calcium supplements

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, postmenopausal women and vegans may benefit from supplements. Some research shows that taking calcium supplements later in life can slow the bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Some studies have shown that calcium supplements support normal blood pressure in mildly hypertensive patients although the results are controversial. It is possible that supplements can be mainly of benefit in cases where calcium intake is insufficient, which may be relatively common. Increasing calcium intake may increase the excretion of sodium thus normalizing blood pressure. Different calcium supplements contain different amounts of calcium. Calcium carbonatecontains 40% and calcium citrate contain 21% calcium. Calcium gluconate and calcium lactate, the two most soluble forms contain 9% and 13% respectively. Bonemeal and dolomite are common sources of calcium supplements but they may contain lead and cadmium which can be toxic. Antacids are also good sources of calcium but those containing aluminum or sodium should be avoided as aluminum inhibits calcium absorption and sodium can raise blood pressure.Calcium citrate is an acidified form and may be absorbed better in older people who often have low stomach acid.Calcium carbonate, can be taken in divided doses with meals in order to avoid side effects such as nausea, gas and constipation. Absorption of calcium carbonate may be increased with food while other supplements may be best absorbed if taken between meals as there may be some reduction in absorption due to the presence in food of certain fats and fiber.Another form of calcium supplement, calcium hydroxyapatite, is a naturally occurring calcium phosphorus protein bonded matrix of bone and is the actual protein calcium matrix found in bone. Some calcium supplements can interfere with iron absorption and iron and calcium supplements should be taken at different times although calcium citrate and calcium ascorbate may enhance iron absorption as they are acidic. When taken with magnesium supplements the ratio should be 2:1 calcium to magnesium. As bone loses calcium at night some experts recommend taking supplements then to maintain blood calcium levels.

Calcium absorbtion

Between 10-40% of dietary calcium intake is absorbed although women after menopause may only absorb 7%. Calcium from milk and milk products is absorbed more easily than that from vegetables. Absorption is enhanced by vitamin D, proteins, lactose and stomach acid.Lactation increases the ability of women to absorb calcium after weaning or the resumption of menstrual periods. Deficiency and moderate exercise also increase absorption and the efficiency of absorption decreases as intake increases.Dietary calcium must be made soluble in the stomach and then pass to the small intestine where it combines with a calcium binding molecule so it can be absorbed (chelation). Calcium competes with zinc, manganese, magnesium, copper and iron for absorption in the intestine and a high intake of one can reduce absorption of the others.Adults excrete 400-600mg of calcium daily.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Osteoporosis most commonly is found either on routine examination, or following a pathologic fracture (a fracture due to weakened bone). X-rays usually show a generalized loss of bone density. Laboratory studies are not too helpful in showing evidence of osteoporosis, but they are helpful in showing evidence of conditions that can have symptoms similar to osteoporosis. Laboratory studies can show evidence of osteomalacia, kidney failure, parathyroid gland insufficiency, or other problems that can mimic osteoporosis and cause bone weakness.

The Role of Calcium in the Maintenance of Adult Bone Strength

The bones of the human skeleton contain 99.5% of the total calcium in the body. The calcium within bones is available to the body should the body need it for other purposes (see the chapter on the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism for more on this topic). It is the activity of bone osteoclasts which absorb the calcium in the bone and release it into the blood stream (more about this on our parathyroid and osteoporosis page). Remember, it is the calcium within the bones which makes them strong.

The daily recommended dietary calcium intake varies by age, sex, and menopausal status. Recent studies have shown that many American girls do not get enough calcium in their diet after the age of 11. Much of this is blamed upon the substitution of sodas in the diet for milk, yet the problem does not seem to be the same for males (for a number of subtle reasons). It is important to know that many women of all ages in the US do not get enough calcium in their diet either.

The vast majority of endocrinologists encourage their female patients to take supplemental calcium daily. One of the easiest and most effective methods of increasing your calcium intake is to take an oral calcium supplement daily. There are several forms of oral calcium readily available over the counter (without a perscription) such as Citracal which can help maintain healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis.

the primary risk factors for osteoporosis and ways to prevent the condition:

Sedentary lifestyle. The strength of our bones depends very much on the amount of physical activity we build into our lives. Regular, weight-bearing exercise such as walking, running, hiking and weight training all help to drive calcium into the bones.
Drinking carbonated beverages.

The phosphates in most sparkling drinks cause calcium to be leached from the bones.
Too much coffee or tea. Caffeine is a diuretic drug, increasing the flow of urine and associated loss of calcium and other minerals. (Adding milk to coffee or tea may partially offset this wastage.)

Menopause. Following menopause, when female hormone levels wane, calcium is leached from the bones. (Estrogen helps the bones to retain calcium.) Surgical menopause (removal of the uterus and ovaries), also precipitates calcium loss.

Use of certain drugs. Chronic use of anti-inflammatory steroids, excessive doses of thyroid medication or anticonvulsive drugs can contribute towards bone loss.

