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Update on Osteoporosis and Calcium Supplements


© Keri

Update on Calcium Supplements for Osteoporosis

A new study recently published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology compares the effectiveness of two popular calcium supplements. The amounts of calcium absorbed from calcium citrate (Citrical) and calcium carbonate (Os-Cal) were compared after a single oral dose of 500 mg. taken with a meal. The study calculated the peak and cumulative change in serum calcium. This measure offers a direct relation to the actual availability of the calcium.

The study, "Pharmacokinetics of Calcium Absorption from Two Commercial Calcium Supplements", was conducted by Howard J. Heller, MD, assistant professor of the Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. According to Dr. Heller, this study indicates that the choice of calcium supplement may be even more critical than previously thought.

The study showed that even though calcium carbonate contains more calcium than calcium citrate, the calcium carbonate is not as readily available for use and the body actually absorbs less. Those of us at risk for osteoporosis need to pay particular attention to these findings.

The study results showed a 2.5 times greater serum calcium concentration with calcium citrate than with calcium carbonate. That means that calcium citrate was much better absorbed. Whether or not calcium citrate will provide better protection against bone loss requires further study.

Remember that calcium supplements do interfere with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone replacements. They should not be taken at the same time. Discuss timing and dosage with your health care provider or pharmacist.

Reference: http://womenshealth.medscape.com/Medscap...

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The copyright of the article Update on Osteoporosis and Calcium Supplements in Thyroid Disease is owned by Keri. Permission to republish Update on Osteoporosis and Calcium Supplements in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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