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 and encourage proper bone formation. 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. Omega 3 fats are not blocked, which is exactly why I list them as a must for every single one of her protocols. This is only one of the extremely important life-giving functions of omega 3 essential fats. Cod liver oil is a great way to give essential fats to children. It has both the essential fats and vitamin D. The newer purified brands taste fine.

       I like cod liver oil because it also contains Vitamin A for good vision and Vitamin D which is important for bones, teeth and all of our body's tissues. If your children still object to the taste of cod liver oil, try the liquid EPA/DHA available from my online store. Supplementing with extra Vitamin D may also be important if your children are not outside much without sunscreen or short sleeves and shorts.

       The best type of calcium supplementation for bone growth 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. Calcium lactate and citrate have a much greater absorption than calcium gluconate or carbonate but these forms are not necessarily good for all parts of the body. 

       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.

       After 30 years of nutrition study, I am convinced that the best type of calcium is Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate (MCHC calcium), which  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. A chewable form also is available from my Online Store for kids who are too young to swallow pills.

 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) ADULTS: Wellness Essentials,  CHILDREN:  Multigenics Chewable (Dosage:  age 2-4 one/day, age 4-7 two/day, age 7/14 three/day with meals), and Ultra Pure Cod Liver Oil, and  Cal Apatite Plus (available in tablets or chewable).

       If you are confused about nutrition, you are not alone. It is a complex subject! For a FREE Vitamin consultation, email Dr. Walker with the 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 Mineral and Bone Support Formulas. For more than 25 articles regarding the influence of nutrition and lifestyle on bone growth, please go to the home page of the Online Store, click on Conditions and select Osteoporosis.