Thin, small build. Caucasian women with fine bone structure have an increased risk.
Not having enough calcium in your diet. The recommended daily intake of elemental calcium is 1,200 mg a day for adult women, between 1,500 and 1,800 mg a day if you are pregnant or lactating, and 1,500 mg a day if you have passed menopause. It is also important to include magnesium and vitamin D in your diet to help the absorption of calcium. (Many calcium supplements are now formulated with magnesium and vitamin D.)

causes of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Cause and Picture - The consequences of osteoporosis are devastating.
Like skin, bone constantly regenerates itself. The process works like this: Cells known as osteoclasts eat away old bone, while cells known as osteoblasts lay down new bone at the site of the old bone. It is a constantly ongoing process, which keeps the human skeletal structure strong.

Unfortunately, after the age of 35 the work of the bone-building osteoblasts begins to slow, while the osteoclasts continue to eat away at old bone structure at virtually the same pace as before. The end result is that the osteoblasts are unable to replace old bone fast enough to keep up with the ever-efficient osteoclasts.

This process appears to be an integral and orderly part of growing old. Like wrinkling skin, it generally proceeds very slowly in humans, corresponding with the normal aging process. Yet in a certain percentage of individuals the bone loss process seems to be accelerated, with some individuals losing as much as 1% or more bone density every year after reaching middle age. Scientists now estimate that for every 10% bone density loss, risk of fracture doubles.

How Does Our Body Regulate Calcium?

Calcium levels are regulated by the parathyroid glands. That's all the parathyroid glands do! Through the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), these four small glands regulate how much calcium is absorbed from our diet, how much calcium is secreted by our kidneys, and how much calcium is stored in our bones. We store many pounds of calcium in our bones, and it is readily available to the rest of the body at the request of the parathyroid glands. When one of the parathyroid glands is overactive (hyperparathyroidism) the parathyroid tumor makes too much PTH hormone which then causes our bones to release calcium constantly into the blood stream. This causes the bones to lose their density and hardness (it is the calcium that makes them hard). Loss of calcium from bones is called osteoporosis. Bones which are osteoporotic are more likely to break! This picture shows a normal bone section on the bottom and a bone with osteoporosis on the top. The osteoporotic bone has bigger holes in it as a result of the calcium being dissolved and put into the blood stream (caused by excess parathyroid hormone, advanced age, and lack of estrogen in older females). The osteoporotic bone is not as strong and therefore, more susceptible to fractures. This continued dissolving of the central bone is what causes the bone pain so common to hyperparathyroidism. It is also what contributes to the weakening of the spinal column resulting in elderly persons walking "hunched over".
Our bones are at their strongest in our early 20's. They stay at this level of strength for a number of years, but then begin to lose strength slowly when we are in our mid 30's. Once we hit mid-life, we all lose a little bone density, but this is most evident for women. Estrogens have a protective effect on bone density which becomes evident after menopause when women begin to lose calcium from their bones at a faster rate then men of the same age. That is one of the reasons most doctors feel that most post-menopausal women should be on some form of estrogen therapy.Now the problem becomes apparent. Overactive parathyroid glands secrete too much parathyroid hormone. This causes calcium to leave the bones and go into the blood. The bones become osteoporotic and prone to fractures. The problem is amplified greatly in post-menopausal women since this process is ongoing already! This can also a big problem for people of all ages if it goes on for several years, making the bones weaker year after year.
Will Fixing the Overactive Parathyroid Gland Help the Osteoporosis ?
YES! It has been known for many years that removing the bad parathyroid gland (or glands) (and the excess parathyroid hormone it produces) will stop the rapid and continuous loss of bone density. What was not known was whether the body would try to restore the calcium levels in the bones. Several recent studies have shown that the body will restore bone density after the excess hormone is removed. Researchers at the University of Northern Sweden studied the bone density of 12 postmenopausal women (average age 63) with primary hyperparathyroidism before and one year after parathyroidectomy [Thorsen, et al, Surgery 1997;122:882-7]. They found a significant increase in bone density in the hip and lower back one year later. This is a very slow process, and the bones will take many years to repair themselves, it does not happen overnight. In fact, depending on how much bone density has been lost, they may never regain their "normal" calcium levels and overall density. But at least we know that parathyroidectomy doesn't just stop the rapid loss of bone density, it allows the body to begin healing itself.
Can I Do Anything to Increase Bone Density ?
This is written for patients with hyperparathyroidism. And the answer used to be "nobody knows for sure, but we think so"....but now we can absolutely say YES!! All experts are now recommending that most patients take supplemental calcium after an operation to cure their hyperparathyroidism. Dr. Norman actually gives every patient of his a box of calcium and starts them on calcium within a couple hours of the operation. How long should you take calcium after your parathyroid operation?? It depends on your age, sex, menopausal status, and if you have a documented loss of bone density. The following list reflects most endocrinologist's and endocrine surgeon's overall feelings regarding who should take supplemental calcium, but it is NOT written in stone, and your doctor may feel different. Take the advice of your doctor in this regards.
Post-menopausal women
Anyone with a bone density more than 1 standard deviation below their age-matched peers
Most patients over the age of 60, male or female
Young women who are thinking of having children (once pregnant, this MUST be under the care of the obstetrician).
There are some new drugs available which MAY help increase bone density even faster. These drugs are specifically designed to make bones add calcium to their structure. They have not been studied scientifically in the setting of hyperparathyroidism, but they may be a good idea AFTER the parathyroid tumor has been removed. Fosamax, Actonel, Evista, and Micalcin do NOT work if you have hyperparathyroidism. If you get the parathyroid tumor removed then these drugs may be very beneficial. In summary... everybody with parathyroid disease will get osteoporosis. The longer they have a parathyroid tumor, the worse the osteoporosis will be. There are ZERO drugs that can help reverse or slow the progression of osteoporosis if you have a parathyroid tumor. Once the parathyroid tumor is out your osteoporosis will get better, typically the increase in bone density is dramatic.

