Vitamin D Home Test

29. December 2008 William Davis (13)
The ever-resourceful Dr. John Cannell of the Vitamin D Council has announced the availability of an at-home, self-ordered vitamin D test kit for $65. The Vitamin D Council newsletter is reprinted below.

(However, please note that, as wonderful as the advice Dr. Cannell provides, I don't agree on several small points, such as the lack of need for vitamin D if you use a tanning bed or obtain "sufficient" sun; I have seen many people with dark tans, virtually all over 40 years old, who are still severely deficient. I attribute this to the lost capacity for vitamin D activation as we age.)

I have not used this service. Should anyone choose to try it, please let us know how it goes.



The Vitamin D Newsletter
December 28, 2008

The Vitamin D Council is happy to announce that we have partnered with ZRT Laboratory to provide an inexpensive, $65.00, in-home, accurate, vitamin D [25(OH)D] test. The usual cost for this test is between $100.00 and $200.00.

If you read this newsletter, you know about our interest in accurate vitamin D testing. In the next few weeks, you may read about the Vitamin D Council's quest for accurate vitamin D blood tests in the national media. Before we partnered with ZRT, we verified, repeatedly, that ZRT provides accurate and reliable vitamin D tests and that their method corresponds very well to the gold standard of vitamin D blood tests, the DiaSorin RIA.

Our ZRT service is not just inexpensive, it means no more worrying about your doctor ordering the right test or interpreting it correctly. You buy the test kit on the internet or by phone, a few days later the kit comes in the mail, you or a nurse friend do a finger stick, collect a few drops of blood, and send the blotter paper back to ZRT in the postage paid envelope provided with the kit. A week later you get results back in the mail and know accurate 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels of you and your family.

For every test you order, ZRT will donate $10.00 to the Vitamin D Council. Please read the new page hyperlinked below on our website as it both explains the procedure and how to order the test.

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health/deficiency/am-i-vitamin-d-deficient.shtml

Executive summary: keep your family's 25-hydroxy-vitamin D blood test above 50 ng/ml, year around. Most adults need at least 5,000 IU per day, especially this time of year. Most children need at least 1,000 IU per day per every 25 pounds of body weight. Bio Tech Pharmacal provides high quality and inexpensive vitamin D. Currently Bio Tech Pharmacal is providing vitamin D for numerous scientific studies. To see their prices and for ordering, click the hyperlink below.

http://www.bio-tech-pharm.com/catalog.aspx?cat_id=2

As a gift to our readers for the New Year, Thorne publications have provided a free download to a basic paper about vitamin D. I wrote it earlier this year for educated lay people as well as health care practitioners. Please read this paper carefully, your family's well-being, even lives, may depend on you understanding it.

http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/13/1/6.pdf

Seasons Greetings
John Cannell, MD
vitamindcouncil.org
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Comments (13) -

  • Anonymous

    12/29/2008 6:48:00 PM |

    Dr. Davis, thanks a lot for publicizing this offer! And thanks to Dr. Cannell for arranging the test with ZRT.

    I've ordered my 4-pack and am looking forward to checking my D3 levels.

  • Jessica

    12/30/2008 1:50:00 AM |

    Hey Doc- I'm due for my D level check, so I ordered a single level AND on the same day I finger stick for the ZRT test, I'll also have a 25(OH) run through the lab. I'm curious to see how well the two correlate (I have an HSA so I don't mind to spend the $65 on the home test and the $59 that my ins approves for the test thats done through the lab).

    Its worth the one time expense to see the potential.

    I'm PSYCHED about the home test!

    I'll let you know how it goes.

  • Dr. William Davis

    12/30/2008 3:52:00 AM |

    Hi, Jessica--

    Please do!

  • Bob Parks

    12/30/2008 4:49:00 PM |

    The ZRT test is not available in California or NY.

    Sigh..

    Bob

  • Anonymous

    1/4/2009 9:49:00 PM |

    Bob--

    NY and CA are ridiculous in their regulations, no doubt about it.  Why is it any of the state's business if you, as a private individual, want to contract to get  your own personal blood analyzed by whomever you choose?

    It's really all about money.  At least in NYS, I know it takes millions in order for a comapny to become "licenced" in the state.

    If you really do care about getting your D tested and you don't have a doc, you can order a blood test from the Life Extension Foundation.  Go to www.lef.org and search under blood tests.

