We all know that after the age of 50, we have to be aware of our bone health. It’s not a fun thing to think about. Fractures at our age can be devastating especially if they limit our mobility. They take longer to heal and often affect our health overall. Immobility as a result of hip and other fractures can bring on pneumonia and other life-threatening ailments. Obviously, we all want to prevent that from happening.
I’ll be honest with you, I normally reject promoting supplements on this website because I believe that eating well is the best way to stay healthy. When I was first approached by the Institute for Better Bone Health, to take a look at their supplements for bone health, I was hesitant.
I was tested for osteoporosis and found to be at low risk. I’m also not a fan of swallowing vitamins. We’re bombarded by marketers every day selling supplements to the Baby Boomer market and most of them are worthless and expensive.
I changed my mind when I read the book that came along with the supplements the Institute for Better Bone Health sent me. It was written by Dr. Charles T. Price M.D, an orthopedic surgeon, who developed them for his wife. She had been diagnosed with osteoporosis and, as a doctor, he wasn’t satisfied with her treatment. He’d witnessed the devastating results of what happened to his 85-year-old mother when she fell and broke her hip. This made him determined to not let the same thing happen to his wife as the disease progressed.
Dr. Price felt that most bone health supplements on the market are poorly formulated. Many contain excessively high doses of ingredients that can cause other health issues later on.
He also discovered the value of using the element silicon in his formula. Silicon, not to be confused with silicone or silica, is an element that’s found in certain foods and mineral waters. It’s fundamental to the basic bone and skeletal structure of every one of us. Silicon is in certain mineral waters, beer, whole grain cereals, raisins, brown rice, and green beans.
Women need to have at least 40 mg/day of silicon to increase bone density that decreases with age. Dr. Price’s formula called Silical 2 for collagen and bone formation also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin K2, Inositol, L’Arginine, and Boron. His Silical 1 formula reduces osteoporosis risk and aids in bone mineralization. It contains calcium, vitamin D3, and magnesium.
Dr. Price’s formulas may also be purchased in powdered form for those who hate swallowing capsules. Formulas are available for those taking Coumadin who cannot tolerate Vitamin K.
All of these elements in his formulas can be found in food, but the problem is, the typical American diet lacks adequate amounts for most people.
Women most at risk for osteoporosis are thin Caucasian and Asian women or those in poor health. Other risk factors that should be considered are:
- History of fracture after the age of 45
- A parent with a history of hip fracture
- Tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol use
- Body mass index less than 22 kg/m2
- No children or pregnancies
- Illnesses such as diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Use of glucocorticoid steroid for more than 3 months
- Use of Coumadin (a blood thinner)
- Extended use of Ibuprofen (Advil) or Naproxen (Aleve)
- Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec, Prevacid, or Nexium
It’s always recommended to have a bone density test with your physician before taking supplements to determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis.
Although I tested at low risk, I had sprained my foot and the formulas speed up healing. I’m also happy to know that the ingredients in Silical 2 increases your body’s collagen production and helps strengthen and beautify nails, skin, and hair.
The Institute for Better Bone Health provided me with product samples and hosted a giveaway on my blog. However, all opinions are my own.
I knew about Vitamin K2, D3 and Calcium, but I’d not heard of the silicon connection. I’d love to win this!
Thanks Jennifer. I hadn’t heard of silicon before either. It’s such great information to know. Good luck.
I try to get my calcium via low-fat dairy products and lots of green leafy vegetables. I know it’s not enough though!
Dairy products and green leafy veggies are great. Keep it up. I’m a cheese head myself and eat plain Greek yogurt.
I’ve been taking calcium, magnesium and vitamin D since my mid-thirties. I haven’t had a bone density test, but I only have one “at risk” symptom off of your list. However, because of my Cerebral Palsy I do occasionally fall pretty hard. I am curious to see if this supplement makes a difference in recovering from those falls.
Alicia
spashionista.com
Hi Alicia, I’d certainly recommend a bone density test. It’s important to keep track of that as we grow older. The supplement aids in healing if you fall because it thickens up your bones and makes them less fragile.
Interesting…I didn’t know that NOT having children would increase your risk. I’ll be sure to thank mine for that 🙂
Hi Beth, I was rather surprised about that myself. I’m thanking my two kids too.
Thanks for this info, I didn’t know about silicon. Osteoporosis runs in my family and I’m small boned and caucasian. I’m looking for any info that I can to stay bone strong. Thanks for sharing! #midlifeluv
Hi Rosemond,
No problem. I’m glad you found it helpful. It’s very interesting information and makes a lot of sense. It’s so important to keep our bones strong and healthy.
Rebecca
Big believer, here, in calcium and quality calcium and also combined with magnesium for absorption. Also helps promote restful sleep. wOOT!
Thank you Leisa, Yes, calcium is so important and needs to be combined with magnesium for best results. Glad to know it helps promote better sleep too.
Thanks for a great post and for joining us at #MidLifeLuv! We’re very glad to have you.
Kimberly
Thanks Kimberly. And thanks for the linky parties. They’re fun!
Two things we eat that are high in calcium are canned salmon and broccoli
That’s great Carolsue,
Salmon and broccoli have so many benefits besides just the calcium. Keep it up!
Rebecca
Recent bone density tests showed some area of concern for me. I am thankful for the introduction to this product! My doc has me on calcium/magnesium supplements and I eat a healthy balanced diet that includes lots of greens, fresh veggies, lean protein.
That’s great that you got checked out. Adding the silicon formula for bone formation and collagen to the calcium/magnesium supplement makes a lot of sense. I’m glad you’re eating healthy too. That’s always the best.
I eat cheese and yogurt to help build bone health but I also take Calcium, Vitamin D and Magnesium as I have been diagnosed with osteopenia.
I’m also not a big fan of swalling pills or vitamins and haven’t been wanting to take anything. I’m due to see an orthopedic surgeon soon. I’ll have to see if this type of supplement would be good for me. I want to get healthy as quickly as possible.
Thanks Ember. It’s always best in my opinion to check with a doctor before taking anything including supplements. If you eat healthy, you can avoid most of it and stay healthy too.