Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hello, Terry! “I know calcium in a formula is the way to go, like with magnesium and vitamin D and such. But what is the best form of calcium?” —Debbie F., Hamilton, OH A. Dear Debbie, You are right—you should never supplement with calcium by itself. In fact, there can be negative heart health consequences if you supplement with calcium alone. Calcium is not a soloist; in order for it to make music, it has to be part of an orchestra. The other players are magnesium, vitamin D, boron (I like the fructoborate form), menaquinone vitamin K2, zinc, manganese, some trace minerals, and I also like Lactobacillus sporogenes in a bone formula. It’s a healthy probiotic that is very supportive of bone health. Calcium is a mineral, and is not the easiest to absorb. That’s why I like chelated calcium, bound to citrate and malate. These two forms are of very high quality, and quite well absorbed.