By Neil Hirschenbein, M.D., Ph.D., C.C.N.
The statistics are alarming: in the U.S. today, approximately 10 million men and women have osteoporosis and another 18 million have osteopenia (low bone mass). Osteoporosis literally means "porous bone," and is characterized by bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to bone fractures.1,2 An estimated 1 in 2 women and 1 in 8 men over age 50 will suffer a bone fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime. Although osteoporosis can develop at any age, the risk factors increase with age in both men and women.
Osteoporosis is called "the silent disease" because it is generally a symptomless process resulting from a gradual loss of bone mass. Without proper risk assessment, osteoporosis can go undetected until bones become so brittle that even the slightest trauma causes a bone fracture.1,2 Fortunately, experts agree that this type of suffering may be preventable. Studies show that lifetime maintenance of adequate nutrient intake, including calcium and other nutrients important to bone health, along with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.3-5
What are the Risk Factors?
Many risk factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis.1,3,4,6 Some of these include dietary and lifestyle factors such as nutrient deficiencies (e.g., calcium, magnesium, vitamin D), high protein intake, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, and prolonged use of certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, antacids). Other risk factors include Caucasian or Asian ethnicity; a thin, small-bone frame; and a family history of osteoporosis.
The Importance of Prevention
The key to preventing osteoporosis is to achieve optimal bone mass during the first three decades of life and maintain it throughout the aging process.7,8 The more bone mass acquired by age 35, the less likely it will decrease to a level at which osteoporosis develops later in life.3 An optimal intake of calcium not only helps to achieve a greater peak bone mass, but also reduces the rate of age-related bone loss.3,9-15
Calcium: What are the Recommendations?
The Reference Daily Intake (RDI) provides recommendations for daily nutrient intakes considered to adequately meet the needs of most healthy individuals in the U.S. The current RDI for calcium is 1,000 mg per day, which is lower than many health experts recommend.7,16-18,20 Unfortunately, reliable statistics show that an alarming 65% of the U.S. population consumes even less than the RDI for calcium.21
The ability to absorb calcium declines with age in both men and women.2 Consequently, there is a need to address factors that affect calcium absorption, particularly when dealing with the elderly population. For instance, large quantities of dietary fiber, certain medications, and nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, magnesium) can interfere with calcium absorption. Hypochlorhydria, a condition of low gastric acid production, can also hinder calcium absorption and is quite common in the elderly. Patients encountering any of these factors may need to make dietary adjustments and be sure they are consuming forms of calcium that are easily absorbed.
Other Powerful Bone-Supportive Nutrients
Vitamin D—Vitamin D plays an essential role in maintaining optimal bone mass by acting primarily to assist calcium absorption.22 Vitamin D deficiency is common among the elderly population, owing to less efficient absorption, reduced sun exposure, and reduced intake.22-24 Studies show that supplementation with 400-800 IU per day of vitamin D effectively reverses vitamin D deficiency in the elderly.25-28
Magnesium—There is growing evidence that magnesium is required to properly utilize calcium, and experts agree that adequate calcium intake may not ensure normal bone mass if magnesium levels are low.29,30 In addition, an excessively high calcium intake combined with a low magnesium intake may further intensify magnesium deficiency.31 Because of the effect of magnesium in calcium utilization, magnesium deficiency may be implicated as a risk factor for osteoporosis.32,33
Trace Minerals—Despite the fact that they are only required in small amounts, studies suggest that trace minerals including zinc, manganese, fluoride, boron, and silicon are no less important to bone health than other minerals. For instance, in a 2-year clinical study, postmenopausal women who increased their intake of both calcium and trace minerals experienced an increase in bone mass.34 Conversely, women who increased their intakes of calcium alone or trace minerals alone experienced bone loss, suggesting that the combined nutritional regimen is far more effective.
Ipriflavone—This derivative of naturally occurring isoflavones has a positive effect on bone metabolism. Numerous studies have shown that ipriflavone reduces bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or established osteoporosis.35-40 One study evaluating the effects of ipriflavone combined with vitamin D showed that the combined nutritional therapy was more effective in reducing bone loss than either therapy alone.41
Comprehensive Bone Nourishment: MCHC
Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC) is a whole bone extract, complete with all the minerals and organic factors in the same proportions naturally found in healthy bone. It is an excellent source of absorbable calcium, a full spectrum of minerals, and other nutrients essential to bone health.42-48
MCHC also contains the proteins found in healthy bone, including growth factors and collagen.48 Recently, scientists have focused attention on the actions of growth factors in stimulating bone growth. Experts have postulated that the presence of growth factors in MCHC may be one reason why it is so effective in maximizing bone strength.
Studies have repeatedly confirmed the effectiveness of MCHC in maximizing bone mass, and suggest that MCHC is more effective than calcium carbonate and calcium gluconate. In a study comparing the effects of MCHC and calcium carbonate supplementation in postmenopausal osteoporosis, MCHC nearly halted bone loss, while calcium carbonate only slowed bone loss by approximately 50%.49,50
There is a great variation in the quality of MCHC products. The source and processing procedures of bone extract is of utmost importance in determining the quality and effectiveness of MCHC. A high-grade source of MCHC would come from New Zealand and is free of pesticide and heavy metal contamination. MCHC should not be processed with high-heat or excess grinding, which destroys the beneficial organic factors and protein content.51,52
Conclusion
Experts agree that lifetime maintenance of adequate nutrient intake including calcium and other important nutrients, along with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, is essential to reducing the risk of osteoporosis.3-5 Studies show that MCHC is an excellent source of absorbable calcium and other nutrients essential to bone health, has a positive effect in maximizing bone mass, and is more effective than commonly used forms of calcium.42-46
References
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Dawson-Hughes B, Harris SS, Krall EA, et al. Effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone density in men and women 65 years of age or older. N Engl J Med 1997;337:670-76.
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