Benefits Of Calcium

Calcium is important throughout life. These are some of it's benefits:

BONES AND TEETH - Calcium is essential in the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Bone is made up of cells and fiber embedded in a mineral matrix, which is mostly crystals of calcium phosphate. One form of bone calcium is bound tightly within the bone and the other is easily removed to maintain blood levels. Calcium is removed from the tightly bound part of the bone only when the more mobile stores are exhausted and dietary intake is inadequate. Bones are constantly being replaced with 20% of an adult’s bone calcium reabsorbed and replaced every year.
NERVE AND MUSCLE CONTRACTION - Calcium is essential for muscle contraction, including that of the heart muscle and for nerve impulse conduction. Calcium also aids in the release of neurotransmitters which carry messages between nerve cells.
BLOOD PRESSURE - Calcium interacts with sodium, potassium and magnesium to help regulate blood pressure. It has been found that people whose diets are low in calcium have a higher incidence of high blood pressure. The effects of a mother’s high calcium diet during pregnancy may also be passed on to her children who will be less likely to suffer from high blood pressure.
BLOOD - Calcium in the blood is essential for clotting by activating vitamin K (prothrombin) which is the first stage in wound healing.It is also involved in the control of blood cholesterol levels. Increased calcium supports normal blood cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
IMMUNE FUNCTION - Calcium in milk has been shown to enhance resistance to salmonella in rats.
METABOLISM - Calcium is essential for the production and activity of many enzymes and hormones that are involved in digestion, energy and fat metabolism and the production of saliva.
CELL MEMBRANES - Calcium is involved in the transport of nutrients and other substances across cell membranes and aids in the maintenance of connective tissue which holds cells together.

calcium

this is amazing hOw much calcium can dO fOr yOu, dast why i dicided tO put these tips fOr yOu sO yOu can benefit yOurself like i did
Calcium is essential to maintaining total body health. Your body needs it every day not just to keep your bones and teeth strong over your lifetime, but to ensure proper functioning of muscles and nerves. It even helps your blood clot. Most Americans think they are getting enough calcium everyday, but, the fact is, they are not - they're calcium deficient. Calcium deficiency is usually due to an inadequate intake of calcium. When blood calcium levels drop too low, the vital mineral is "borrowed' from the bones. It is returned to the bones from calcium supplied through the diet. The average person loses 400 to 500mg of calcium per day. If an individual's diet is low in calcium, there may not be sufficient amounts of calcium available in the blood to be returned to the bones to maintain strong bones and total body health. Taking calcium regularly everyday is key to preventing and treating calcium deficiency.

risk to reduce osteoporosis

Some of the Risk to reduce osteoporosis are Female of post-menopausal age (the hormone, estrogen, which wanes after menopause, is partly responsible for keeping calcium in the bones).
Surgical menopause (complete hysterectomy with removal of ovaries).
History of bone fracture not attributable to an accident/injury.
Thin, small build
Chronic use of anti-inflammatory steroids
Excessive doses of thyroid medications or anticonvulsants
Family history of osteoporosis or fractures.
Sedentary lifestyle
Poor diet that does not include foods rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and phosphorus.
Excessive intake of alcohol, caffeine or carbonated beverages.
Long-term smoker.
Hereditary factors. (Tendency towards developing osteoporosis can be passed down from parent to child.)
Having an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk for osteoporosis.

calcium defficiency

Signs of severe calcium deficiency include abnormal heartbeat, muscle pains and cramps, numbness, stiffness and tingling of the hands and feet. Children can suffer from rickets, with symptoms of excessive sweating of the head, slowness in sitting, crawling and walking, insomnia and bow legs. In adults deficiency can lead to symptoms of bone pain, muscle weakness and delayed healing of fractures>
Postmenopausal women are especially prone to osteoporosis> Most of the bone loss seen in osteoporosis occurs in the first 5-6 years after menopause due to a decline in circulating estrogens and an age-related reduction in vitamin D production.

GOOd news!

GOOd news tO all thOse peOple whO tke calcium supplements Or whO make sure tO always iclude lOts Of calium in their diets! This is what an article that appeared in the NutritiOn Research Newsletter in April 2006:

'Calcium may offer protection against colorectal cancer through possible biological mechanisms. One study suggested that calcium binds secondary bile acids and fatty acids in the colonic lumen, thereby diminishing the potential proliferative stimulus of these compounds on the colonic mucosa. Calcium may also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by direct effects on cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.'