"CHIROPRACTIC FOR AN EVOLVING PLANET"

Jeffrey Benton, D.C., 6360 Wilshire Blvd. #210 Los Angeles, CA. 90048  (323) 297.0566

ARE YOU TAKING THE RIGHT KIND OF CALCIUM?

Proper nutrition is an essential part of a properly functioning nervous system. In fact calcium, which is widely known as an important component for strong bones, is also integral to proper nerve impulse transmission.

Scientists and doctors tell us that we need to take calcium, but don’t tell us which form of calcium is best. Many believe that taking a popular antacid (Tums) or many over the counter sources of calcium, which are made from oyster shell powder and corn syrup, will help their bones stay strong, and thereby prevent osteoporosis.

As a Chiropractic physician who specializes in nutrition, I know that antacids won't help at all; it may even be a detriment, because since people believe that the Calcium in their antacid product will stave off osteoporosis, they ingest this product instead of providing their body with proper nutrition.

Tums and many other antacids on the market are often made of calcium carbonate. This form of calcium is relatively inexpensive and absorbs acid, therefore makes us feel better when we have "heart burn". However, our body has a very difficult time absorbing calcium in this form. The claims made by these companies are overstating what is actually documented in medical literature, and in fact only represents effective marketing.

The research studies comparing one form of calcium to another draw the following conclusions regarding assimilation of calcium. They suggest that greater absorption is found with higher solubility compounds such as the citrate-malate and hydroxyapatite. The absorption of calcium is as follows: acetate> lactate> gluconate> citrate> hydroxyapatite> carbonate

There are many natural forms of calcium in our food which should not be over-looked. While milk and milk products are promoted as the foremost source of calcium, absorption from milk has been measured to range from 27.6 % to 32.1 %. However Kale (calcium absorption of 40.9 %) and other products from the cabbage family (broccoli, collards, etc.) are very good sources of calcium.

Now, don’t be fooled to think that calcium citrate or lactate is a panacea to stopping the progressionof osteoporosis. Human physiology is very complex, and oft-rendered advice that would lead one to believe that taking a particular calcium supplement, or any "magic pill" for that matter is at best inadequate.

When building a healthy skeleton, calcium is only one of many considerations. The human body needs a number of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids (which are not present in any antacids or dairy products) and weight bearing exercises to induce the body to bind the calcium and transform it into strong bone and tissue. Only then will calcium provide strength and support. These other factors will be discussed in detail in a future article

How much calcium do we need?

How can we evaluate our calcium level?

There are several ways to evaluate calcium. The sensitivity and specificity range varies as much as the price. The most specific and costly (about $160.00) is a densitometry study. This test measures bone density. The next step down in price is a normal x-ray study. However there needs to be 25% bone loss before the radiograph will pick up a change. So that test is not very sensitive.

There are blood panels (about $ 80.00) which evaluates blood calcium. But again, this is not a very good indicator because there is poor correlation between blood calcium levels and tissue/bone calcium levels.

Many osteopenic patients have normal blood calcium levels.

The problem is that the body cannot transfer the calcium into the cells.

Finally there is a test that could be done in your doctor’s office (about $35.00) which evaluates inter-muscular calcium stores. This is a good screening indicator because it evaluates the calcium available at the cellular level.