    It's $62 for non members, $42 for members.  However, you do need to get your blood drawn at a blood draw place, so not as convenient.  But still about the same price.

    best wishes
    -g

  • Anonymous

    2/7/2009 6:14:00 PM |

    Hi Dr. Davis,

      I ordered this test and it took about 2 weeks to get the results back.  I came back at a 50ng/ml.  This is after supplementing (blindly) for a year with 4000IU of Carlson D3 gelcaps, I shudder to think what it was before that.  Will definitely be upping to 6000IU and trying again in 3 months for 60-70ng/ml.  I'm a 39 year old white male living in PA who rarely sees much sun (but hey I've still got great skin!).  I've noted a definite improvement in mood, used to be depressed and anxious alot.

  • Anonymous

    2/13/2009 8:40:00 PM |

    i ordered the blood spot kit as here in the UK i couldnt get a doctor to test infact got told that no-one is low. I was taking 400iu at first upped it to 1000iu then 4 weeks ago upped it to 5000iu that i had to order from the vitamin d council as couldnt get it here. My test results showed low 31. I dont no if i should up it again to reach over 50. I am wondering what my level was before. I got extra kits as well as it looks like i have to look after my own levels.

  • Ricardo

    7/28/2009 10:29:43 PM |

    Now they're saying tanning beds cause cancer! - "WHO: Tanning Beds Cause Cancer" -> http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20090728/who-tanning-beds-cause-cancer

  • Anonymous

    7/30/2009 11:41:31 PM |

    I did the fingerstick through Grassroots as did my husband. Our results showed me at 13 and him at 23. (We are 50 & 51 respectively). We'll be starting on 6000IU right away.

  • Diana

    8/11/2009 3:58:58 AM |

    I took the test also. I was at 27 at 2000.  I am now up to 6000-8000 depending on how much sun I have and my blood serum levels are up to 62, and I feel great.

    I am in California, and I was able to get the test-??

    Do you have a health success story that you can share?  I am collecting alternative and holistic success stories so we can all learn from each others success!  

    I am still building the site, but if you have a story to share, please add it.  It is through sharing our experiences and stories that we can help each other on our quest to wellness!

    http://dactionhealth.ning.com/

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    This test was very important for me!! the results be fine. Thanks for you recomendations Dr. :=)

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    This test was very important for me!! the results be fine. Thanks for you recomendations Dr. :=)

  • Anonymous

    8/18/2010 6:38:14 PM |

    I ordered a kit today to measure my D levels.  I'm quite curious to see what they are since I've been diagnosed with osteopenia.  I am going to do everything in my power to improve my bone density and feel that by knowing what my Vitamin D levels are, and going accordingly is one stop toward this goal.  If I accomplish this goal, I am going to encourage my family, particularly the women to do the same, which is to get their D levels measured and know exactly what they must do to improve their bone density.  The more women who do this can hopefully alleviate the epidemic that prevails in our country, namely either osteopenia or osteoporosis!
    Marie Roy

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Homegrown osteoporosis prevention and reversal

Homegrown osteoporosis prevention and reversal

1. September 2010 William Davis (58)
I don't like to stray too far off course from discussions of heart disease and related issues in this blog. But the question of bone health comes up so often that I thought I'd discuss the strategies available to everybody to stop, even reverse, osteoporosis.

Coronary atherosclerotic plaque and bone health are intimately interwoven. People who have coronary plaque usually have osteoporosis; people who have osteoporosis usually have coronary plaque. (The association is strongest in females.) The worse the osteoporosis, the greater the quantity of coronary plaque, and vice versa. The two seemingly unconnected conditions share common causes and thereby respond to similar treatments.

Incredibly, rarely will your doctor tell you about these strategies. Your doctor orders a bone density test, the value shows osteopenia or osteoporosis, and a drug like Fosamax or Boniva is prescribed. As many people are learning, drugs like this can be associated with severe side-effects, such as jaw necrosis (death of the jaw bone), a dangerous and disfiguring condition that leads to loss of teeth and disfigurement, followed by reconstructive surgery of the jaw and face. These are not trivial effects.

Note that drugs are approved by the FDA based on assessment of efficacy and safety, NOT proven equivalence or superiority to natural treatments.

In order of importance (greatest to least), here are strategies that I believe are important to regain or maintain bone health. Indeed, I have seen many women increase bone density using these strategies . . . without drugs of any sort.

1) Vitamin D restoration--Vitamin D is the most important control factor over bone calcium metabolism, as well as parathyroid function. As readers of this blog already know, gelcap forms of vitamin D work best, aiming for a 25-hydroxy vitamin level of 60-70 ng/ml. This usually requires 6000 units per day, though there is great individual variation in need.

