non-animal include tofu, beans, broccoli, and almonds to name a few.
Why is Calcium not enough? Aries R. Rodríguez, PharmD, CCN, IFMCP* Abstract The dental community knows that calcium plays an important role in the health of teeth and bones. Dental and medical education provides an introductory and at times cursory review of the significance of this mineral. Calcium represents about 1 to 2 percent of human body weight by weight.1 About 99 percent of the mineral is found in teeth and bones.1 Health professionals are well aware that proper calcium intake, absorption, and secretion are needed for optimal health at any age. What is not understood by many is what is the balance needed to optimize calcium use in our bodies. This document will attempt to decipher some of the misconceptions about this invaluable mineral. Key Words Calcium, Hispanics, Osteoporosis Introduction We have been taught to take our calcium for strong bones and good teeth growing up. Calcium indeed plays an important role in our body’s health. Campaigns such as “Got Milk” have inundated the media for years. So, what is missing you may ask? Well, let’s see what calcium does in the body. In its main form calcium is found as a complex molecule known as hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) that comprises almost 40% of bone.1 Sources that are
Roughly 54 million Americans of different ages are impacted by the condition of low bone density known as osteoporosis. Half of women and a quarter of men will break a bone by age 50 due to osteoporosis.2 This alarming trend represents an estimated two million broken bones each year.2 Common myths exist that only white females are impacted by the condition but the reality is that Hispanics are either just as susceptible or even more susceptible to osteoporosis than nonHispanic whites.3 The census has provided numbers to show that Mexican American men and women have higher rates of osteoporosis than nonHispanic White men and women.3 Annual costs in the management of fractures in Hispanics are expected to reach 2 billion dollars by 2025.3 Role of Calcium in the body As a basic overview calcium plays two main roles. The gas pedal in this process is a hormone known as Parathyroid Hormone (PTH). When the body needs more calcium from bones this hormone helps release the mineral from bones and signals the kidneys to limit excretion.4 The brake pedal in this process is a hormone called Calcitonin, which limits release from bone and allows kidneys to enhance calcium excretion.4 The first role of calcium is that of a structural component such as that in bones and teeth. The second is that of a signal modulator. Calcium helps with processes such as muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and the coagulation of blood. Calcium helpers: Vitamin K2Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a major role in helping calcium do its job. Vitamin K helps osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) to function properly. Vitamin K supports the formation of bone while suppressing the resorption of bone.5 Vitamin K2 is known as menaquinone which is not to be confused with phylloquinone (K1) found in leafy greens and some vegetables. Vitamin K1 has a shorter halflife and therefore would require more frequent dosing than once per day. Vitamin K3(Menadione) is synthetic and not preferred. Thus, Vitamin K2 is the preferred form. Vitamin
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