It’s never too late to build bone, but it is also never too early.
“When you think of bones, you might imagine a hard, brittle skeleton. In reality, your bones are living organs. They are alive with cells and flowing body fluids. Bonesare constantly renewed and grow stronger with a good diet and physical activity. The amount of calcium that makes up your bones is the measure of how strong they are. Each day calcium is deposited and withdrawn from your bones.”– The 2004 Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health
What is Bone Loss?
Your body constantly breaks down old bone and builds up new bone. Any time old bone is broken down faster than new bone is made, net bone loss occurs.
Who is susceptible to Bone Loss?
Although anyone can be affected, postmenopausal women have the greatest risk. Bone loss generally begins at middle age and can accelerate up to 3% per year during menopause.
How can I optimize my bone health?
- Get daily sufficient amounts of calcium and Vitamin D throughout life
- Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercise
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
- Talk to your health care provider about bone health
- Have a bone density test when appropriate
Why is calcium important?
Bone is largely comprised of calcium. Your body uses calcium continuously to support the heart, brain and muscles. When the calcium absorbed from foods or supplements is inadequate, your body takes calcium from bone, weakening it. If you rob too much calcium from your bones, the supply becomes depleted.
The human body cannot produce calcium on its own. It is therefore important to take in and absorb enough calcium through the food we eat or supplements we take, throughout life. The FDA recommends intakes of 1000 mg daily of calcium; 1200 mg daily for women50+. There are many types of calcium available in supplements and foods. Not all calciums are equally well absorbed nor do they all equally benefit bone.
Can the Type of Calcium Make a Difference?
Yes. There are many different types of calcium. The calcium is identical in each case but the salt to which the calcium is attached varies. These different combinations can dramatically affect absorption of calcium. Calcium carbonate, which is used in many calcium supplements, is poorly absorbed under certain conditions and can create stomach gas. Hydroxyapatite (from calf bone) is even less soluble than calcium carbonate. Calcium citrate is bulky, resulting in a large pill size.
How do I Choose a Calcium Supplement?
Start with the published science. A December 2009 article in a leading medical journal summarized human studies on various calciums since 1977. The article reviewed 32 multi-year studies on calcium and bone density in postmenopausal women. A Japanese calcium called AAACa reported an impressive increase in bone density.
AdvaCAL: The #1 Bone-Building Calcium!
What is AdvaCAL?
AdvaCAL is the only line of calcium supplements with AAACa calcium, the #1 bone-building calcium. The AAACa calcium in AdvaCAL has shown statistically significant improvement in bone density in four different, published human studies. Participants in that research included women and men in their 60s and women in their 80s. In those studies bone density improvement started as early as 4 months, up to 3 years. Unlike other calciums, AdvaCAL is highly soluble and does not produce stomach gas. The capsules are also small and easy to swallow.
Can AdvaCAL help increase bone density?
Yes. In one study, average bone density of postmenopausal women and men taking AAACa calcium (AdvaCAL) increased 8% over those taking a placebo.* Your results may vary.
When could I see a change in bone density from taking AdvaCAL?
In clinical research AdvaCAL showed an increase in trabecular bone density in as little as four months. Studies with AdvaCAL on spinal or radial bone density showed significant improvement at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months.* The best way to monitor improvement is through bone density tests as recommended by your doctor.
Is AdvaCAL more effective with added magnesium?
Not necessarily. A study published in the 1999 American Journal of Nutrition suggests that the bone benefit of magnesium results from its alkalinity (i.e. high pH). Because the AAACa calcium in AdvaCAL is already highly alkaline, it likely offers the same alkalinity bone benefit as magnesium.* Those who desire to take magnesium with their AdvaCAL should use AdvaCAL Ultra 1000 which contains 600 mg of magnesium per daily serving.
Which AdvaCAL is right for me?
- AdvaCAL 1000 offers 1000 mg of AdvaCAL Calcium, 1000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily.
- AdvaCAL Ultra 1000 (With Magnesium) offers 1000 mg of AdvaCAL Calcium, 1000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily, plus other bone nutrients.