2) Vitamin K2--If you lived in Japan, you would be prescribed vitamin K2. While it's odd that K2 is a "drug" in Japan, it means that it enjoys the validation required for approval through their FDA-equivalent. Prescription K2 (as MK-4 or menatetranone) at doses of 15,000-45,000 mcg per day (15-45 mg), improves bone architecture, even when administered by itself. However, K2 works best when part of a broader program of bone health. I advise 1000 mcg per day, preferably a mixture of the short-acting MK-4 and long-acting MK-7. (Emerging data measuring bone resorption markers suggest that lower doses may work nearly as well as the high-dose prescription.)

3) Magnesium--I generally advise supplementation with the well-absorbed forms, magnesium glycinate (400 mg twice per day) or magnesium malate (1200 mg twice per day). Because they are well-absorbed, they are least likely to lead to diarrhea (as magnesium oxide commonly does).

4) Alkaline potassium salts--Potassium as the bicarbonate or the citrate, i.e., alkalinizing forms, are wonderfully effective for preservation or reversal of bone density. Because potassium in large doses is potentially fatal, over-the-counter supplements contain only 99 mg potassium per capsule. I have patients take two capsules twice per day, provided kidney function is normal and there is no history of high potassium.

5) An alkalinizing diet--Animal products are acidic, vegetables and fruits are alkaline. Put them together and you should obtain a slightly net alkaline body pH that preserves bone health. Throw grains like wheat, carbonated soft drinks, or other acids into the mix and you shift the pH balance towards net acid. This powerfully erodes bone. Therefore, avoid grains and never consume carbonated soft drinks. (Readers of this blog know that "healthy, whole grains" should be included in the list of Scams of the Century, along with Bernie Madoff and mortgage-backed securities.)

6) Strength training--Bone density follows muscle mass. Restoring youthful muscle mass with strength training can increase bone density over time. The time and energy needs are modest, e.g., 20 minutes twice per week.

Note that calcium may or may not be on the list. If on the list at all, it is dead last. When vitamin D has been restored, intestinal absorption of calcium is as much as quadrupled. The era of force-feeding high-doses of calcium are long-gone. In fact, calcium supplementation in the age of vitamin D can lead to abnormal high calcium blood levels and increased heart attack risk.

These are benign and easily incorporated strategies. They are also inexpensive. I challenge any drug to match or exceed the benefits of this combination of strategies. Keep in mind that strategies like vitamin D restoration provide an extensive panel of health benefits that range far beyond bone health, an effect definitely NOT shared by prescription drugs.
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Comments (58) -

  • Luming Zhou

    9/1/2010 5:09:06 AM |

    Great article. I especially liked the emphasis on potassium poisoning. This is no joke.

    I nearly died from potassium poisoning. I bought 99mg supplements and I once took several a day, along many pounds of potatoes. I then suffered from hyperventilation, muscle cramps, tingling on my extremities, and delirium. I was on a salt restricted diet back then. That was an idiotic move. But I saved myself by adding back salt to my diet.

    I don't particularly like potassium supplementation. If I overdosed potassium on potatoes, then potatoes will taste disgusting to me. But if I relied on supplementation, then I might overdose because I can't taste it.

    Hope this helps.

  • Anonymous

    9/1/2010 11:23:22 AM |

    on the spot again! any role of GMOs here ?

  • Anne

    9/1/2010 1:06:10 PM |

    What about Strontium as part of the drive to reverse established osteoporosis ? Strontium Ranelate is prescribed in the UK as an alternative to Fosamax or Boniva type drugs.

    I have osteoporosis but I do not have any coronary atherosclerotic plaque I'm happy to say. I had scan to show my coronary arteries are clear.

    I take a high dose vitamin D - current 25(OH)D is 78 ng/ml (195 nmol/L) and do strength training Smile  Can't get vitamin K2 but eat an alkalizing diet with lots of veggies high in K such as kale which, I understand help intestinal bacteria make K2.

  • Anonymous

    9/1/2010 1:23:44 PM |

    I jumped down from my kids trampoline back in 2003 with immense pain.  I thought I had jarred my back but after an x-ray, it turns out I had crushed 3 vertebra. The year before, I had an angiogram after suffering shortness of breath and jaw pains on moderate exercise. Surgeon told me he could not stent because the artery was fully blocked. the good news was it had happened over time so collateral had formed, so no heart attack. My recovery has been more due to self education and action than the medical establishment.

    For some time I still had occasional angina, but for the last 18months I have been taking K2 together with VitaminD3, fish oil and Niacin. I have no angina, no muscle aches (ok, maybe that was the statin), bike long distances, kayak, hike....yada yada.

    This is what has worked for me.  I sincerely hope people with either low bone density or plaque problems give the K2/D3 route a try.

