Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 1, 2025
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.”
—Bone Builder
Hi Builder,
When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return…
“Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive bones?”
You see, these incredible creatures have some of the largest, strongest bones in the animal kingdom—yet they never take calcium supplements or consume rock-based minerals.
Instead, if they’re herbivores, the animals get their calcium from plants. The meat-eaters, such as tigers and lions, obtain theirs by consuming whole animals.
Heck, even massive blue whales build enormous bones—without ever consuming rock-based calcium.
And the reason for that is simple—Nature has a better way.
When patients ask about calcium with bisphosphonates, here’s what I usually tell them:
The three best forms of natural calcium are:
- Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHC): Calcium derived from grass-fed cattle bones
- Calcium from algae (like AlgaeCal): A plant-based option rich in natural bone-supporting minerals
- Food-derived calcium: Calcium that’s naturally found in various food sources, including dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.
The forms of calcium to avoid are:
- Calcium carbonate: Essentially ground-up rocks that depend on stomach acid to break down—many people struggle to absorb it well.
- Calcium citrate: This synthetic calcium contains a lower percentage of elemental calcium per dose
Certain nutrients help your body absorb and use calcium more effectively:
- Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium to bones instead of arteries
- Vitamin D3 is crucial for optimal calcium absorption
- Magnesium works synergistically with calcium to increase bone density
- Boron and silica are trace minerals that are vital for bone health
Remember, just like those elephants and giraffes, our bodies do better with calcium that comes in a natural, complex form with supporting nutrients.
Getting calcium into your body is easy. Getting it into your bones—while keeping it out of your arteries—is the real goal. Natural forms of calcium typically accomplish this far better than isolated mineral supplements.
P.S. The “Beyond Calcium” solution for stronger bones.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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