonecrosis of the jaw, aka dead bone jaw, wherein bone cannot heal due to lack of blood circulation to the area so a simple tooth extraction can become a medical crisis. I know someone dealing with it and it's scary. There probably is a safe period of time for taking bisphosphonates before risking osteonecrosis but my PCP and endocrinologist say they're not sure of that. It might be that some people have a body chemistry or genetic make-up that predispose them to it. And science doesn't yet know why these drugs work so differently on jaw and skull bone but a speculation is that it's due to the heavier blood supply to that area.

The site for the Federal registry of adverse side effects of drugs, FAERS, is listed below for negative side effects reported after a drug is approved. Prolia has over 117,000 adverse effects, over 60,000 in one 2-year period and has only been on the market for a little over 10 years. It is not a bisphosphonate but is also known to have caused osteonecrosis so will need to update its list of side effects. These protocols can take a long, long time so sometimes FAERS is the only early warning to buyers if a particular complaint gets a large number of reports. There are no long-term, longitudinal studies for newly-developed drugs either.

fis.fda.gov
When site opens, click on FDA reporting system and, when that opens, type name of drug in search board. It may take a minute to open to that drugs adverse effect reports.

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callalloo | @callalloo | Apr 10, 2022
In reply to @contentandwell "@criss I just tend to be a skeptic when a person advocates something that they will..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@criss I just tend to be a skeptic when a person advocates something that they will profit from. Hopefully if you do use it, it will be helpful. Since I am on the fence about osteoporosis prescriptions I may end up using it myself. First I want to have my consultations with my two endocrinologists.
JK

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Me too. It's like the glowing, sometimes outright suspect reports about OsteoStrong on threads that, when you click on the writer, you see the writer joined Mayo Connect the day before and never posted on any other subject related to ostepenia or osteoporosis, before or after.

I'm not saying that OsteoStrong isn't, or is, valuable but clearly it's using social media as undisclosed advertising. And likely using artificial intelligence to generate fake people to spew rave reviews since the syntax is oddly standardized.

From what I've been told by doctors, the basics for hoping to maintain bone are calcium, vitamin D and bpvitamin K2. There is ongoing research suggesting that K2 helps direct the other two for bone use and hopefully prevents arterial build-up. My excellent cardiologist says the scientific jury is still out on this and she takes the same trio and is watching our Agotsten (aka 'Calcium') scores.

I would add a good supplement of trace minerals, including the boron that @sunflower mentioned. Am researching the various strontiums but not certain about it. I know it changes a DEXA reading but don't know if it actually helps save, or renew, healthy bone. Studies on orthosilicic acid look interesting so I'm adding that to my trace minerals supplement program.

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