ASK
BONNIE for April 2003
Question #1:
I have been a vegetarian for five years now, and I am beginning to wonder if
what I am doing is right. My body isn't well and I just wish I could figure out
the proper way to be a vegetarian. Can you help?
Answer #1:
Your body is trying to tell you something: it cannot thrive on the fuel you are giving it. If you are blood type "O," and to a lesser extent, blood type "B," you are genetically not cut out for vegetarian lifestyle. I have seen this over and over with my clients. Once they follow the optimal dietary blueprint for their genetic makeup, they feel much better.
Irrespective of blood type, it is difficult to get the adequate bioavailable protein needed for optimal body function, if vegetarian or vegan. In addition, plant protein is not as bioavailable as meat-derived protein. Plant protein choices, such as soy protein, are limited and must be consumed in very large amounts, increasing the likelihood of developing food sensitivities and/or allergies.
Question #2:
What is your take on coral calcium?
Answer #2:
It is hype. Coral calcium is composed of calcium carbonate and its absorption is based on the known properties of any calcium carbonate supplement. Calcium carbonate requires a substantial amount of acid to pry off the carbonate chelate and allow the calcium to be absorbed. While calcium carbonate supplements contain more calcium by weight, the majority of it is unavailable for tissue uptake. This can be a particularly important point when searching for the right calcium supplement, especially for those with low gastric acid levels common with aging. Even those with healthy stomach acid levels typically only absorb 22% of the calcium in calcium carbonate, whereas people with insufficient gastric acid output may only absorb 4%.Depending on the brand or supplier, coral calcium can contain anywhere from 20% to 40% calcium by weight, as well as roughly 0.5% to 20% magnesium . Many coral calcium supplements will have a 2:1 calcium to magnesium ratio, however, this is not always the naturally occurring ratio and largely depends on the source of the coral reef. In one study published in the Journal of Nutrition Science and Vitaminology, coral calcium absorption was better than absorption of a calcium carbonate supplement. This result may, however, be mainly due to coral calcium's magnesium level. The coral calcium used in this experiment did in fact contain a ratio of calcium to magnesium of 2:1 and the calcium carbonate used contained 1/6 the magnesium that the coral calcium had. While magnesium may play a role in enhancing calcium regulation and uptake, it is important to keep in mind that the best solution is to start with a highly bioavailable form of calcium in the first place.
In summary, Okinawans lead active lifestyles, eat fish and vegetable based
diets, and are exposed to less toxins and stress as compared to other
populations. These factors are most likely the major contributors to Okinawan
longevity, not the consumption of coral calcium. Coral calcium is a source of
calcium carbonate and magnesium.
Have a happy, healthy day.
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