What Supplements Promote Bone Health?

aby boomers now reaching their late 50s and earlypost-menopausal women, may alter calcium
60s, the bone health supplements industry has nevermetabolism. Bone health supplementation for women
been hotter. Specifically, bone health supplements areshould also include magnesium.
reported to be the biggest seller in the United StatesAdults
dietary supplement industry. According to the NutritionBone loss density begins to occur in adulthood. Savvy
Business Journal, sale of calcium supplements in 2004health enthusiasts take bone supplements in order to
reached $993 million.proactively support bone health. This demographic
Loss of bone density begins in adulthood but theusually opts for simple formulations with ingredients
condition becomes more commonplace once men andthat are easily bio-available. Examples include calcium
women reach their 50s, which is why bone healthcitrate which is efficiently absorbed by the body when
supplements are popular amongst aging babyit is taken with or without food. The bioavailability of
boomers and the elderly. At this age, the body losescalcium carbonate is best when it is taken with food.
more bone mass than it can produce. This natural andSome preliminary studies show that the bioavailability
normal process of aging leads to loss of bone mineralof calcium formate is far superior to both the citrate
density and bone tissue structural deterioration. Whenand carbonate forms of calcium. This was reported in
this happens the risk factors for fracture andthe Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental
debilitating bone disease are much higher.Therapeutics ( Age also affects bioavailability of
The National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis andcalcium supplements. As age advances, the
Related Bone Disease National Resource Center,body’s ability to absorb calcium decreases.
Washington D.C. states that osteoporosis, and itsMore supplementation is required for the aged.
associated complications, are a major national healthWhile women may be at more risk for loss of bone
threat. Those at higher risk include women, thosemineral density, aging men are also susceptible and
above 50, and those who have a family history ofrequire calcium supplementation. Supplementation is
osteoporosis. Other risk factors include:recommended for men over 55.
- Nutritional status - The absorption of calcium dependsPopular Bone Health Supplements
on the presence of other factors like certain vitamins,The most popular supplements for baby boomers are:
minerals and hormones. Calcium absorption by theCalcium - Although many of the foods we eat daily
body also depends on a slightly acidic pH environmentare fortified with calcium, experts say that those
in the digestive tract. In spite of being in good physicalapproaching their 40s need more. The most common
condition, a deficiency in any of these areas maysupplements available in the market are calcium
impair the absorption of calcium by the body.carbonate and calcium citrate.
- Hormone levelsVitamin D - It must be noted that Vitamin D is essential
- Medications that deplete calcium levels.for the synthesis of calcium in the body. Without this,
- Smokingcalcium would be excreted through the kidneys and
- Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages.intestines without being absorbed by the body.
Baby BoomersAccording to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A
Every day there are about 8,000 baby boomersReport of the Surgeon General, bone health depends
turning sixty. This demographic cannot be neglected ason a broad spectrum of nutrients and other
it represents 25 percent of America’scomponents in our diet. These include a healthy dose
population. That’s about 77 million Americansof boron, copper, fluoride, iron, isoflavones, magnesium,
with depleting levels of bone loss. Calciummanganese, phosphorous, potassium, protein, Vitamin
supplementation can offset this natural bone loss byK, and zinc.
compensating the body with calcium and otherResearch on Strontium indicates its use in increasing
nutrients required for supporting bone health.bone mineral density and bone strength. Studies show
Calcium supplements are available as tablets orthat silica is beneficial for bone and connective tissue
capsules. The elderly often prefer a morehealth.
easy-to-swallow delivery form, like calciumNew research shows that certain components of
supplements in liquid or chewable form. Thesenutrition such as caretenoids, particularly lycopene
mediums are also easy for the body to digest sinceshow a protective influence against bone density loss
the nutrients have already been broken down.at the hip in men and at the lumbar spine in women,
Womenaccording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The production of new bone cells in the body dependsNo Bones to Pick - the Bone Health Supplement
on calcium, various nutrients and hormones. Women,Industry is Booming!
therefore, are at more risk for bone density lossBone density loss is generally preventable and the use
because of hormonal changes that occur duringof bone health supplements is widely accepted both
menopause. With the loss of estrogen levels duringby the general public and the medical profession.
menopause, the bones become brittle and the risk ofWhile standard bone supplements are still popular,
fracture, especially of the hips, spine and wrists, isthose who want to manufacture a superior-quality
higher. According to a study reported in the Americanbone health supplement can talk to a leading
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a regular intake of calciumsupplement manufacturer, like Nutricap Labs. In addition
and Vitamin D supplements can significantly reduce thisto being quality private label supplement manufacturers,
risk (Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Feb;77(2):504-11). Accordingthey are experienced contract manufacturers of
to the National Institutes of Health, some studiesdietary supplements.
suggest that magnesium deficiencies, common in