Algaecal

[Healthworrier]

Hello. I keep seeing adds for algaecal in which they claim this supplement increases bone density. It's very pricey. Has anyone tried this and does it live up to its claims? Thanks for reading.

[Fruitandnutcase]

If you put Algaecal into the search box at the side you will find earlier comments about Algaecal.

[Healthworrier in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thankyou will take a look.

[Met00]

Algaecal has 2 products: Algaecal Plus, which contains calcium, vit D, vit K2, magnesium and vit C; and Strontium Boost which contains strontium citrate. The two products together form their Bone Builder Pack, which they say is guaranteed to build bone density. That's because strontium will replace some of the calcium in the bones and strontium is denser than calcium. That's not necessarily a bad thing, opinion is divided on this. There hasn't be much research on strontium citrate, but has been on strontium ranelate, which is available on prescription in the UK and Europe. Strontium helps build bone, whereas AA and most other medications prevent old bone breaking down, which in turns slows or stops the natural cycle that leads to new bone formation. Not everyone agrees that strontium builds healthy bones, though research seems to demonstrate a significant reduction in fracture risk with it, more so than with other bone medications. Like all medications, though, strontium ranelate (and therefore possibly also strontium citrate) has a risk of serious side effects, and it should be avoided by anyone with existing heart or kidney disease, including high blood pressure. It may raise blood pressure in otherwise healthy people, but isn't believed otherwise to actually cause heart or kidney problems, but can exacerbate existing conditions. It's possible to buy strontium citrate online at a fraction of the price (but same strength) as the Algaecal one.

[Met00]

Prescription strength strontium ranelate has 680mg strontium per dose. The strontium citrate I buy is the same strength. I only take 1/4 - 1/2 dose, but have read of others finding this is still helpful. If bone density improves while taking strontium, you may have to halve the improvement to get a better picture, but that's still an improvement. Research with strontium ranelate has shown that it also encourages more calcium into the bones, and the generally considered opinion is that it's the strontium itself that makes the difference, not the form it's in.