Algaecal vitamins

[Suzi_]

I am senior female with Hashimoto thyroid and osteopenia. Last bone scan showed some deterioration. Endocrinologist suggested several meds including intravenous.

I am USA, planning to

Order algae-cal that contains calcium, D, K and several other vitamins.

Has anyone tried these?

Amazon reviews are good though the tablets look a little big, I have difficulty swallowing large tablets! I won’t know till I order them.

Do u think it’s a good option?

I do have a good Indian diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, yogurt, seafood and lentils.

Thanks

[greygoose]

Have you actually had your calcium tested? If not, do not take calcium until you have, and found you need it. Calcium supplements can be dangerous. The calcium in them is very difficult to absorb, and can build up in the arteries and soft tissues causing all sorts of problems. It is very rare for someone living in the US to be calcium deficient.

In any case, calcium is not a treatment or cure for osteoporosis. Too much calcium can make bones brittle. Magnesium is far more important for bones than calcium. Vit D also. In fact, all nutrients need to be optimal, but more isn't better.

I cannot find the supplement you are referring to, to look at the ingredients, but multi-vits of that kind are never, ever a good idea. For all sorts of reasons - I would go through it with you if I had the list of ingredients. What you absolutely need to do is get your nutrients tested and supplement accordingly. Too much vit d is not a good idea either. So, essential to get that tested.

If you take vit D, it will increase your absorption of calcium from food. Which is why you need the vit K - K2-MK7, not K1 - to make sure the extra calcium goes into the teeth and bones and doesn't build up in the soft tissues. And you also need magnesium, because vit D and magnesium work together.

So, when you get your nutrients tested - basically vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin for starters - come back on post the results, and we will help you chose supplements for healthier bones.

[Spangle15]

I don’t take Algaecal but I do take calcium made from algae because I’ve read that it is much better than other forms of calcium. I have osteopenia but also low calcium. A lot you read now says calcium doesn’t help with bone density and I didn’t take it until I had low levels.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I’m like Spangle - I don’t take Algaecal - it is very expensive - but I do eat a calcium rich diet and top up with a little marine algae calcium every day. Too much calcium is bad for you. If you read the article below you can see Margaret Martin’s review of calcium supplements and she talks about Algaecal.

melioguide.com/osteoporosis...

[montieth]

Also, do you eat dark leafy greens? They are rich in Vitamin K. You mentioned that you have a good Indian diet. Do you drink plant based milk or eat boxed cereals? I noticed that some boxed cereals and oat milk are fortified with calcium and iron - for example up to 300 mg per serving of calcium.

[RockyPath]

Hi Suzi_,

I'm in the States as well. My functional medicine person recommended BoneUp and I've been on it four years. The original formula was 6 tablets per day. They now have a 2-capsules per day version. My bone density has held stable across three DXA scans.

My new endocrinologist, with a major tertiary-care health system in California, is trained in all of the most recent standards of care. No concerns about my use of BoneUp and chelated magnesium. The BoneUp includes all of the required vitamins (D3, K, C) and trace minerals in the correct ratios for bone remodeling.

Exercise that puts stress on the bones is also important to stimulate remodeling.

My problem with the AlgaeCal (besides the outlandish price) is that they incorporate the strontium in the capsule. What I've read is that strontium isn't absorbed appropriately if it's taken with calcium. When I do take Pure Encapsulations strontium, I have it before bed, five hours after the calcium supplement.

Cleveland Clinic has this to say about overdoing the calcium

"Soaring calcium levels can be triggered by a variety of diseases, including parathyroid problems and a number of cancers. Hypercalcemia can also be a side effect of certain prescription meds.

"But over-the-counter calcium medications can push you over the edge, too. It’s surprisingly easy to overdo the calcium supplements — especially if you consume a lot of dairy or otherwise get plenty from your food. Over-the-counter antacid chews and tablets pack a big calcium punch as well.

"On top of all that, high doses of vitamins A and D can also cause calcium levels to rise."

Here's the link to Cleveland Clinic:

health.clevelandclinic.org/...

Hope this helps, Suzi_

Good luck on your journey.

[Suzi_]

Thanks

Amazon have both versions of Boneup. How big are the tablets? Is your bone density figure better since U started taking Bone up?

I may just try that providing I can swallow..