Osteoporosis: Nutritional Considerations

Robert W. Horovitz, B.Sc., ND
Naturopathic Doctor
The Lifelong Wellness Company Inc.
Active Health Centre
5871 Hwy 7 E
Markham, ON L3P 1A3
Clinic: (905) 294-0454

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Osteoporosis affects about one in every 4 women and one in every 8 men over the age of 50. In terms of the aging process, this condition can deter people from living active lifestyles. Decreased bone density often leads to an increase risk of fractures (notably of the hip, wrist, and spine), and ultimately invasive replacement surgeries.

Since human bone is largely composed of calcium, this is typically the first nutrient people think of for both treatment and prevention of this condition. The best form is through food, however calcium supplement suppliers are constantly creating inventive ways of increasing the bioavailability of their product to match that (as best they can) of food. In terms of the isolated form, I recommend calcium bisglycinate, as it is more absorbable than calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.

Additionally, it is important to consider other factors when choosing a well rounded calcium supplement. Nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K1 and K2 (to name a few) help with overall absorption. Perhaps more importantly are these nutrients’ ability to enhance calcium deposition towards our bones instead of somewhere undesirable such as our arteries, joints, or even brain tissue, which can potentially lead to a variety of ailments.

Food sources do not pose the same risks, because your body recognizes and uses food not just as single molecules, but rather as a concert of many nutritional compounds that work synergistically to promote lifelong wellness. Food sourced supplements do exist. One method is to take nutrients and feed them to healthy brewer’s yeast and probiotics (healthy bacteria). By taking these organisms in supplemental form, we can gain the benefits of the organisms themselves as well as the nutrients that they consume.

Another important factor to be mindful of is your individual pH. A diet that is too acidic can diminish calcium absorption, which is why it is important to combine your calcium supplementation with whole, nutrient rich, green foods such as spinach, kale, broccoli, etc. A pH balanced diet helps against the degradation of bone as well as bioavailability of calcium supplements.

Also, if left alone for a period of time, a fermentation process is allowed to take place, which naturally produce incredible antioxidants and immune boosting compounds that are difficult, if not impossible to replicate in a lab. Some argue that the compounds created during the fermentation process may hold more benefits than the individual vitamins and minerals themselves.

Calcium requirements vary, depending on many factors, however for the most part adults should be receiving approximately 1000mg of calcium daily. Family history and other considerations should be notified to your health care practitioner. Speak to your Naturopathic Doctor about carefully assessing your diet and helping you determine your individual nutritional requirements and risk factors pertaining to osteoporosis.