What's the evidence on Calcium and Vitamin D for bone density?

Posted by ellerbracke @ellerbracke, Oct 1, 2019

A recent bone density test came back in the low average range for my age. My OBGYN recommended calcium and vitamin D. I checked with a family member who is a pharmacist, and she says that the benefits of calcium supplements are not clear cut. Regarding vitamin D, I’m in the sunbelt, and spend at least 2 hours per day outdoors during 8 to 9 months a year (early morning, or evening, sun screen between 10 AM and 5 PM if applicable for pool, beach, for example). I’m sure many people on this forum have done their own research regarding the benefits of calcium pills, and I would love to hear what the current consensus is. I exercise regularly, so my bones get a workout from the muscles pulling on them, if that makes a difference. I think the data I was given is that statistically I have an 8% chance of a hip fracture in the next decade, based on the test results.

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

lebanon100 | @lebanon100 | Apr 9, 2022

In reply to @bunky44 "Morning all~ Must say, I'm very impressed with how you all are becoming so very involved..." + (show)

@bunky44

Morning all~
Must say, I'm very impressed with how you all are becoming so very involved in your own health care issues and concerns. None of us have had the educations that our 'specialists' have had..but we do have the abilities to now research and share what we find might be helpful to us. Since the majority of us reading and commenting on this thread have bone issues as well as other factors as we age...sharing our knowledge is crucial to be able to take responsible steps towards alemelorating our disparate symptoms and gleaning better results. Must say, I've been at your weight..also being 5'4"....now I've gained some weight back and am up to 124lbs. which feels like a good weight for me. In order to build bone density, we also need to have good muscle strength. Getting an adequate amount of protein a day is crucial for this as well. The research that NASA did on bone density building for their astronauts showed that one has to apply 4.5x one's own body weight in order to 'trigger' the bones to start the process of re-building. Well...that's pretty impossible for most of us to accomplish, must say! This is the theory behind "OsteoStrong's" machines. Weighing 124, I had to be able to 'press' 545lbs!....not possible in the real world..but with their machines I did manage to press pretty close to that amount and hold it for 5 secs. But, with the severe Osteoporosis I do have..this is not a good exercise for me to do. But..walking has many other benefits for the rest of our overall health picture..we're not just our bones. This is where the vibration plate comes in. At the right frequency, with a 'proven' product..the thinking is that this is a good way to stimulate the bones and muscles to react and start to re-build bone density..in time. Nasa is using this new technology now as well as resistance workouts. We would all benefit from a more holistic approach to our bodies..which includes exercise..no matter what kind...eating a more balanced diet, plant based is recommended as well..as long as we keep up the protein intake.. and cutting down our sugar intake, alcohol and no smoking of course. Swimming, bike riding, skating...are great for our cardiovascular systems and feeling good..but not so much for our bones, unfortunately. Rebounding is a good weight bearing tool. If one can tolerate a weighted vest that doesn't cause harm, is also a good idea for us that don't weigh enough, as are weighted ankle wraps. I have all of these..but find that most of them just don't work for me with my other bone issues. This is why I sought out the info on the vibration plate and the research behind it. I feel ever so much better after a 15 minute session on my 'plate'....now..will it make a difference in my bone density? Way to early to tell..but hey, the meds also take a long time to turn our 'ships' around...but with the added problems they can also bring. Don't give up!....we have to keep up our positive energy no matter what we choose to do..moving forward everyday with a positive attitude is key as well for a more balanced and good overall feeling of well being. I wish you all the best..Now..go make it a good day!

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Appreciate your helpful and positive reply. Made me smile and feel encouraged. Which vibration plate are you using?

bunky44 | @bunky44 | Apr 9, 2022

In reply to @lebanon100 "Appreciate your helpful and positive reply. Made me smile and feel encouraged. Which vibration plate are..." + (show)

Morning lebanon100~
I bought the LifePro Waver machine through amazon Prime (not a fan of Amazon) but it saved me lots and got free shipping as well. Check into this company..they also have a lifetime warranty and give lots of attention to their customers. I'm feeling good using this machine..very easy to set up..you just take it out of the box..ready to go! Take it easy!...I'm still working on the lowest "phase".... also...best advice...keep moving! There are no magic bullets here...we can only do our best to do what we can..when we can. Make it a good day!

lebanon100 | @lebanon100 | Apr 9, 2022

Thanks for this information and good suggestions! Is there a specific LifePro Waver machine serial number or model that you purchased.
I'll be sure to make it a good day!
Thanks, Diana

