SHOULD I TAKE CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS?

Are you confused by whether calcium is good or bad for osteoporosis? I'll explain why experts recommend taking calcium supplements and show you the real research that answers the question of whether calcium supplements are right for you. The answer may surprise you! If you have osteoporosis or osteopenia and you want to build and maintain strong healthy bones, this video is for you.

Osteoporosis and bone loss are common problems that affect over half of adults over 50. Vitamin D, calcium and exercise are all common recommendations, but still most people lose 15% of their bone mass every ten years.

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This video content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. No representation or warranties are being made with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of said content. This video is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen online. Don't take any supplements without first speaking with your doctor. This video does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. David Clayton and you.

[gj]

I am totally confused about calcium intake as a senior women who has osteoporosis because there are tons of doctors on YouTube who contradict each other on whether you should be taking calcium or not, don’t really know who to believe anymore. I refuse to take any bisphosphonate because they can have very debilitating side effects like bone necrosis besides building inferior bone, so that is out for me. I take vitamin D3, calcium, magnesium and K2, I exercise and eat a healthy diet with the hope that I don’t get worse.

[davidj.]

Finally! A video that answers "What do you do?" Every other video that says calcium is bad just tells you why, show you papers results... Thank you for the "What do you do?" Subscribed.

[elainewhite]

Bone density scans aren’t a true measure of how strong your bones are as they compare us to 30 year old women.Get your calcium from your food best way to get it….❤

[vanessaetwaroo]

I’m a vegan and I’m diagnosed with osteoporosis recently. I’m 53 years old. I do strength training 5 to 6 days a week and 4000iu vitamin. Endocrinologist suggested calcium supplement. I’m taking 300 mg supplement per day and the rest from my diet. Dr suggested 1200 mg per day.

[Barb]

I just found your channel and enjoying it so much.. lots of clear headed science backed information from a physician who knows. Most “regular “ doctors have just treated osteoporosis with a broad brush using drugs and 1200 mg calcium. My doctor suggested just this.
Thank goodness for YouTube! I have no interest in medications so I completely changed my diet zero sugar and processed food, lots of protein and calcium rich foods. I do the Fishman 12 poses for osteoporosis 2-3 days a week and 3-4 days I do weights (I have weight at home..I’m starting this because I live in a rural area with closest gym over an hour away). I walk every day 4 miles—2-3 times with a weighted vest..(I’m up to 12 lbs)
This is all I do so far. I hope you can expand on how we can do something at home that REALLY helps (with weights). I am hoping to avoid the long trip to a gym…and if I do go, how do I find a trainer as you recommended?
I’m so relieved to see this lower calcium intake! I easily get that 500 ..and I was forcing myself to eat extra during to get up to 1200!
I supplement with K2(as MK7), vitD 4000, fish oil, magnesium glycinate, and a B12 from time to time.
Thank you for your efforts on these videos. I’m excited to look at them all… I’m sure I will find some that answer more of my questions. I feel blessed today finding your channel!😊

[cababness]

I have been recently diagnosed with osteoporosis after a dexa scan. I'm trying to find a holistic way to treat this. I was interested to hear that you don't think we need such a high intake of calcium. My Drs in UK want me to go on 1500 mg of calcium with vitamin D and biphosphates ( the latter I really don't want to take). I have gently upped my natural intake of calcium and am going to start a moderate daily dose of K2 mk7. I understand that this is an important vitamin which helps direct calcium to our bones. I already take a multivitamin supplement with 300mg calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D. I have also started some weight bearing exercise and am doing my best to keep sugar and salt to a minimum. I don't understand why biphosphates are prescribed, as surely there is a reason that bone cells break down, and in slowing this process, surely we are retaining poor bone mass? The better way is surely to work on building bone density?. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, as there is so much talk around treatment, but Doctors here don't think of treating with balanced supplements and diet etc...they are so used to using ' a one size fits all approach'. This is no disrespect to Doctors, as they cannot be expected to be specialists in all fields.

[marilynhoward]

Thank you Doctor it's so rare to find an MD who actually understands healing. They mostly just treat symptoms 😢

[christineramsey]

Thank you for telling all the servings that contain calcium vs calcium supplements!

