Tag Archives: bone loss

Bone loss in menopausal and post-menopausal women is a great concern. We have been told to take calcium, but what kind… the controversy still rages. The big question is whatever kind of calcium you take, will it get absorbed? To do this you need co-factors like vitamin K-2. Without this form of vitamin K calcium cannot be properly metabolized and could cause cardiovascular problems.  An NIH study confirmed that calcium only (1000 mg/day) showed an increase in heart disease death, primarily in men. Magnesium is also needed because it  helps protect your bone health, according to MayoClinic.com. About half of the magnesium in the body is found in the bones. As the magnesium level decreases in bone, bone crystals become large, brittle and more likely to fracture. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that inadequate magnesium levels in blood serum result in low serum calcium levels; impaired hormone action; and interference with the effects of vitamin D, which can increase bone loss. Several studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may improve bone mineral density

Vitamin D is also necessary, in the D3 form helps regulate the minerals calcium and phosphorus in the body, promoting the absorption of calcium and helping prevent bone loss. Vitamin E tocotrienols are effective for bone resorption and inhibit osteoclast formation (large multinucleate cells that tear down bone). Some tests have shown that flaxseed oil as a fat source increases bone density because of the Alpha Linolenic Acid in the oil which also inhibits the activity of the osteoclasts and supports the osteoblasts (build bone). Fermented soy isoflavones also increase bone density by providing weak estrogenic effects on the bone since bone health is directly associated with lowering hormone levels.

The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin can also help as high levels of C-Reactive Protein (a marker of inflammation) may be related to bone loss.  Collagen is a binding site for bone-health minerals and is critical to increasing bone mass. Nutrients that help in collagen production include vitamin C, D3 and those that block the anti-collagen amino acid such as vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid.  Another needed supplement is silica which keeps the bone-building process running smoothly bringing more calcium to the bone, allowing less to leach away from the bones and keeping the whole system balanced.

With this information you may be able to formulate a good program of supplements to avoid bone loss. For more information go to www.wh0lefoodsmagazine.com and search for the article “Women’s Health Update” by Kaylynn Chiarello-Ebner

Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, K2, Silica and Fermented soy sold on www.foreveryoungcooperative.com