  • Kathy

    9/1/2010 2:13:32 PM |

    I sure would LOVE for Dr. Davis
    to weigh in on Strontium.  I took
    Strontium 680 MG following everything I learned about it and had a nice improvement in my Bone Density.  However, my primary care doc insisted on a strontium level of my blood and of course it was off the wall, and
    my doc asked me to discontinue because there have never really been any long term trials on it.  I take D as Dr. Davis suggests, and only half the calcium I used to as he suggests and fish oil etc.  Will add K too!  Kathy

  • Kathy

    9/1/2010 2:18:49 PM |

    PS  As per Doctor Davis instructions, I too had a heart scan and had
    Zero plaque.  I am 61 years old and
    have improved from Osteoporosis to
    Osteopenia in my bone density, mostly from the strontium.....Kathy

  • Jessica

    9/1/2010 2:19:25 PM |

    Whenever I see Sally Field's Boniva commericals on TV in which she proclaims, "I thought taking Vitamin D and calcium were enough to stop my bone loss, come to find out, they weren't enough," I can't help but ask (aloud), "yea? How much D were you taking?"

    I get embarrassed for her.

    Docs in our area (FPs and specialists), while now starting to pay more attention to Vitamin D, still take shots at us for recommending Vitamin D over fosomax, boniva, etc. They feel it's unethical.

    We press right on, though.

  • Kathy

    9/1/2010 2:22:09 PM |

    @ Jessica, I truly want to throw something at the TV when I see her
    commercials!  LOL
    As "they say"
    KNOWLEDGE is POWER!  Kathy

  • malpaz

    9/1/2010 2:49:06 PM |

    "Coronary atherosclerotic plaque and bone health are intimately interwoven. People who have coronary plaque usually have osteoporosis; people who have osteoporosis usually have coronary plaque. (The association is strongest in females.) The worse the osteoporosis, the greater the quantity of coronary plaque, and vice versa. The two seemingly unconnected conditions share common causes and thereby respond to similar treatments. "


    mmmkay you just scared the lving bee--geeez out of me. i have osteoporosis and am only 24 yrs old, recovering anorexic now weight restored Smile

    i do have joint bone pain and problms however. i do take D, mag and my K is way over 100% DV eveyday(gimme my greens). not sure where my potassium falls

    so is a hih fat high meat diet goodfor osteoporosis or not? i am no very 'schooled' about acid-alkaline stuff

  • malpaz

    9/1/2010 2:49:43 PM |

    "Coronary atherosclerotic plaque and bone health are intimately interwoven. People who have coronary plaque usually have osteoporosis; people who have osteoporosis usually have coronary plaque. (The association is strongest in females.) The worse the osteoporosis, the greater the quantity of coronary plaque, and vice versa. The two seemingly unconnected conditions share common causes and thereby respond to similar treatments. "


    mmmkay you just scared the lving bee--geeez out of me. i have osteoporosis and am only 24 yrs old, recovering anorexic now weight restored Smile

    i do have joint bone pain and problms however. i do take D, mag and my K is way over 100% DV eveyday(gimme my greens). not sure where my potassium falls

    so is a hih fat high meat diet goodfor osteoporosis or not? i am no very 'schooled' about acid-alkaline stuff

  • Kathy

    9/1/2010 3:03:00 PM |

    Malpaz, I am so proud of you I can't STAND it!  You go girl!
    I've been told once DX'd with Osteoporosis- it will ALWAYS show up in your records, but you CAN reverse it!  Read everything you can get your hands on including everything Dr.
    Davis told us here.  Weight training
    should be a #1 goal.  It is my
    understanding that high fat, ADEQUATE
    protein does NOT promote bone loss,
    as long as you are eating lots of
    non acidic foods too! Make sure you K vitamins, and magnesium and D3
    are what Dr. Davis recommends AND
    FISH OIL!!!  Kathy

  • Anne

    9/1/2010 3:15:03 PM |

    Kathy - I am in my 50s and have osteoporosis. Here in the UK I have been prescribed Strontium Ranelate for over three and a half years now. No side effects and bone density increasing. The company that make it tell me that they are following women prescribed it for over eight years now - so long term studies are done on it.

  • Catherine/Santa Fe

    9/1/2010 3:39:55 PM |

    I have great news!

    I belong to an osteoporosis forum, and a large group of us has been committed to reversing our osteoporosis without using drugs. We have compiled all the credible research we could find on reducing bone loss while also forming strong new healthy bone architecture and started our own bone-health programs---much of what Dr. Davis advocates here plus some other protocols such as the Prune Study and osteo-specific exercises.

