Avoid natural sources of calcium such as bone meal, dolomite or oyster shell, as they may be contaminated with arsenic, lead or other toxic metals. Get adequate Vitamin D, which is needed to absorb and activate calcium. However, excess D is toxic and can cause kidney and cardiovascular damage, and even promote loss of bone. Most foods contain very little Vitamin D except for fortified milk, egg yolks, fatty fish and cod liver oil. Add two servings daily of isoflavone-rich soy products to your diet.
Ongoing studies show it to have bone-building properties.
Check your medications. Discuss this concern with your physician, and pay extra attention to calcium intake and bone-strengthening exercises. By age 50 request a baseline bone density test called a DEXA scan. Monitor your bone density over time, especially women who cannot or choose not to take estrogen. For a more complete picture of bone status, get blood levels of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and serum typelcollagen propeptid assessed.