Slow Bone Loss with Calcium

Saturday, April 2nd 2005

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Calcium is probably the best known mineral. It is essential for building bones and slowing the rate of bone loss as people age. Bone loss contributes to osteoporosis, especially in women. Calcium is also involved in muscle contraction (including heart beat) and nerve function. It may help reduce blood pressure and the risk of colon cancer.

All minerals are ultimately obtained from the soil in which plants grow. It is well known that New Zealand soils are low in several minerals including zinc, boron and selenium.

Protein Emerging as Positive Bone Health Factor

New results suggest that both animal and plant source proteins could benefit bones, countering established thinking that protein intake should be limited to protect bone health.

Dieticians believe that protein may leach calcium from the bones as a result of the body's attempt to neutralize the acid ash or sulphate produced when protein is metabolized.

"I think we're going to see the dogma that high protein diets harm calcium absorption reversed, " said Fariba Roughead, lead author of one of the latest studies in this area.

Last year a tem from the Bone Metabolism Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University took the debate one step further, showing that protein could actually help bone health. "We have tested 10 per cent and 20 per cent protein from both animal and soy. We have seen that higher protein intake from either source benefits people with low calcium levels," said Roughead.

Colon Cancer and Calcium

As published in the January issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, the research team reported three key results:

• Subjects who consumed between 400 and 800 mg of calcium per day from any source reduced their risk of colorectal cancer by about 25 percent.
• When calcium intake was more than 800 mg per day, colorectal cancer risk was reduced by more than 45 percent.
• Women who consumed large amounts of calcium from BOTH dietary and supplemental sources had the greatest protection against colorectal cancer.

A 2002 study - also published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention - showed that those with a family history of colon cancer may cut their risk by as much as 50 percent with a supplement of 400 micrograms of folate.

Radiance Calcium Complex contains a full spectrum of all macro and micro minerals together with Vitamin D. Other nutrients include magnesium, boron, glutamic acid, Iron, chromium, copper, molybdenum, potassium, zinc and vitamin D.

Reproduced unabridged from the April - June 2005 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

The following products are all useful for healthy bones, muscles & nervous system :

Alfa-Max
Bee Pollen
Chlorella
Ethi Cal Hi-Strength Tablets
Herbal Becalm
Mega Magnesium Powder
Mineral Power
Multi Power
Restful Sleep
Spirulina Capsules
Super Calcium Complete
Vitamin B Complex 60's

Related health information can be found here:

Arthritis & Rheumatism
Bones
Calcium
Blood Pressure (Low)
Circulatory Problems
Cholesterol

Related articles can be found here:

Study finds natural alternative may ease pain for arthrits sufferers

Third generation arthritis treatment - Radiance Joint Connection Capsules and Creme

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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