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 have read that taking calcium by pill form can be harmful to your heart and that the calcium is not absorbed well by the body. What do you recommend?” — Randy P., Houston, TX A. Dear Randy, You are right on both counts. You should never supplement with calcium by itself. Supplementing with calcium alone, in fact, has been found to be associated with negative heart health consequences. 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), vitamin K2 from the fermented food natto, called menaquinone, 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 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 well absorbed. Also keep in mind that bone products should be taken more than once a day to further optimize absorption and utilization. Healthy Regards! Terry . . . Naturally