CALCIUM AND OSTEOPOROSIS

by Dr. Pamela A. Popper

I continue to get a lot of questions regarding the necessity of taking calcium supplements, particularly for people who have been told that they have experienced bone loss.

First, a clarification of the issue. Many women get a bone density screening done when they are in their 40’s or 50’s and are told they have experienced some bone loss. However, since these women were not screened earlier in life at peak bone mass, they don’t know what constituted peak bone mass for them, and bone loss is, therefore, difficult to measure. In other words, interpretation of these results is an issue.

When physicians diagnose small amounts of bone loss, it may be advisable to wait 2-3 years and have another scan to determine if bone loss is indeed occurring. The rush to get people on calcium supplementation is too fast, in my opinion. And, calcium supplementation without consideration for discontinuing calcium-draining habits is ineffective.

The important thing to remember to avoid osteoporosis is that the number one reason for bone loss is too much dietary protein. Animal protein increases production of acid in the blood, which can be neutralized by drawing calcium out of the bones. Articles have been appearing in the medical literature for over 60 years now showing a direct correlation between protein consumption and bone loss. In fact, population studies show that in countries where protein consumption is much lower, so is the rate of osteoporosis. The average man in the U.S. eats 175% more protein than the recommended amount and the average woman consumes 144% more.

Additional factors include tobacco, caffeine, table salt, lack of sunlight, lack of exercise and soft drinks. Studies consistently show that no amount of calcium intake will result in calcium balance is calcium-draining lifestyle habits are continued.

According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, one can lose as much as 4% bone mass each year while consuming a high-protein diet even when consuming 1400mg of calcium per day. In other words, we have to pay attention to calcium balance, not calcium intake, which is what everyone is focusing on. In fact, there is no demonstrated relationship between calcium intake and bone health. Studies show that populations with the highest calcium intake have higher rates of fractures than those with the lowest.

So, the bottom line is that calcium must be obtained from food sources from which it can be extracted and utilized and which do not draw calcium out of the bones (think vegetables). Calcium supplementation is not the answer - looking at the total lifestyle is.

There can be errors in calcium metabolism; those need to be corrected with the help of a professional and will not resolve through consuming milk or taking supplements.

Article printed with permission from Dr. Pamela A. Popper and taken from Health Briefs volume one.  Dr. Popper is the founder and Executive Director of The Wellness Forum, a chain of health and wellness centers located throughout the United States and the Far East.