Three Steps to Calcium Supplementation

  Recently, a number of older adults, have been coming to the clinic for consultations and asking questions about osteoporosis. Some ask, “I’ve been taking calcium supplements, how come I still have osteoporosis?” Some said, “I just had a physical examination and my blood calcium was not low on the lab report, how come I still have osteoporosis?” Others asked, “The doctor gave me calcium to treat osteoporosis, but why did he prescribe calcitonin?” These questions show the concern about calcium supplementation and the importance of treating osteoporosis. It also reflects from another side the importance of the series of knowledge popularization of calcium, calcium deficiency, bone loss, osteoporosis and bone pain.  The first link: supplementation of raw materials. That is, increase and supplement calcium in dietary items. On this point, you can use more calcium-rich foods, such as a high-protein diet and seafood. If the diet can not be satisfied, you can also use the method of taking calcium tablets, calcium supplementation.  The second link: to promote absorption. It is to ensure that the gastrointestinal can well complete the absorption of calcium from drinking food. Since vitamin D plays a prominent role in this link, the absorption of calcium can be promoted by means of proper vitamin D supplementation. In addition, patients with gastrointestinal diseases and chronic diarrhea should be treated for gastrointestinal diseases to ensure good gastrointestinal function to meet the task of calcium absorption.  The third link: inhibit bone breaking. Calcitonin can be used to inhibit the effect of osteoclasts in the body, reduce bone resorption, promote the function of osteoblasts, increase bone formation, and accelerate the deposition of calcium toward the bones.  Generally speaking, as long as the above three steps are followed and the above three links are grasped, calcium supplementation can be successful and the treatment of osteoporosis can definitely achieve better therapeutic results.