Teri | @tsc | Apr 9, 2022

In reply to @callalloo "Thanks, Teri, that makes sense. I found a website that has a lot of information on..." + (show)

Hi @callalloo, thanks for the link, I'll check it out. The quilt is vintage Hawaiian - I was a member of a team that worked on restoring it for display.

callalloo | @callalloo | Apr 10, 2022

In reply to @tsc "Hi @callalloo, thanks for the link, I'll check it out. The quilt is vintage Hawaiian -..." + (show)

It's lovely....

jmanj | @jmanj | Apr 10, 2022

In reply to @callalloo "Thanks, Teri, that makes sense. I found a website that has a lot of information on..." + (show)

Been following her for many, many years. Great resource for ideas and advice.

dulu | @dulu | Apr 16, 2022

I have osteoporosis. Two years ago my spine was -3.2. I started on 4 AlgaeCal and 2 strontium boost per day and this year the dexa scan on my spine is -2.7. I have since reduced the strontium to 1 per day but maintain 4 algaecal capsule of 4 per day.

hillclan | @hillclan | Apr 17, 2022

In reply to @dulu "I have osteoporosis. Two years ago my spine was -3.2. I started on 4 AlgaeCal and..." + (show)

Thank you for sharing your results. I've had the question of whether a T or Z score can improve, and your experiences is positive for that.

bunky44 | @bunky44 | Apr 17, 2022

In reply to @lebanon100 "Thanks for this information and good suggestions! Is there a specific LifePro Waver machine serial number..." + (show)

Hello Lebanon100-
Good to hear from you. The LifePro Waver machine is the 'blue' one that you can see on google...There seem to be quite a few of these machines out there now. I am using mine daily..2x a day and am feeling ever so much better by doing so. I was plagued by disparate feelings in my lower legs..which I feel could have been caused by a bone building product I was also taking..but the jury is still out on that for now. As soon as I stopped taking that formula, the wierd feelings have since decreased..but since I added in the vibration plate workouts..now I'm confused..but still trying my best to listen to my body better. I switched to another bone building product for now. I see so many complaints as to how many capsules a day one has to take to begin to reverse or at least ameliorate one's bone density..and find these complaints to be a bit annoying, if I may say so. Changing up what we've been doing, in my mind is a good thing to do. We didn't get our weakened bones overnight..and it won't be a fast recovery of bone strength if we only find ways not to start on a program and stick with it long enough to see results. And if not..then try another. I just saw a product that was initiated by an MD, Oncologist...who my husband had the good fortune of seeing when he had stage 4 prostate cancer. This doctor literally saved his life with his knowledge and expertise in prostate cancer. Now I see that he's behind a bone density product and one that I will try next..as I have full faith in this man's ability to do his research to put his name on a product. My husband survived his bout with prostate cancer, thanks to the assistance of this MD and lived cancer free for over 20 years before succumbing to Parkinson's with LBD, last year.
My best advice, for what it's worth, is that we all take on this battle with full intentions of doing all we can to stay upright and not have any or more fractures if we can help it. There's more to this then just taking pills...we have to keep moving and with our utmost goal of staying strong no matter what our decisions are regarding all things that affect our well being and peace of mind. It's upon each one of us to strive for a better tomorrow by putting in the work today. I have to give myself this 'pep' talk everyday..as I'm a bit lazy, must admit..but wanting to see a better result on my DEXA then in the past..so that's now on me. I'll admit..it's not easy at all, but I'm determined to stay as well as possible in my total health picture, so making changes for that end result is now my priority. I took the best care I could have for my husband of 47 wonderful years..and now it's my turn to take care of me and never to late..hopefully. I wish you all the best..so get out and make this your best day ever! I'm now going to do some free weight exercises...thank you all for giving me the strength to carry on...

callalloo | @callalloo | Apr 17, 2022

In reply to @dulu "I have osteoporosis. Two years ago my spine was -3.2. I started on 4 AlgaeCal and..." + (show)

Both of these supplements are from the same company. The only company whose brand gets repeatedly mentioned here and on other osteoporosis-related websites with glowing claims of success.

There are many, many calcium/vitaminD3/vitaminK2 'bone formula' supplements on the market, many of which contain the usual suspect trace minerals and elements. And strontium if one wants it.

Its great if the supplement helped you that much but I hope people don't think they need AlgaeCal or it's sister products to suppprt bone health under currently-recommended protocols. With no sacrifice in quality, but a possible lower price point.

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