1. Posted by Mr. BIG on Wed, Jun 20, 2007, 8:03 pm PDT

This is a good article, but it stops short of discussing the real issue of calcium. Most of the calcium you find in foods that add this mineral to the food to claim that the food is good for you because it contains calcium, is calcium carbonate. This is the cheapest form of calcium because it's not from a living source, but from rocks. Blackboard chalk is calcium carbonate. It causes kidney stones, can be toxic to the body, the bones only contain about 10% of this type of calcium, and the liver has to sort it out before the water can be used by the body. Also, before calcium can be absorbed, the stomach must be acidic. Calcium also competes with magnesium for absorption in the jejunum and the amount of calcium absorbed will depend on the body's need for it compared to magnesium. Antacids that are being recommended by doctors, pharmacists, and drug companies are causing calcium deficiencies because they just don't know the truth or have other motives such as profit, for recommending or selling the antacid garbage. The Boniva drug interrupts the blood calcium to bone calcium cycle and wreaks havoc with the coronary calcium levels in the blood, leading to problems with cholesterol. If you consume calcium without understanding these things and managing the digestive system properly, the calcium found in drugs, processed foods, combined with synthetic vitamins, ends up in the sewer system and the person with problems like osteoporosis, thinking that they are doing the right thing. Amazing. No wonder 75% of all Americans are dying of heart disease and degenerative diseases are on the increase, and our longevity is now ranking 24th in the world.

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2. Posted by GRACIE on Thu, Jun 21, 2007, 4:16 am PDT

Is it calcium citrate that is most readily absorbed (in proper ratio to magnesium & vit D)? I've watched my 85 yr old mom down cases of antacids over the years (since she HATES milk & all milk products!) to prevent osteoporosis...it DID NOT work! Tried to tell her, but as you said, with her doctor and advertising telling her it's a good thing, she kept munching away! Her sister...the dairy and orange juice lover...lived to be 92 with no visible signs of bone problems. Word to the wise...be careful about falling into the advertising trap...whether through your doctor or your own choices...take time to learn what your body really needs for optimum health...you'll be amazed at how much better it 'runs' when given what it needs!

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3. Posted by valuebuyer on Thu, Jun 21, 2007, 6:53 am PDT

I am so confused by this calcium issue! My doctor keeps asking me to take two 500-mg tablets a day so that my total intake would be about 1500mg - which is what she recommends for a middle-aged person, but I keep wondering whether I am interfering with the natural processes of my body. This is why I take only one tablet (500 mg) every two days - I just can't trust that rock or shale-based calcium is not going to damage my internal organs, and yet, how else can I get 1000mg per day? The sunlight factor diminishes with age - I don't believe 10-15 minutes a day is sufficient unless you are white/light skinned. The darker skins prevent bad rays from getting to you but it blocks good rays as well, so you'll need 1-2 hours to get the effect. I drink milk (Lactaid and soy) twice a day - so at 30% of recommended value each, I am hoping I am covered for 60% of the Calcium needs. The rest has to come from my veggies and my once in two days Calcium tablet. I hope this combo works - I will know when I take the DEXA test soon - the last time I took one 2 years ago showed -2.1: osteopeanic range, and this was before I started drinking milk on a regular basis again.

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4. Posted by Christine D on Thu, Jun 21, 2007, 9:25 am PDT

Very useful information.

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5. Posted by Pat P on Thu, Jun 21, 2007, 12:23 pm PDT

So, Mr Big I get everything you are saying. So what type of calcium should we take and how much. My friend takes 1000 calcium, 400 magneisum and 15mg sinc.

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6. Posted by CAROLYN W on Sun, Jun 24, 2007, 7:25 am PDT

Yes !!!!Mr Big. Do not leave us with only the bad info...tell us the answer. Since your info is true we do need to know what to take.....THANKS

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7. Posted by CAROLYN W on Sun, Jun 24, 2007, 7:33 am PDT

I am very concerned about this calcium issue. My mother has osteo and I so far have had every problem she's ever had. I do want to prevent osteo. I have been taking coral calcium supp. Is this good ? Can someone share some insight to what we should be doing....thanks

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8. Posted by tcard07 on Sun, Jun 24, 2007, 8:39 am PDT

I could have written the exact comment/question as did Carolyn W. Please..........we need further information!!! TC

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9. Posted by grandma on Wed, Jun 27, 2007, 9:54 am PDT

I agree MR.BIG tell us the rest of the story

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10. Posted by yourway on Tue, Jul 03, 2007, 9:29 am PDT

Know to take calcium that is pure food I did some research I found a calcium that is pure whole food called osteomatrix http://www.shaklee.net/thehealthyway/product/20681

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11. Posted by Marissa on Wed, Jul 25, 2007, 7:05 pm PDT

Great article, I used to take supplements to get my vitamins and minerals but after reading the magnetic diet I realized I could get everything I need from the food on the shopping list.

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12. Posted by on Thu, Feb 21, 2008, 11:46 am PST

Yum, me go eat orange now : )

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