Calcium

Crohn's Disease

One study took a look at a drug called etidronate to see if it would help protect the bones of people with Crohn’s disease. The bad news: It didn’t. The good news: The vitamin D and calcium supplements that were taken in the control group were highly effective all on their own.

Hypertension

Excess Protein Consumption

A high protein diet requires supplemental calcium to offset the additional calcium lost in the urine. Animal protein, while by itself can increase calcium loss, when taken with calcium may improve bone density. [Am J Clin Nutr, 2002; 75:pp. 609-610, 773-779]

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

See the link between IBS and Vitamin B12.

Heartburn / GERD

Although calcium use will neutralize acid found in the esophagus, it also neutralizes it in the stomach, where acid is needed for proper digestion. The routine use of acid neutralizers or drugs to prevent acid production are not recommended by many natural doctors, because of the possible consequences to the digestive process.

Calcium carbonate gum (600mg/dose or 900mg/dose) increased esophageal pH and reduced heartburn for up to 120 minutes after dosing in a study of 24 subjects. High dose calcium carbonate gum (900mg) provided more prolonged symptom relief and pH control than chewable antacid tablets (1000mg). [Aliment Pharmacol Ther2002;16(12): pp.2029-36]

Hypoparathyroidism

The goal of treatment for hypoparathyroidism is to restore the calcium and associated mineral balance within the body. Oral calcium and vitamin D supplements are usually a life-long therapy. Blood levels of calcium require periodic monitoring to ensure proper dosage. A high-calcium, low-phosphorous diet is recommended.

Histadelia (Histamine High)

Calcium, methionine, SAMe, magnesium, zinc, TMG, omega-3 fatty acid, B6, inositol, vitamin A, C and E have some antifolate activity.

Hyperparathyroidism

Contrary to popular medical belief, calcium supplementation can be useful, even when calcuim levels are already too high in hyperparathyroidism. This high level of calcium is being maintained by taking calcium from your bones. Supplemental oral calcium helps prevent calcium being taken from your bones! In the mean time, one should be looking for a surgeon who specializes in this operation.

The following study results indicate that calcium loading inhibits bone resorption in postmenopausal women with mild primary hyperparathyroidism.

Oral calcium loading is known to decrease parathyroid hormone levels in primary hyperparathyroidism. We have examined the effects of a calcium supplement on bone resorption in postmenopausal primary hyperparathyroidism. Fasting blood and urine samples were obtained in 12 postmenopausal women (median age 64 yr) with primary hyperparathyroidism associated with mild hypercalcemia (plasma calcium less than 3.00 mmol/l). Further samples were obtained 12 hours after a 1 g calcium supplement given at 2100 h. After calcium administration there were rises in plasma ionized calcium (p less than 0.02), plasma phosphate (p less than 0.05) and the renal tubular maximum reabsorption capacity for phosphate (p less than 0.01) and falls in parathyroid hormone (p less than 0.05) and the renal tubular maximum reabsorption capacity for calcium (p less than 0.05). The urinary calcium/creatinine increased (p less than 0.01) and the urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine (p less than 0.02) fell. [Horm-Metab-Res. 1994 Jan; 26(1): 39-42]

Anxiety

Methylation, Insufficient

Problem Caused By Being Overweight

In a study of obese people consuming a low-calorie diet for 24 weeks, those receiving a calcium supplement (800 mg per day) lost significantly more weight than those given a placebo [Obes Res. 2004 Apr;12(4): pp.582-90.]. Calcium was effective when provided either as a supplement, or in the form of dairy products. Fat loss from the trunk area increased as the level of calcium supplementation increased.

In a second study, however, the amount of weight loss resulting from calcium supplementation (1,000 mg per day) was small and not statistically significant. In that study, participants’ typical diet contained more calcium than in the study in which calcium supplementation was more effective. Thus, it is possible that calcium supplementation enhances weight loss only when the diet is low in calcium.

Bruxism (Clenching/Grinding Teeth)

Anorexia / Starvation Tendency

A study evaluated 7 girls, 13 to 20 years of age, with anorexia nervosa compared to 7 health controls. The percentage of calcium absorption was 16.2% for the anorexic patients and 24.6% in the control subjects. Urinary calcium excretion was 4 times greater in the anorexics and was related to bone resorption. Anorexics have significant increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation rates. Calcium intake and hormonal abnormalities should be analyzed to treat this situation. [Journal of Pediatrics, 1993;123: pp.326-331]

Acidosis

Blood Type O

Lipo-Oxidative Type (Extreme Negative)

Metabolic Diet Type (Extreme Negative)

Osteoporosis / Risk

A study found that a supplement containing calcium, manganese, zinc and copper prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women, whereas calcium alone was ineffective. Calcium supplements for osteoporosis should contain other minerals as well, or the form of calcium used should have been proven to be of benefit.

Intake of supplemental calcium (1000mg per day or more) and vitamin D was associated with reduced tooth loss (due to bone loss) over a five year period in a study of 145 healthy subjects aged 65 years and older who completed a 3-year trial of the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone loss from the hip, as well as a 2-year follow-up study after discontinuation of the study supplements. [Am J Med 2001;111(6): pp.452-56]

The recommended daily intake levels for prepubertal children (ages 4-8 years) is 800 mg/day; adolescents (ages 9-18 years), 1300 mg/d; pregnant or lactating women (18 years), women and men (ages 19-50 years), 1000 mg/d;

women and men over 50 years, 1500 mg/d.

