Osteoporosis is defined as when our bones become weak and brittle. Leaving Osteoporosis untreated may result in fractured bones in any given part of the body.
It is an especially sensitive topic for women, since we are more likely to suffer from Osteoporosis than men are. So, our reader AnneFleur wants to know: How much Calcium should we be taking and what is the best kind?
https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/women-and-calcium-suppliments-how-much-and-what-kind
Anne—The simplest way to determine how much elemental calcium is in a supplement is to look at the Nutrition Facts label. For calcium, the Percent Daily Value (% DV) is based on 1,000 mg of elemental calcium, so every 10 percent in the Daily Value column represents 100 mg of elemental calcium (0.10 x 1,000 mg = 100 mg). For example, if a calcium supplement has 60 percent of the Daily Value, it contains 600 mg of elemental calcium (0.60 x 1,000 mg = 600 mg).
Note the serving size. This will tell you the number of tablets you must take to get the % DV listed on the label. Check the label for the abbreviation "USP." The best supplements meet the voluntary standards of the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) for quality, purity and tablet disintegration or dissolution.
Be aware of generic brands. While generic calcium supplements are often cheaper than name brands, they may not meet voluntary standards for tablet disintegration. In other words, they may dissolve more slowly, which decreases their effectiveness.
Avoid calcium supplements that contain unrefined oyster shell, bone meal or dolomite. These products may also contain toxic substances, such as lead, mercury and arsenic.
Don't bother with chelated calcium tablets. They're more expensive and have no advantage over other types of calcium.
On a more physical side of Osteoporosis, Bitsy wants to know why she has lost weight but now has a protruding abdomen: https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/does-abdomen-protrude-severe-osteoporosis
Abdominal Protrusion can occur due to the kyphosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) that occurs as a result of the Osteoporosis.
Here is an article regarding what the extra belly fat can mean: https://www.empowher.com/osteoporosis/content/osteoporosis-more-belly-fat-can-mean-thinner-bones
If you want to learn how you can protect your bone density? Check out this great article by our HerWriter, Jody Smith.
https://www.empowher.com/osteoporosis/content/osteoporosis-physical-activity-can-protect-bone-density