Achieving Healthy Bones - Does Healthy Bones Plus Really Work?

Achieving Healthy Bones - Does Healthy Bones Plus Work?

Having strong, healthy bones provides the foundation for mobility, productivity, and independence throughout life. But over time, factors like aging, poor nutrition, and inactivity can lead to weakened, fragile bones.

Along with prescription medications, certain dietary sources and supplements may help promote bone strength. One such supplement is Healthy Bones Plus, which claims to "give your bones the nutrients they need."

This article will examine the top scientifically-proven bone-building foods, the ingredients in Healthy Bones Plus, and whether this supplement effectively supports bone health.

Key Nutrients for Bone Strength

Bones require adequate intake and absorption of several critical nutrients in order to stay strong and prevent conditions like osteoporosis. These include:

• Calcium - Needed for proper bone mineralization and turnover. Low calcium intake is linked to reduced bone density.
• Vitamin D - Helps the body effectively absorb calcium. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with more fractures.
• Magnesium - Plays a role in calcium absorption and bone matrix proteins. Lack of magnesium may affect bone density.
• Phosphorus - Combines with calcium to mineralize bones and teeth. Works with calcium for bone strength.
• Protein - Needed to produce bone matrix proteins like collagen. Low protein intake is a risk factor for bone loss.

In addition to these nutrients, exercise and overall healthy nutrition provide the building blocks for lifelong bone health.

Top Foods for Healthy Bones

The foods you eat directly impact your bone density and strength. Here are some of the top bone-healthy dietary choices:

Dairy Products

Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products contain calcium, protein, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D. Higher dairy intake is linked to improved bone mineral density and lower fracture rates.

Fatty Fish

Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation. Omega-3s may also lower the loss of calcium from bones.

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, broccoli, and other greens provide calcium and magnesium. Vitamin K activates bone-building proteins while lutein and zeaxanthin support bone mineral density.

Beans and Legumes

Beans, lentils, soy foods, and chickpeas are high in protein, calcium, and other bone-supporting nutrients. Soy isoflavones mimic weak estrogenic activity to boost postmenopausal bone health.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc. contain protein, magnesium, zinc, plant calcium, and healthy fats. Nut consumption is associated with higher bone mass.

Whole Grains

Breads, cereals, rice, etc. provide magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B complex. Replace refined grains with whole grains to reduce bone loss.

Fruits and Vegetables

All produce contains varying amounts of potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants like vitamin C. These help lower acidity and inflammation that can degrade bone.

Other Factors For Bone Health

While nutrition forms the foundation, other lifestyle factors significantly impact bone strength:

• Exercise - Weight-bearing and resistance training activates bone-forming cells. Lack of exercise accelerates bone loss.
• Sunlight - Allows the skin to synthesize vitamin D. Low sunlight exposure is linked to bone disease.
• Not Smoking - Smoking increases bone loss and fracture risk. Quitting improves bone density.
• Healthy Weight - Very low body weight compromises bone health. Excess weight stresses the skeleton.

Managing conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis also protects against secondary bone loss.

What is Healthy Bones Plus?

Healthy Bones Plus is a dietary supplement claiming to nourish bones using scientifically-proven nutrients. It's marketed by Terry Naturally, a company focused on condition-specific herbal remedies.

According to the product website, Healthy Bones Plus is formulated "to give your bones the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy." It contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts.

The recommended dose is 2 capsules twice per day. Key claimed benefits include:

• Provides bone-essential nutrients
• Supports healthy bone turnover
• Maintains strong bones
• Helps increase bone mineral density

But does this supplement really deliver enhanced bone support compared to whole foods and lifestyle?

Examining the Ingredients in Healthy Bones Plus

According to the product label, Healthy Bones Plus contains the following nutrients in each 4-capsule daily serving:

• Vitamin D3 - 2,000 IU (500% DV)
• Calcium - 600mg (45% DV)
• Magnesium - 450mg (107% DV)
• Boron - 3mg
• Silica from Horsetail - 7mg

Plus a 745mg "Proprietary Bone Support Blend" with:

• Fructoborate - Provides boron
• AlgaeCal Plus - Algae-based calcium and magnesium

And a "Proprietary Herbal Blend" containing:

• Dong Quai - Phytoestrogen that may support bone metabolism
• Red Clover - Source of bone-healthy isoflavones

This combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbs provides significant doses of proven bone nutrients. But the form and quality matters just as much as the quantities.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Key Ingredients

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D improves calcium absorption and supports immune and bone cell function. The D3 form raises blood levels more effectively than D2. But 2,000 IU may be excessive without testing deficiency.

Calcium

Healthy Bones Plus provides calcium from both carbonate and algae sources. AlgaeCal is advertised as superior, but both forms have studies supporting their efficacy.

Magnesium

This provides a highly bioavailable form of magnesium known as Albion chelate. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of bodily processes including bone health.

Boron

Boron plays a role in mineral metabolism and vitamin D activation. While essential for bone strength, studies use doses under 3mg, so the impact of 6mg is unclear.

Silica

Silicon is important for collagen production. Horsetail is a natural source, but may interact with diuretics and lithium. There’s limited evidence on horsetail for bones.

Herbal Blend

Dong quai and red clover contain phytoestrogen compounds that mimic estrogen’s bone effects. But data is conflicting on whether these herbs truly prevent osteoporosis.

While many of the ingredients show promise for bone health, overall clinical evidence backing the complete Healthy Bones Plus formula is lacking.

Should You Take Healthy Bones Plus?

Healthy Bones Plus may provide benefits by supplying key bone

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.