by Jeanne Shiffman, MD, DABFM, NCMP

Our bones are alive and changing; they are constantly being broken down and reformed.  Bone is made up of a crystalline mineral compound embedded within a living protein matrix.  Imagine a strong honeycomb that will flex but not buckle or break; that is how our bones must function.  We need to nourish our bones so that we have both a flexible matrix and a strong and rigid crystalline compound.  If you have been told you have osteoporosis or osteopenia or you are at risk for having bone fractures, then you may want to take a supplement specifically designed for the bones.

We recommend Bone Guard Forte 20 by Perque over other calcium supplements.   Calcium is the critical mineral in the crystalline compound.  The calciums in Bone Guard are calcium citrate and other calcium salts which are better digested than the more-common calcium carbonate.  Calcium citrate is better because it does not require stomach acid for absorption and it does not interfere with iron absorption from food.

Calcium supplementation should always be balanced with magnesium.  You need at least half as much magnesium as you do calcium, and in Bone Guard there is an equal amount of magnesium to calcium, which is ideal.  Magnesium plays a role in the conversion of vitamin D into its active form and in forming new calcium crystals.  Moreover, the use of calcium supplements in the face of a magnesium deficiency can lead to calcium deposits in joints, promoting arthritis, and in the kidneys, causing kidney stones.

There are several other “minor” minerals in Bone Guard that also contribute to bone health.  Chromium helps to promote the production of collagen and moderate bone breakdown.  Silica plays an important role in the calcification process and boron helps the body utilize and metabolize calcium and vitamin D.

Bone Guard contains vitamin D, which is well known as the bone vitamin.  Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium from food and supplements.  It also contains vitamin K.  Vitamin K, particularly in the K2 form, serves as the “glue” that binds calcium onto the bone matrix.

The dosage of Bone Guard varies. Discuss with your doctor which dose is right for you.  This product also contains iodine, so it would not be appropriate for someone with hyperthyroidism.  Bone Guard does contain vitamin D but most people need to take additional vitamin D since the amount is just 400 IU.   We recommend checking vitamin D blood levels so you can find out how much you need to take.

Healthy diet, weight -bearing exercise, and the right supplement can keep your bones strong and avoid the need for medications that have severe side effects and may not help build the kind of strong bone your body needs.