    These programs ARE WORKING! at least 40 of us in just this one year have reversed our bone loss without drugs, and actually made increases in our BMD.  (I had a 10-year documented continual loss of BMD and this year gained 3%!!)

    Here is the link to our success stories and the protocols we have been using.  Some are adding strontium citrate, but others  such as myself have had success without the strontium. As Dr. Davis states, achieving optimum D levels played a big part. You will need to click on the Part ! link to read all the back stories--- Part 2 is the current new updated thread just started.
    http://www.inspire.com/groups/national-osteoporosis-foundation/discussion/success-stories-w-o-drugs-part-2/

    A while back, Dr. Davis advised me to try magnesium for my long-standing arrhythmia, which worked magnificently in stopping it, but also was a big part to reversing my bone loss--magnesium, K2, vitamin D, and calcium all have an intricate relationship in transporting calcium and bone minerals safely and effectively to where they belong instead of in tissues, joints, and heart valves.
    Warm regards,  Catherine/Santa Fe

  • Anonymous

    9/1/2010 3:41:56 PM |

    Kathy, you are so correct about reading everything you can get your hands on. I have osteopenia (strong family history) and have been taking Boniva for over two years. I upped my vitamin D, and added 5-10 mgs of Vitamin K2 earlier in the year, along with 400 magnesium and fish oil.

    I get a bone scan next week, and am very nervous about it. I am hoping I have improvement so I can get off the Boniva and maintain bone density with the vitamins.

    By the way Dr. Davis, I am fairly certain I have a polymophism of my Vitamin D receptor. Do you know if that could play a role? Chris Kessler did an excellent post on it a few weeks ago.
                -Melissa

  • Anonymous

    9/1/2010 3:47:08 PM |

    Catherine, thank you for posting that information, what great news! Would you mind telling me how much K and magnesium you take? Do you take the potassium that Dr. Davis recommends also?
                -Melissa

  • Kathy

    9/1/2010 3:58:18 PM |

    Melissa don't expect your doc
    to tell you to stop taking the Boniva!
    My OB/GYN was content to let me die on the stuff it was my primary care
    doc that said she wanted me off of it!
    (Course she was the same one that
    did not want me on the strontium) :-(
    Listen to your heart- if your bone
    density has improved get off the stuff
    and use the new tools your are acquiring!  Smile)  Kathy

  • Anonymous

    9/1/2010 4:04:23 PM |

    Kathy, thanks for the feedback. I'm not sure about my gyn who prescribed it, but my internist did say that if bone density returned to normal, it would be possible to go off. While not horrible, I do have side effects. And then there's possible long term side effects...
               -Melissa

  • Catherine/Santa Fe

    9/1/2010 5:06:13 PM |

    Dr. Davis,

    I can't tell you how encouraging this is that YOU TOO are seeing reversal of bone loss with these protocols. As I mentioned in my post above, we are trying to assemble these success stories which are plentiful but spread out all over the internet and not easily accessible in any sort of organized way.

    It would be so helpful if you would encourage any of your patients who've had success reversing their bone loss on these protocols to post their stories on the thread I posted above, which is from the National Osteoporosis Foundation's osteo forum---where most osteo patients end up when looking for good info.
    I know there are tons of these success stories that are just not getting reported. And regular doctors don't even seem interested in these successes (mine wasn't-but was VERY interested on putting me on  osteo drugs).
    Thank God their are a few doctors like yourself who are actually awake at the wheel.
    Warm regards, Catherine/Sante Fe

  • malpaz

    9/1/2010 5:15:44 PM |

    wow kathy, thanks for the encouragement! that means a lot. i will get to reading... i do keep my diet high fat but i am currently stressing about fertility as it has been a LONG while since i have menstruated(6-7 years)

    i cant afford a bone scan, hormone tests, thyroid or blood work like i need so i am hoping keeping paleo/primal and lots of adequate food is going to help me. glad to know at least ONE part of this is reversible as i am now left with alot of baggage

  • Dr. William Davis

    9/1/2010 5:18:05 PM |

    Hi, Anne and Kathy--

    There are indeed solid data on the use of the trace mineral, strontium, as a means to increase bone density.

    However, since my focus is heart disease, this is the one agent I've had no experience using.

    If anyone chooses to use strontium, please let come back and let us know how your experience goes.

  • Dr. William Davis

    9/1/2010 5:21:22 PM |

    Catherine from Santa Fe--

    Thanks for the links to the osteoporosis forums. It's great to hear others are witnessing similar results!


    Luming--

    Thanks for highlighting how important it is to be careful with potassium.

    In fact, it is wise to occasionally have a potassium and a creatinine level checked to be sure that potassium is not accumulating.

