©2005, Elizabeth Walker, RDH, BS, DC

Multivitamin/mineral, antioxidants and EPA/DHA – 2packets/day w/ meals (See "Please Read First")

Vitamin D 1000 IU with soy isoflavones – 1 tab/day w/ a meal

Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate (MCHC calcium) 500mg with Vitamin D 75 IU and Ipriflavone 50 mg – 3 tabs, 2x/day (also available in a chewable form)

Product names used by Dr. Walker are listed below.

      The integrity of our bone impacts dental conditions in a variety of ways. Bone loss is often visualized on dental x-rays, usually in conjunction with gum (periodontal) disease. Healthy bones are also important when considering dental implants and orthodontics. When people have extensive dental bone loss visible they should be encouraged to see their doctor to have a bone density test. Osteoporosis of the skeletal system has been associated with bone loss around the teeth.

        Typically, bone density is measured by imaging the pelvis or lumbar spine. Ankle and hand imaging is also done. Associated tests that are important for testing bone health include the urinary Bone Resorption Assessment (see www.GDX.net) and a serum measurement of vitamin D levels known as 1-25 dihydroxyvitamin D test.

       When discussing the integrity of bones and teeth, being well nourished with a full complement of vitamins and minerals is extremely important. Calcium is the primary mineral people think of in this regard, but nearly all minerals play a role in healthy bone and tooth metabolism. Bones and teeth are living, vital tissues, unless the tooth has had its blood and nerve supply removed due to a root canal. Most dental professionals do not believe that much nutrient exchange occurs in adult teeth but you cannot deny the wide variation of appearance of different people’s teeth in the elder years, depending on their health status and whether they have used tobacco.

       The biggest misconception about bones and teeth is that taking calcium alone will make them stronger. If people are taking a one a day multivitamin, there certainly is not enough calcium in such products to make much of an impact. The RDA for calcium takes up an entire pill, which is why the one a day vitamin concept for adults (and especially prenatals) is so inadequate. Plus, you cannot absorb calcium from the GI tract into the bloodstream without adequate amounts of Vitamin D. That is why they fortified cow’s milk with Vitamin D many years ago. Low fat and no fat milks interfere with this absorption somewhat since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin (and requires fat to be absorbed).

       Another important factor that most people are unaware of is that you must have adequate essential fats present in order to get the calcium from your bloodstream into your tissues (bone). Omega 6 fats are blocked from performing this function if you consume hydrogenated (trans) fats in your diet. That leaves omega 3 fats, which is exactly why I list them as a must for every single one of my protocols. This is only one of the many extremely important life-giving functions of omega 3 essential fats.

       The best calcium supplementation for osteoporosis causes even more confusion. Many doctors have very little training in nutrition and do not have enough knowledge about the digestion and assimilation of the various types of calcium. They make recommendations based on advice from pharmaceutical companies. Calcium lactate and citrate have a much greater absorption than calcium gluconate or carbonate (TUMS) but these forms are not necessarily good for all parts of the body.

       When acid-blocking drugs for heartburn became over-the-counter, the makers of TUMS changed their advertising tactic for this product. They have made much more money selling TUMS as a calcium supplement than they ever did when they advertised it as an antacid. Just because we have all seen these ads does not make it the best form of calcium for osteoporosis.

       Taking large amounts of calcium without a balance of magnesium can lead to excessive tension in smooth and skeletal muscles of the body. This imbalance may cause high blood pressure, muscle spasm, constipation and even bronchospasm related to asthma. Calcium channel blocker drugs are often prescribed to correct the impact of these imbalances on the cardiovascular system.

       My thirty years of nutrition study have convinced me that the best calcium for bone loss is Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate (MCHC calcium). It targets primarily the bones and teeth because it is a complete bone food with many other minerals and the organic matrix of bone still present. Be sure to buy MCHC only from a company that uses New Zealand cows, which are considered to be the only cows never exposed to Mad Cow Disease.

       Dr. Robert Heaney, a prominent leader in the field of bone mineral metabolism from Creighton University, has found that Vitamin D deficiency is universally present in those with osteoporosis. Massive quantities of Vitamin D (50,000 IU) are often prescribed 2 – 4 times per month for up to six months to treat some severe cases of bone loss. The importance of vitamin D deficiency is being studied also for various cancers, multiple sclerosis and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

       It is believed that Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more common due to the fear of skin cancer, which has caused people to use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers more of their skin. The fear of Vitamin D overdose, which was prevalent in past years seems to have disappeared in light of these more recent findings. The 1000 - 1500 IU per day dose recommended here (including all products) is considered optimal these days.

       An important note regarding a class of drugs for osteoporosis known as biophosphonates (Ex. Fosamax, Actonel, Zometa and Aredia): A May 2004 report in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery reported that some patients on these drugs suffered from death of the jawbone (osteonecrosis) following oral surgery. In other words, their surgeries never healed and their jawbone became exposed into the mouth, causing death to the bone.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you appreciate the information on this website, please support it with purchases from our Online Store. You must register your name and email address to access the online store. The names of products listed above are (in order) Wellness Essentials,  IsoD3 and Cal Apatite Plus. 

       If you are confused about nutrition, you are not alone. It is a complex subject! For a FREE vitamin consultation, email Dr. Walker with a few bits of information listed under the Health Coaching tab at the top of the page. She will gladly help you make the most effective and economical nutrition purchases.

       For more product information go to the product categories and select Multiple Vitamin/Mineral formulas, Fatty Acid Formulas, and Bone Support Formulas.For more product information go to the product categories and select Multiple Vitamin/Mineral formulas, Fatty Acid Formulas, and Bone Support Formulas. For more than 25 articles regarding the influence of nutrition and lifestyle on Osteoporosis, please go to www.VitalityDr.meta-ehealth.com and click on Conditions and select Osteoporosis.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.