Another study concluded: “The small effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral density in the upper limb is unlikely to reduce the risk of fracture, either in childhood or later life, to a degree of major public health importance. It may be appropriate to explore alternative nutritional interventions, such as increasing vitamin D concentrations and intake of fruit and vegetables.” [BMJ Sept 2006]

These results with calcium are not that encouraging. However, there are products using compounds of calcium which have been proven to reverse osteoporosis. Examples are AdvaCAL, 3A Calcium (Active Absorbable Algal) and a new one – AlgaeCal Plus.

All 400 participants have now completed the first 6 months of the AlgaeCal Bone Health Program, and results are exceeding expectations by reversing bone loss, and increasing bone mineral density in post menopausal women.

C.E.O. of AlgaeCal International Dean Neuls says “we are very excited with these results because our natural osteoporosis treatment is accomplishing what no other calcium supplement has been able to do; we are actually reversing bone loss.”

AlgaeCal International and Integrative Health Technologies Inc (IHTI) launched an independent clinical trial to study the effectiveness of the AlgaeCal Bone Health Program. The program is a natural osteoporosis treatment that consists of a plant based calcium supplement, a strontium citrate supplement and an exercise program.

Kaats, adds “Although only a few subjects have now completed the one-year tests, analysis of the 6-month test results revealed that instead of the expected decline in bone mineral density, over two-thirds of women over 50 years of age increased their bone densities. Subjects in the 50+ adult group achieved an annualized increase in bone density of over 1% instead of the expected 1% decline for people of this age.” Kaats goes on to say “The most dramatic improvement was found in a 64-year old woman who improved her bone density at a 10% a year rate and a cancer patient being treated with chemotherapy who also improved his bone density.” Here is a link to the AlgaeCal home page, where these products can be ordered.

Leg Cramps At Night

Both calcium and magnesium are involved in relaxing nerve impulses and regulating muscle activity. Calcium is needed to contract the muscle, and magnesium is needed to relax it. An imbalance in this dynamic duo can irritate and confuse the muscle.

Calcium Requirement

Increased Risk of Colon Cancer

A higher dietary calcium intake (914mg/d compared to 486mg/d) was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in a study of 61,463 women followed for an average of 11 years. [Nutr Cancer 2002;43(1): pp.39-46]

Previous studies have shown that people with noncancerous colorectal tumors called adenomas who take calcium supplements for 4 years can reduce their risk of an adenoma recurrence. A new study shows that the protective effect of those supplements lasts for up to 5 years after stopping supplementation. They note that current guidelines recommend that people simply consume recommended levels of calcium (1000 mg/day for adults up to age 50 years and 1200 mg/day for those older than 50 years) [Calcium Polyp Prevention Study, Jan. 17, 2007 JNCI]

Increased Risk of Rectal Cancer

A higher dietary calcium intake (914mg/d compared to 486mg/d) was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in a study of 61,463 women followed for an average of 11 years. [Nutr Cancer 2002;43(1): pp.39-46]

Increased Risk of Coronary Disease / Heart Attack

One study showed a 30% to 35% reduction in ischemic heart disease risk in women with a high intake of supplemental calcium. Dietary calcium achieved no significant change in heart attack risk, the researchers noted.

2012. A study of approximately 24,000 people between the ages of 35 and 64 found participants who took regular calcium supplements were 86% more likely to have a heart attack than those who didn’t take supplements. Those who took only calcium supplements were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack as those who didn’t take any vitamin supplements. [Heart Journal, May 23, 2012]

Premenstrual Syndrome / PMDD

A large double-blind trial found that women who took 1,200mg per day of calcium for three menstrual cycles had a 48% reduction in PMS symptoms, compared to a 30% reduction in the placebo group. [Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179: PP.444-52] Other trials have shown that supplementing 1,000mg of calcium per day relieves premenstrual symptoms. [J Gen Intern Med 1989;4: pp.183-9, Am J Obstet Gynecol 1993;168: pp.1417-23]

Possible Pregnancy-Related Issues

Children of mothers who took calcium during pregnancy were still reaping the benefits seven years later in one Argentinian study. Blood pressure was lower in these youngsters – especially among overweight children – than those in the non-supplement-taking group. [Belizan JM, et al. Brit Med J 1997;315(7103): pp.281­5] Taking calcium may also decrease a woman’s chance of developing pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-related hypertension. [Moutquin HM, et al. Can Med Assoc J 1997;157(7): pp.907­19]

A growing baby acquires most of its calcium during the last trimester of pregnancy; an additional amount is needed during breastfeeding. This translates into a greater need for calcium during and after pregnancy. A pregnant woman who fails to consume adequate calcium -1,200mg per day is recommended – increases her risk of developing osteoporosis later in life, especially if she becomes pregnant again. [Vandecanderlaere M, et al. Rev Med Interne 1997;18(7): pp.571­4]