    The dose I recommended is very modest. Accumulation is highly unlikely unless kidney disease or some other uncommon conditions are present.

  • Kathy

    9/1/2010 7:04:43 PM |

    Malpaz you didn't pack those "bags" overnight and you won't unpack them
    that fast either.  One day at a time and you will get where you want to go!
    Be patient with yourself! Smile  Kathy

  • adam

    9/1/2010 8:25:01 PM |

    Hi Dr. Davis,

    Another great post, educating as always--my mother kind of freaked out when I showed her this, but once she realized she's taking everything you've suggested to combat her osteoporosis, she was able to breathe again (LOL)

    Here's my slightly off-topic question for you: In your experience in your practice, have you ever seen a patient's problem parathyroid (hypo or hyper) resolve with the addition of vitamin D to his/her diet?  Have you ever had a patient one step away from a parathyroid surgery, only to have the problem clear up when proper vitamin D levels were obtained?  I'm wondering if alot of patients suffer with above normal calcium reading in their blood work because of this?

    Thanks again for all you do,
    Adam Wilk

  • Stephen

    9/1/2010 10:13:16 PM |

    Perhaps the fear of potassium poisoning is overblown? One serving of low sodium V-8 contains 800 mg of potassium from potassium chloride.

    I've been experimenting with topical magnesium lately (Mg sulfate cream and MgCl2 brine aka magnesium oil). It seems to be working. One thing I've noticed since starting taking magnesium (oral and topical) is about a 50 point drop in total cholesterol from 240 to 190.

  • Anonymous

    9/1/2010 11:22:36 PM |

    You forgot to mention, for those new to this site, that not all vitamin D is the same. They ONLY want D3 (cholecalciferol) gelcaps, not the nearly useless D2 (ergocalciferol) that gets added to milk.

  • Geoffrey Levens

    9/2/2010 1:44:45 AM |

    tI have seen jaw necrosis up close and in person and believe me, you do not want it!

    No need to have "normal"t bone density to get off Boniva, very few doctors will tell you to stop.  You can just stop whenever you want to!

    There is little to no correlation between bone density and fracture rate anyway, it is a scam to sell the drugs.  Quality bone is what you want so alkaline diet and supps as outlined and plenty of weight bearing exercise, esp pumping iron.  No coffee, no sodas, no smoking...t

  • Paul

    9/2/2010 3:21:34 AM |

    It should also be noted that calcium supplementation can significantly compete with magnesium in absorption and utilization.

    There really should be no reason to supplement calcium if you eat plenty of vegetables, especially the dark green leafy kind, or if dairy is part of your regular diet.

    If you find that you need to supplement calcium, try to take it in the middle of the day, and take the magnesium in the morning and at bed time.

  • Stephen

    9/2/2010 2:21:28 PM |

    @malpaz: You wrote "i do have joint bone pain and problms however. i do take D, mag and my K is way over 100% DV eveyday(gimme my greens)."

    The K in greens is K1 and not K2, not the same thing. The Japanese studies were done with the MK4 form of K2 (as used in the Thorne drops or Carlson Labs products).

  • Kathy

    9/2/2010 5:03:26 PM |

    @ Steven!  What brand of transdermal
    magnesium are you using?  I am interested for my husband who I FINALLY convinced to get off statins!
    He had a zero heart scan score score and yet his doc
    STILL had him on statins!  Thanks!
    Kathy

  • kris

    9/2/2010 5:36:52 PM |

    Dr. Davis - I love your blog.  Thank you for providing it for us. I have read the comment regarding carbonation and bone loss several times. I always wondered if it is the carbonation in particular that is the culprit, or the sugars, additives etc. that exist in most soft drinks. There seems to be some confusion regarding this. I love carbonated waters, flavored seltzers with no sugar, artificial or otherwise. Are they included in the carbonated beverages you mention as being detrimental?

  • Dr. William Davis

    9/2/2010 8:15:30 PM |

    Hi, Adam--

    I have indeed seen mild hyperparathyroidism (high PTH) improve or resolve entirely with vitamin D supplementation.


    Kris-

    This applies to all carbonated beverages, since they are all rich in carbonic acid.

  • Paul Rise

    9/3/2010 4:00:30 AM |

    Hi Dr. Davis - Wanted to share my story of calcium overdose. Was told to take 2000 vitamin D but my doctor didn't mention to avoid the D+Calcium brands. I took in a lot of calcium for about 2 weeks and then had painful digestive symptoms and off and on paralyzing pain in my right leg and neck. My doctor's RN was the one who figured it out. After I searched online about calcium supplements and found your blog. I read on and  have cut out 75% of carbs from my diet. Feeling great for a month now. Thanks for what you do.

