Calcium-Magnesium Complex: Calcium is deficient in most of our diets. This deficiency is most prevalent in women who have had children and who have never supplemented their own diets with calcium. Calcium consumption, along with exercise, is the best means to prevent calcium deficiency.

Once calcium is lost and signs of osteopenia develop, the medical problem may be hard to reverse. Collapse of bone, and bone fractures (commonly of the pelvis), may occur in such individuals. When people "shrink" with age, it is due to vertebral compression fractures caused by osteopenia, commonly referred to as osteoporosis.

Bone density studies will detect patients having osteopenia. Calcium, like B complex, acts as a membrane stabilizer and natural tranquilizer, as does magnesium and potassium.

Calcium and magnesium should be taken together in a ratio of 2:1. A daily intake of calcium of 1,000 to 1,500 mg is reasonable. Calcium/magnesium may be taken at bedtime to promote sleep. Magnesium, in the form of magnesium oxide in combination with vitamin B-6, has been shown to dissolve certain types of kidney stones (calcium oxalate stones). This type of preparation is called "Beelith" and is taken twice a day. It is also helpful in patients with chronic constipation since magnesium salts act as cathartics.

During pregnancy, the intake of calcium and magnesium should be increased to prevent deficiency in mother and child. Patients with potassium deficiency should always be checked for magnesium deficiency. In the presence of magnesium depletion, it is very difficult to replete potassium stores. A calcium citrate source containing vitamin D is effective to enhance calcium absorption. This is an effervescent formulation, and it is taken as two tablets dissolved in a glass of cold water per day.

Calcium citrate is better absorbed and utilized than calcium carbonate. The use of fluoride in a liquid formulation (potassium fluoride 180 mg/cc) helps bind calcium in the bones. Fluoride drops are taken as 1 drop in juice or water three times per day. This is a prescription item and must be made up by the pharmacist. The dose can be slowly increased per the physician. Fluoride in this concentration, however, can irritate the gastric lining. Also, slow increases in dose are important to prevent this side-effect.

Liquid supplements vitamins and minerals