Q1: Calcium is the most important nutrient for bone health.
A: FALSE. Bones are a complex organ. Bones are constructed out of 3 important parts: the bone mineral (hydroxyapatite) which is “cemented” into a “scaffold” or matrix of mostly collagen. Different types of bone cells live within the bone and are in charge of constantly repairing and remodeling the bone.
Each of these components is equally important for the function of bone, and each requires different nutrients for their optimal health. While calcium is important for the bone mineral, the matrix requires its own nutrients (like vitamin C and silicon, for building collagen, and vitamin K for “cementing” the mineral into the scaffold), as do the bone cells (like silicon, manganese, and boron). A proper bone health regimen would pay equal attention to all of these nutrients.
Q2: Certain types of calcium are better absorbed than others.
A: FALSE. Calcium is absorbed as an ION (that is, an individual calcium atom). No matter what type of calcium you take (calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, etc.), these calcium salts all become free calcium once they dissolve in the stomach. Therefore, your intestines are absorbing the same calcium atoms no matter what it was originally attached to. It has been thoroughly demonstrated that, with few exceptions, all forms of calcium are absorbed equivalently, and this absorption is between one-quarter and one-third of the ingested dose.
Q3: It is necessary to take Vitamin D with calcium.
A: TRUE. Vitamin D is a hormone-like vitamin that signals the intestines to import more calcium. Without it, the intestinal machinery for calcium absorption does not properly function. While humans are capable of making their own vitamin D (though exposure to sunlight), many people have sub-optimal serum vitamin D levels.
Q4: “Food Matrix” calcium is better than calcium from minerals.
A: FALSE*. Remember that calcium is absorbed as an individual atom, not as part of a matrix. Therefore, the “food matrix” is not really adding any value to the calcium (unless, of course, it is in fact nutritious food). Most calcium products sold as “Food matrix” calcium supplements come in a matrix which confers no additional benefits. In fact, some (like algal or coral calcium) are actually providing calcium in the form of calcium carbonate, which is identical to mineral calcium.
*Ossein-hydroxyapatite calcium (the form used in BoneUp) is an exception to this rule; ossein is a protein-rich matrix from actual bone that provides several key growth factors which have been show to promote bone growth over calcium alone.
Q5: Calcium supplements are typically highly purified; and therefore, are free of contaminants.
A: FALSE. Although most calcium supplements are made from highly refined salts, contaminants can be found in low-quality calcium supplements. Lead in particular is a concern in calcium supplements, because it is chemically similar to calcium and therefore difficult to purify out of contaminated calcium samples. Jarrow Formulas adheres to California Prop 65 standards for lead levels in our calcium products. These standards are more rigorous than the Federal or USP standards, and allow us to deliver calcium products (like BoneUp) or superior quality.
Q6: BoneUp®, featuring the finest source of calcium, has sold over 1 billion capsules.
A: TRUE. Launched over 2 decades ago and with over a billion capsules sold, BoneUp is one of the most successful comprehensive bone health supplements ever developed.