  • David M Gordon

    9/3/2010 10:17:58 AM |

    Dr Mercola Finally Starts to Catch on to Gluten Free

    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/09/03/media-finally-starts-to-catch-on-to-gluten-free.aspx

  • Anonymous

    9/3/2010 8:16:12 PM |

    My mother took Fosamax for years.  She developed acute myeloid leukemia and her bone marrow was shot.  On reading your latest post, Dr Davis, I've begun to wonder if side effects of the drug could go deeper than the bone.

    Nina

  • Anonymous

    9/3/2010 8:21:08 PM |

    Well I've answered my own question with a Google search:

    http://www.topix.com/forum/drug/fosamax/TSK1OBBDLMJ0EJSQ9

    It never occurred to me that Fosamax could cause such devastation until your comment about jaw disintegration, Dr Davis.

    Nina

  • Anonymous

    9/3/2010 9:10:33 PM |

    In today's news is a British study of standard osteoporosis drugs and esophogeal cancers:

    http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6816HF20100902

    Nina

  • Drs. Cynthia and David

    9/3/2010 9:45:45 PM |

    I don't believe there is any truth to the concept that an acidifying diet promotes osteoporesis, at least as far as protein intake is concerned (I won't go so far as to defend the drinking of phosphoric acid, i.e., sodas).  Numerous studies have shown that increased calcium excretion in urine (observed on higher protein diets) is not due to calcium loss from bone, but rather due to increased calcium absorption.  See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20717017 "Contrary to the supposed detrimental effect of protein, the majority of epidemiological studies have shown that long-term high-protein intake increases bone mineral density and reduces bone fracture incidence. The beneficial effects of protein such as increasing intestinal calcium absorption and circulating IGF-I whereas lowering serum parathyroid hormone sufficiently offset any negative effects of the acid load of protein on bone health."

    Cynthia

  • Pal

    9/3/2010 9:47:11 PM |

    still waiting for doctors to catch onto vaccine free life after the gluten free diet! Wink

  • Mark

    9/3/2010 10:14:03 PM |

    Does plain carbonated water (soda water) have an effect on pH or just carbonated soft drinks?

  • Raphael

    9/4/2010 2:06:48 PM |

    Hello, I'm from Brazil.
    I found your website and wanted to ask, please, for that added the link to my blog for disclosure in order to be partners.
    Already added your on my list of partners, ok?
    My blog is about technology, science and health: http://www.biomedicinaunip.blogspot.com
    Thanks!

  • Stargazey

    9/4/2010 6:09:22 PM |

    Dr. Davis, how can the foods we eat shift our body's pH balance toward net acid?

    As I understand it, if our blood strays very far from pH 7.4 ("a slightly net alkaline body pH") we will not be osteopenic. We will be dead.

    If I'm remembering my physiology correctly, acidic food may affect our tooth enamel, but once the digested food reaches our blood and tissues, the body is well able to buffer it to a very tight pH range regardless of the pH it may have had in its original form.

  • Rick

    9/8/2010 11:38:06 PM |

    Dr Davis,

    One of the many sports drink-type beverages in Japan is called Dakara. It contains no sodium, but 180 mg of calcium, 60 mg of magnesium, and 500 mg of potassium per liter.

    I took potassium tablets for a while a few years ago but found that, even on a full stomach, they messed with my digestion and I gave them up. As an alternative, do you think this Dakara, maybe a 500 mg bottle a day, might be OK? (It does contain sucralose, which might present other problems, though.)

    Any other ways to take potassium?

  • The Naked Carnivore

    9/11/2010 12:58:19 AM |

    Osteoporosis is another disease of civilization caused by insulin interference with calcium metabolism.

    Whatever else you do, you're pushing a rock uphill unless you kick the carb habit.

  • Dr. William Davis

    9/20/2010 12:36:31 AM |

    Hi, Cynthia--

    I believe that you are correct: Protein sources, such as meats, have complex effects beyond acidification. That's why meats consumers have greater bone density because of some bone growth-enhancing effect, e.g., insulin-like growth factor.

    I believe that it's the grains that upset the dietary pH apple cart, providing an acid load that must be buffered but lacking the bone density enhancing effects of animal proteins.

  • Anonymous

    9/22/2010 12:00:01 AM |

    Dr Davis,  Didn't really understand your statement about protein.  Should I be limiting my protein intake due to my osteoporosis or not?  

    The endocrinologist today told me that she doubts that I can totally reverse my osteoporosis.  She thinks I can make a small reversal.  Do you think it's possible to totally reverse osteo?  Thank you!

