choosing the best calcium supplement by Dr. Swanson, "The Good Doctor"

Are all calcium supplements equally absorbed?
No. Some are better than others according to a new study published in the November 1999 issue of The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. It compared the absorption of calcium bound to citrate vs. calcium bound to carbonate. The results showed that calcium citrate is 250% better absorbed than calcium carbonate, the same type found in TUMS(tm), OsCal(tm), and many other brands.

The authors reported this is the first study that was designed to compare each type of calcium under the same conditions and dosage - which was 500 mg of each taken at breakfast. The blood serum levels of calcium were then measured every hour for 6 hours and compared. The calcium supplements tested were the two leading mass marketed brands.
The study results confirmed that not all calcium supplements are alike. This study showed that calcium carbonate is not nearly as well absorbed as calcium citrate. The blood serum levels of calcium from a single 500 mg oral dose of calcium citrate rose an average 2.5 times higher than the calcium from carbonate. Therefore, only 200 mg of calcium (citrate) is needed to equal the absorption of a 500 mg tablet of calcium (carbonate).

The recommended daily intake of calcium for most adults is 1000-1500 mg daily. This amount is based mainly on studies measuring bone loss using calcium carbonate in woman with osteoporosis. This new study suggests that less amounts of calcium citrate could be used to protect against bone loss compared to calcium carbonate.

There was nothing especially unique or better about the particular brand of calcium citrate used in this study vs. other citrate brands. The most absorbable form of calcium citrate used in nutritional medicine is called calcium citrate-malate. Other types of calcium may have similar benefits for supporting bone density. These are microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHA) and patented Albion(tm) Calcium glycinate. We also recommend comprehensive formulas for the prevention of osteoporosis, such as Jarrow Formulas Bone-Up(tm) or PureEncapsulations OsteoBalance(tm) and +Cal+(tm). These contain additional bone support nutrients, such as magnesium, boron, vitamin D, vitamin K, zinc, manganese, silica, etc. Recently, calcium-l-threonate has become available. L-threonate is a metabolite of vitamin-C. Preliminary studies suggest that threonate bound calcium may be one of the most effective natural bone builders for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It's marked as BioCalth and is available in our dispensary.

The best way to monitor your bone health is with a urine test that measures the current rate of bone loss and with a DEXA screen that measures actual bone density.

* This is a statement of nutritional support. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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