| New studies reveal that one's source of calcium may | | | | sources showed clear advantages. Of 168 Caucasian, |
| be just as important, or more so, as the total | | | | postmenopausal women, those who received half of |
| amount of calcium ingested. In fact, women who | | | | their calcium from food showed the highest total |
| consumed less calcium, but got it from food sources, | | | | calcium intake (an average of 1,620 mg a day) and |
| had a higher bone density than those who received | | | | the highest bone density, as compared with those |
| at least 70% of their calcium from supplements. | | | | who received at least 70% of their calcium from |
| This came as news to many in Texas, with high | | | | supplements, or "most" of their calcium from dietary |
| levels of chronic disease, and who have been told for | | | | sources. |
| years that a quality calcium supplement worked just | | | | Those who received three-quarters of their calcium |
| as well as food sources -- sometimes better. Spinach, | | | | from supplements took in an average of 1,030 mg a |
| for instance, while containing calcium, exhibits certain | | | | day, but actually showed lower bone density than |
| properties that inhibit the absorption of the nutrient. | | | | individuals who received most of their calcium (an |
| It's difficult for patients to know which foods do, and | | | | average of 830 mg a day) from food. |
| do not, deliver calcium effectively; such a guessing | | | | For a study to reveal that lower levels of calcium |
| game is not an issue with quality supplements. Health | | | | intake, received from dietary sources, appears to be |
| insurance companies, to yogurt lovers alike, couldn't | | | | more beneficial for bone density than higher levels of |
| be happier with this new research, however. Natural | | | | the nutrient received from supplements is a |
| sources of nutrients are not only usually less | | | | tremendous revelation for the Western medical |
| expensive than prescriptions intended to inhibit bone | | | | world. While the natural health community has been |
| loss -- necessary for many, but particularly for those | | | | arguing this point for decades, the implication is that |
| who are not obtaining or absorbing proper levels of | | | | from what source one obtains this nutrient -- as well |
| calcium -- but also don't require health coverage to | | | | as others, perhaps - is actually more important than |
| obtain. | | | | simply ingesting concentrated milligrams of it due to |
| The standard recommendation for calcium | | | | the process of absorption. What good is a |
| consumption is 1,200 mg a day for young women, | | | | supplement, after all, if it's not properly assimilated? |
| and 1,500 mg a day for those who are | | | | The issue is complicated, but at least in terms of |
| postmenopausal, preferably in combination with | | | | calcium, it may have something to do with estrogen. |
| vitamin D. For supplements, this translates to 500 mg, | | | | Estrogen plays an important role in bone health, and |
| taken three times daily, for maximum absorption. The | | | | previous studies have shown that higher levels of |
| only mainstream controversy until now has been the | | | | calcium are linked with greater bone density and |
| quality of the nutrient source. Toxic levels of lead and | | | | increased estrogen product breakdown in the urine. |
| other metals have been linked with unrefined calcium | | | | This leads to questions about the sources of calcium, |
| from oyster shell, bone meal, and dolomite that did | | | | and their affect on bone density. Recent studies |
| not legally meet the standards required to display the | | | | have also linked particular antioxidants with bone |
| USP symbol, or were considered "purified." | | | | density levels. |
| Calcium supplements are also the most effective | | | | For women at the greatest risk of osteoporosis -- |
| when taken with food, as the "slow gastric emptying | | | | generally postmenopausal, Caucasian women with |
| following a meal optimizes calcium absorption." The | | | | slight frames -- this is big news. Newer, simpler |
| acids released by the body after eating aids in the | | | | medications aimed at preventing bone loss have hit |
| somewhat difficult assimilation of the nutrient. Those | | | | the market with tremendous force as the country's |
| who do not take their supplement with food, then, | | | | population (particularly "baby boomers") ages, and |
| are likely to experience fewer of the beneficial | | | | nutrient levels in mass-produced food continues to go |
| effects. Similarly, regular antacid takers have been | | | | down. But, for once, this may translate into good |
| shown to be at higher risk for hip fractures. (Watch | | | | news. After all, what better excuse is there to eat |
| out Austin, Dallas, and Houston -- relieving your | | | | ice cream? |
| heartburn after consuming all those | | | | Being aware of how nutrients work in your body, |
| gourmet-prepared hot chili peppers just may affect | | | | and how they work best, is just one part of taking |
| your bones.) | | | | care of your health. How you take care of yourself |
| But a study released in May of this year by the | | | | will certainly affect you as you age, and eventually |
| American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that | | | | your wallet, as well. |
| receiving at least half of one's calcium from dietary | | | | |