Ensuring optimal bone health is crucial, especially as we age. Discover Dr. Lazar's best calcium supplements tailored for bone loss and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Bone health is a lot like financial health. You want to begin saving and investing as early as possible for a secure financial future. Similarly, long-term bone health requires a proper diet, optimal levels of key nutrients, and early habits of exercise to maximize peak bone density. This becomes your bone density bank account for the rest of your life.
However, unlike a retirement fund, most individuals' peak bone density dramatically slows down in their 20s. While it becomes harder to contribute to your account over time, the key is to limit withdrawals by maintaining up to 40% of the bone remodeling process. Bone remodeling and strength require bone cells, called osteoblasts and osteoclasts, to be tightly coupled together. These two bone cells rely on key nutrients to keep bone resorption and building processes working optimally and maintaining bone density.
When it comes to selecting the right calcium supplement, several factors need to be considered. The type of calcium, its bioavailability, and additional nutrients that support calcium absorption and integration into the bone matrix are crucial. For instance, calcium carbonate is inexpensive but not as bioavailable as calcium citrate-malate, which has been shown to improve bone density more effectively.
Additionally, factors such as age, gender, bone density scores (DEXA results), and specific health conditions play a critical role. For example, postmenopausal women or individuals with a family history of osteoporosis may need a different supplement formulation compared to younger individuals or those with no risk factors.
To streamline the process of selecting the appropriate bone health supplement, we have developed a clinician-facing flowchart. This tool helps determine when to use OsteoBase, Pro Bono, or OsteoPrev from Orthomolecular Products based on clinical goals, risk factors, and patient characteristics.
The flowchart begins by identifying the clinical objective: maintenance for average-risk patients, prevention for those with mild osteopenia or a family history, and support for reversing osteoporosis or managing high-risk bone loss. By following the steps, clinicians can recommend the most suitable product for their patients' specific needs.
OsteoBase is recommended for maintaining bone health in average-risk patients. It includes balanced calcium (carbonate, citrate, malate), D3, K2, magnesium, and boron, making it an ideal foundational supplement.
OsteoPrev is designed for the prevention of bone loss in individuals with mild osteopenia or a family history of fractures. It features plant-based calcium for better absorption and less GI irritation, alongside bone-specific nutrients like MK-7 K2, boron, and zinc. It also includes curcumin and resveratrol to modulate inflammatory pathways.
Pro Bono is targeted at supporting the reversal of osteoporosis or managing high-risk bone loss. It offers therapeutic-level dosing with full packets containing calcium, D3, K2, magnesium, zinc, strontium, and collagen. Strontium citrate in Pro Bono promotes bone formation and reduces bone resorption, making it a comprehensive solution for severe bone health issues.
Interested in these products? They must be prescribed after a consultation. Click below to schedule with one of our doctors.
While calcium supplements play a significant role in maintaining bone health, a holistic approach is essential for optimal results. This includes a balanced diet rich in bone-building nutrients, regular weight-bearing exercise, and lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Incorporating supplements like OsteoBase, OsteoPrev, and Pro Bono into a comprehensive bone health protocol can provide the necessary support at different stages of bone health management. By addressing both preventive and therapeutic needs, these supplements help maintain bone density and overall skeletal strength, ensuring a healthier future.