  • Treatment for heart disease

    9/27/2010 12:32:46 PM |

    Heart  disease is one of the most  dangerous disease which takes thousands of life every years all over the world. If we know its symptoms and Treatment for heart disease. We can prevent is to large extent.

  • Treatment for heart disease

    9/27/2010 12:32:54 PM |

    Heart  disease is one of the most  dangerous disease which takes thousands of life every years all over the world. If we know its symptoms and Treatment for heart disease. We can prevent is to large extent.

  • Bernice

    9/30/2010 6:57:09 AM |

    Your article is truly informative. Many women today suffer from osteoporosis. I've read some articles about preventing it by taking enough calcium so our bones will get stronger.

    Back pain is also one of the common ailments of aged people. Causes of back pain are Lumbar Muscle Strain, Ruptured Disc, Discogenic Back Pain, etc. Some people who suffer back pain visit a chiropractor. Brooklyn Center (MN) is one of areas known for good chiropractic treatments. Just last year, my mom had back pain. She went to a chiropractic (Brooklyn Center MN) clinic to have some consultations. After her sessions, she started feeling the improvements.

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    10/19/2010 2:59:16 PM |

    I’ve been a regular face at the hospital to get treatment for my condition. After a very long time, I kind of almost gave up. Then one of my friends introduced me to Purity 12 products. I said to myself, how can this be a solution to my problems? He encouraged me to try it first and that there’s no harm in trying anyway, and he told me that he’s been using their products and made a business out of it.  As a friend, he bought some products for me as a gift so I could try them. Now, I’m really thankful that I received this gift. It’s been the best gift I have ever received since. I feel better, a lot more energetic and like I’m a totally new person! It’s really important to me to be able to share my story with you because I also want people like me to make this discovery and make their lives finally better!  If you want to know more about them, everything is on their website. Learn More

  • Anonymous

    10/29/2010 11:40:01 PM |

    If someone can't get enough magnesium from their diet, then they should change their diet. I just don't think supplemental magnesium is wise if someone has a basically normal diet. Besides, magnesium chelate is not food magnesium. I do think D3 and MK-7 are a good idea for many people.

  • Anonymous

    12/19/2010 4:57:52 PM |

    I am late reading this blog and want to know if taking vitamin K2 would interfer with taking the occassional asprin - 81mg which I do take from time to time but not daily.

    I did not see you mention anything about that in your blog.

  • Anonymous

    12/29/2010 8:29:08 AM |

    you said: "Animal products are acidic, vegetables and fruits are alkaline."

    Now I have read this for the last 20 years - but have never found any scientific research about it. Maybe you could enlighten me with some links - or facts?

    Many thanks - by the way I love your blog - as does my doctor Smile

  • Breast Augmentation Los Angeles

    1/27/2011 1:38:07 PM |

    Good to know what is going to help the body recover and heal.A healthy body is more than a gift of nature and no ones knows it more than the ailing.Vitamins are present in various fruits and vegetable so we must pay attention to what exactly we are eating.

  • Anonymous

    1/27/2011 9:36:12 PM |

    @ Melissa,
    I'm really late jumping in here and you may not even check this but I have to tell you this. I have osopenia and NOT one of my doctors ever suggested putting me on any type of meds. I was to supplement with cal, and vit D. The ironically, they also didn't bother to tell me how to take the dosage. I didn't know your body can only absorb 500 mg at a time. I was advised to go to a endocrinologist and did. your doc they put you on it to begin with.I would highly recommend going to an endocrinologist..
    Julie

  • Jack

    2/23/2011 5:32:46 PM |

    The AlgaeCal Bone Health Program is a natural <a href="http://www.algaecal.com/osteoporosis-treatment.html>osteoporosis treatment</a> that combines all of the above advice.This natural osteoporosis treatment consists of AlgaeCal Plus, Strontium Boost and weight bearing exercise.

    AlgaeCal Plus is the world's only plant source calcium and It also includes magnesium, trace minerals, vitamin D3 and vitamin k2. Strontium Boost is a supplement consisting of strontium citrate, learn more about strontium, a powerful bone building mineral.

  • Olivia

    5/11/2011 8:04:54 PM |

    Would anyone be able to tell me where I can get the vitamins and supplements Dr Davis suggests? I live in the UK and have done an internet search with no success. I have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis and don't like the sound of most of the treatment drugs available.

  • Magnesium Oxide

    12/20/2011 6:05:45 AM |

    Nice post about vitamins and minerals . Magnesium oxide is also very good for our body's healthy functionality.

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