[carmenamescuacomunica]

I just found your videos and as a woman with osteopenia and as dietitian your scientific based information has being very helpfull. Thank you Doctor

[mariamarino]

I’m 58 years old and have severe osteoporosis. I’ve fractured my T8 and T10 thus far, and have had no doctor advise me about supplements, diet or exercise. My dexa scan is a minus 4.5 in my lumbar spine. I’m in constant pain and don’t know what to do, I’m tired of going to doctors, and receiving no help, just a script for Evenity😞

[jeanclarke]

I totally agree with what you are saying about calcium intake. When I was first diagnosed with osteoporosis I was put on 1500 mgs of calcium a day. It made no difference to my bone density score. I later discovered that the calcium was not going to my bones, instead it was going to my breast as my mamogram showed. I can assume that if it was going to my breast tissues, it would also be accumulating in other areas of my body.

[BBurns-vgom]

I watch all your videos. I don't take calcium tablets. I hope I get mine from my food. I do have low bone density. I am going to the gym 3 times a week. Lifting on a dead lift and overhead press, stepping up on a stool with weights, and lifting 70 kgs. Just hope my bones are getting stronger. I go for a rems test in December. Thank you for this brilliant advice.❤

[jmc]

Excellent but the effect of certain drugs on calcium is also key. Taking prednisone and PPIs longterm can deplete it and other nutrients. So more maybe needed. Protein intake (total amino acids from all sources) effects how the body processes calcium. It was recognized a over a century ago incl studies the body relied on natural food sources of calcium and all nutrients vs synthetic. But from the start of commercial farming in late 1890s to early 1900s in US began to effect the quality of soil.

[wandabrady]

Thank you Dr. Clayton for clarifying this important issue!

[kevlahead]

There is some research that suggests that magnesium, vit d, and Vit K2(MK7 from natto) is more effective!

[sl]

Also sardines is a good source, esp. the bones, and they're delicious!

[marym]

this was very helpful I recently stopped taking calcium! thanks

[sl]

I also heard that supplemental calcium can contribute to artery calcification. Not saying it's true but it's what I've read.

[shar]

Can you please comment on the idea that the reason calcium supplements do not work for osteoporosis is because you also need vitamins, D3 and K2 to have it absorbed in the bone. You also need other minerals to treat osteoporosis, such as strontium, magnesium, etc..
Thanks😊

[selma]

How does Dr. Leon Fishman's yoga study compare to the weight lifting? I have long history of chronic illness dating back to my mid 30's. Fibromylagia which turned neuro but negative MS diagnosis/no autommune markers (optic nerve damage, weakness, numbness, etc ) Distinct attacks with long recovery triggered by stress, pharma, surgery, vaccine, sun once after taking doxycyline. I walked daily 2M hilly walk through it all since my mid 30's (I'm 61), Added yoga 11 years ago to help rehab from neuro attacks. I slacked off on yoga since COVID to once per week or less (last 3 years). Whole foods diet my entire life. Raised on farm. Went organic in my early 30's . Pasture raised only meats/made my own stock etc after fibro diagnosis. Garden, local foods. 11 years ago went vegan high raw for a while, mostly Dairy free since fibro diagnosis but some cheese and then totally df 11 years ago and gf. Settled on gf/df mediterranean diet. I even did Gerson juicing therapy at one. point. Just diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 61-- I'm normal BMI but have been towards the low end of BMI at many times on the various diets over the years. Pretty sedentary last 11 years but walked every day and added yoga. lumbar spine -2.9, hip-2.6, femoral neck -2.9. Also dealing with hypertension, slight hypothyroid. Not sure I'm up to the heavy weights. I just added Fishman's 12 poses daily and handweights. I've not been able to put weight on my right wrist and 90 degrees for 7 years and fractured my left wrist hiking last year in fall on rock. Added hand weights to strengthen arms. I'm not sure I'm up to the heavy weights with the fibro. I do, the yoga squats/chair pose holding hand weights in addition to fishman's poses and looking into his new series for arms and ribs.