Is calcium supplementation important in preventing and treating osteoporosis?
Yes, absolutely. But, preventing and reversing osteoporosis involves much more than calcium. Bone is dependent on a constant supply of many nutrients. A deficiency of any of a number of nutrients such as boron, magnesium, vitamin K, and others will adversely affect bone health. To truly support bone health in my patients at high risk for osteoporosis, I first recommend a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula (based upon age and sex). Next, I recommend a bone-building supplement that provides the high quality nutrition required to maintain and build healthy bones. At the bare minimum, women showing signs of bone loss need to take 1,000 mg supplemental calcium per day. In my patients with existing osteoporosis, I recommend adding ipriflavone to the program. In another one-year study of women with osteoporosis, ipriflavone (600 mg per day) produced a six- percent increase in bone mineral density after twelve months, while the placebo group lost 0.3 percent in bone density.10 L
