I know this will be a “touchy” subject for some and I’m sure some will fuss and dispute some statements made but because many are ignorant of the product itself and some facts regarding supplementation, this needs to be covered. Those who know what I teach, know why I don’t approve of the use of AlgaeCal. I want to help clear this up since I am often asked about it. Some osteoporosis groups may recommend it highly, some not as much, but I don’t believe this product is healthy or as beneficial as some might think.
SUPPLEMENT FACTS
3 Capsules Per Day Servings Per Container: 20Amount Per Serving%DVCalcium 750 mg (from AlgaeCal)75%Magnesium 65mg (from AlgaeCal) 20%Vitamin D3 1000 IU (cholecalciferol)250%Other Ingredients: Vegetable Capsule*Daily Value (DV) not established This is the supplement facts label from a bottle of regular AlgaeCal. Let’s look at this closer. It contains calcium which is best not supplemented. Supplemented calcium can lead to myocardial infarction (heart attacks) as well as kidney stones and kidney damage. It can also lead to more bone loss, increased risk of fractures, and causes constipation as well as a decrease in stomach acid which is needed for optimal nutrient absorption. Calcium should come from food! Further, calcium should be matched 1:1 or higher by magnesium. This is far from that at only 65 mg compared to 750 mg of calcium. This is just asking for trouble down the road, even if nothing is noticed in the short term. And one would still need to supplement magnesium. It also contains the hormone (vitamin) D3. This is possibly one of the most sensitive of subjects right now as new light has exposed previously flawed studies that gave way to D3 being supplemented and at extremely high dosages, even by some doctors. Anytime a substance/nutrient is used beyond its recommended use (dose) it becomes a drug. Many seem to forget that D3 is a hormone, not a vitamin as it is so often referred to. When taken in any dose, it has been proven to cause bone density loss, even in healthy people, so for those who need every microscopic mineral needed to stay in their bones, taking something that takes away from that cannot possibly be conducive to healing. This is not to say D3 is not needed, it is, and extremely so to help calcium into the bloodstream. But if this is coming from a supplemented hormone, it is proving to be unwise. And note, this is not from algae or a plant that would normally contain D2, but added hormone D3. I would challenge anyone to explain how dosing at high amounts of any hormone is safe. We know in fact by other hormones, other studies, and clinical evidence that it is not. Even at small doses of only 400 I.U., a loss of 1.2% was found in those who participated in studies on D3 supplementation, and the more that was supplemented, the greater the loss. And there have been four studies on this of late. Even if D3 is supplemented, it must be matched with vitamin K2 @ 100 mcg/ 1000 units of D3. This product has none. But let’s look closer. In their own literature, AlgaeCal contains Strontium, even in the regular product. Strontium, despite the source (even from plants), not only masks the bones giving the appearance of the bone being stronger but actually replaces calcium 1 which is not what your bones need. It gives a false impression the bone is denser when it is just the surface making it appear so. Additionally, Strontium has some nasty side effects 1 such as blood clots and memory loss. Many with Osteo also have heart/circulatory issues (some from calcium or calcium/D3 supplementation so this certainly would not be good for them. Many with Osteo are also older and are already beginning to have some memory loss from lack of fat, cholesterol, or other nutrients the brain needs or insulin resistance from a high-carb or carb-based diet. Also, according to Consumer Labs, AlgaeCal also contains lead which is a neurotoxin and can cause a number of health issues. While AlgaeCal has responded to this, claiming it’s not that much, or that the reports are old, the facts still speak for themselves; it contains lead. The addition of lead in a product used daily on top of strontium could cause one to find their brain function and/or memory severely compromised. Let’s also look at some of the warnings from the company:
Drug Interactions
Calcium supplements, including AlgaeCal, should not be taken at the same time throughout the day (at least 3 hours apart):
- Quinolone antibiotics and other antibiotics
- Traditionally-prescribed bone drugs
- Some heart medications
- Thyroid medications
- Water pills
- Iron supplements
- Strontium supplements
With so many other supplements being taken by many with Osteo, some could find themselves in dire straights. What really gets me on these is the company produces and promotes the inclusion of Strontium in one of their products while giving the warning above. An article that was available for years (now removed) on the use of Strontium with Calcium gave some grievous warnings about using them together. While this particular (regular) product does not include added Strontium, it does contain some, and I can’t understand why anyone would trust a company that violates its own warning on product use.
I would also turn your attention to this finding from “AlgaeCal posted four studies touting the effectiveness of their products on their website. While all of these studies reported positive findings, none of them present compelling evidence that AlgaeCal is significantly more effective at improving bone health than other calcium supplements.” (National Women’s Health Network Dec 19, 2018)
Some may choose to use this product, but it should be known, that in this group it is not recommended by this nutritionist. I know some will disagree with that and all have that right. I don’t expect to be agreed with on all points of nutrition, supplementation, or other subjects. As far as I’m concerned, it is not in anyone’s best interest to take it.
In my opinion as a nutritionist and investigative journalist specializing in nutrition, this is neither a company nor a product to put your trust in, at least, not without further and much research.
Review & Commentary by Douglas K. Johnson – Life, Health and Wellness Coach, Herbalist, Nutritionist, Investigative Journalist, and Author
This information is part of “Opening the Doors to Reversing and Healing Osteoporosis” which is copyrighted. Absolutely no permission is given to copy, reprint, share, or sell.
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