Buying Calcium Supplements? Caution is Urged by Michele Stewart, ARIZONA DAILY STAR, Tucson, Arizona on Friday, November 24, 2000

When it comes to buying calcium supplements, you might be getting more than you paid for.

Not in a good way, however. According to research published in the Sept. 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, calcium in high doses, containing small amounts of lead, can damage the nerves, blood cells and digestive system or even cause permanent brain damage.

And usually the brands that cost the least contain the most lead, which can lead to irreversible health problems.

"What I tell people is to go with a name brand and go with USP (United States Pharmacopeia)-labeled brands," said Cyndi Thomson, a research instructor and registered dietitian with the University of Arizona's College of Public Health and the Arizona Cancer Center. Thomson said that if it's a well-recognized name, you're probably safe because large, reputable companies have more to lose and are more apt to stand behind what they sell.

Linda Johns, a sales associate with New Life Health Centers, and John Hathcock, vice president of nutritional and regulatory science for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, agree that name brands are the safest way to go. And both agree that bone meal, dolomite and oyster shell calcium should be avoided.

"These sources are where lead toxicities are higher, because they are derived from earth," Johns said.

She recommended brands such as Nature's Life and Solgar.

Hathcock said calling the company to obtain data on lead levels is another option.

And though companies may claim their supplements are 100 percent lead free, Hathcock rebutted that claim. "There is no such thing as a calcium source that has no lead; whether it's natural or not," he said.

Hathcock said it is not possible to prepare a calcium supplement that has absolutely no traces of lead in it: "The idea of lead-free is a regulatory definition."

Experts suggest that the body's daily exposure to lead shouldn't exceed 6 micrograms per day. Hathcock said that supplements made to meet Recommended Dietary Allowances shouldn't exceed 5 micrograms.

Wow Kellys! You sound just like abook when you talk. Or isthat something you read? I don't mean to say you aren't that smart, I just wondred.

Oh I feel so dumb! Now I see you put it was from somewhere in Arizona. But why did you put it here? Do you think we all need to read this? Is there a special place to put articals, or should we just put them anywhere, and does it matter what kind of articals we put? Can it just be anything we like? I have a lot of things in my kitchen desk that are really good, but I'm not sure where to put them! lolo!

I've heard some bad rap about calcium supplements too.

There are so many great and delicious ways to get in our calcium requirement with food products that are on the market. I always prefer to get in what I need with food, not supplements.

A one day vitamin and maybe an extra vitamin C is okay. Beyond that, I don't like to over do it with the supplements. There's too much we really don't know.

iLuvEggs, I think you have hit on a great idea. I see that some of this stuff recycles periodically, that's got to be costing bits of cyberspace and definitely time. I wonder if Suzanne would start us an articles archive or something? That would make these articles resources like recipes, and require posting only once and no repositioning.

Great idea! Anyone know how to make such a suggestion to Suzanne, or is she reading daily from her new digs?

I post alot of articles I think people would like to see or know about. Usually they are just a "cut and paste" from a site or I'll retype it. Especially if it is something that someone has asked about or we've discussed.

I always quote the reference the info came from if I have it (which I usually do).

Basically put them under the forum topics that appears the best to have them read (usually general or food & point issues are best).

Slimgirl,
Some of the stuff "recycles" as you say but usually if it is still post we just pull it up. An archive would be nice or something like Dotti has that is called hitchhikers something or other where she reposts it but no one can add replies for us.

I think Suzanne is reading now but if you have a suggestion just pop her an e-mail is the best way I've found to ensure she sees it or at the very least a PM.

Slim, I agree, an articles thread or archive would be a great place to put all those clippings that people seem to find useful but than never can lay their hands on again. I hope that Suzanne also sees the wisdom of this idea and takes your suggestion. Great thinking!

------------------
Brigette >^.^<
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste great with ketchup.

Kelly,
I've seen that section on Dotti's board--she calls it the Hitchhiker's Guide to Weight Loss (or something close to that). It's very useful, like the recipe forums. I think she's got your ever-popular microwave popcorn points guide there.

Bumby, That's it. I know it would put alot of work on Suzanne to do that here but it would be nice!

Well..hold on. This is even better. Since these two sites are so collaborative in nature, and there's so much travel back and forth, maybe Suzanne doesn't need to duplicate all that work! There could just be a pointer on the frontpage ("This way to the Hitchhiker's Guide to Weight Loss at Dotti's site!"...something like that?)

Or do I have this right? Are these informational posts being put at both sites? No, hold on, I must have that wrong. Let me go see! Research research, my favorite thing.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.....actually since there are people here who don't go there and people there who don't go here and people who are at that other site....oops I can't post there anymore cuz I'm banned....I post it on several boards.

I just love sharing.....

Kel

Ps - if I can find the other threads where it is asked I'll usually add it to it so I don't start a new thread....

pullling up this info for the influx of newbies