Here are the Statistics:

Decreased bone density affects 34 million Americans
16 million American adults have bone & joint disease
One in three (66 million) Americans have chronic joint symptoms

What our bones do:

• Form the body’s structural framework
• Protect the internal organs and soft tissues
• Produce red and white blood cells
• Absorb and store calcium and phosphorus for other body systems to use

Problem:

Calcium from food or supplements must be absorbed by the bones and converted into usable compounds. The bones are composed of calcium bank account deposits (from food and supplements) and withdrawals (to other body systems). When deposits of calcium are greater than withdrawals “bone banks” stay strong and healthy. Problems occur when the bones release more calcium than they take in.

Calcium is needed in physiological function:

• Kidneys require 100 milligrams daily
• Intestinal track requires 700 milligrams daily
• Liver requires 100-150 milligrams daily
• Brain requires 100 milligrams daily
• The entire body needs 1200 milligrams or more daily

So how does the body know when it needs Calcium?

• When calcium is in short supply in the blood - Thyroid will stimulate the conversion of vitamin D to active form in the Kidneys
• Which will then cause an increase absorption of calcium in small intestines
• Will then stimulate release of calcium from the bones (osteoclasts)

Our bones must continually rebuild themselves — the skeleton is effectively replaced 10 times in 70 years. As we age, however, that rebuilding process slows down. Physical activity is known to help build up bone, but few adults receive the exercise they need. Obesity and weight problems also impose stress on the skeletal structure. When daily withdrawals from the ‘bone banks’ are greater than the deposits, our bones become porous and brittle.

Once bone density decreases to a certain level, its structure can no longer hold calcium, regardless of how much is taken in through food or supplements. Decreased bone density contributes to bone fractures, insomnia, muscle spasms, heart palpitations and numbness in the arms and legs. Absorption studies have shown that only 10% of the calcium from most supplements actually enters the cells.