ASK THE DOCTOR 

Taryn Forrelli, N.D.

Dr. Taryn Forrelli is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, a premier accredited 4 year medical institution that specializes in providing the most advanced understanding of Integrative Medicine. She also holds a biology degree from the University of Massachusetts. As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Forrelli offers insight into the marvels of human biological function and the natural healing power of herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle improvements. An experienced clinician, lecturer and researcher, Dr. Forrelli is inspired by the clinical application of whole herb and whole-food supplements, as it harmonizes with her personal philosophy of health and healing.

  Understanding Bone Strength . . .

Bone is a mineralized living tissue which is constantly being broken down and rebuilt or remodeled. In fact, the body grows the equivalent of an entirely new skeleton every 7 years. There are two main types of cells that are crucial to bone remodeling – osteoblasts, and osteoclasts. The job of osteoblasts is to build new bone, and the job of osteoclasts is to break down bone. In healthy bone tissue, osteoblasts and osteoclasts work in balance with one another, routinely breaking down bone when needed by the body, and then rebuilding bone tissue to replace and strengthen the bone. When bone remodeling begins to favor break down of bone by osteoclasts over bone formation by osteoblasts, bone strength may be affected.

Who is at risk for bone loss? 

Everyone! It is a common misconception that only older women need to worry about bone loss. In fact, both men and women will begin to lose 0.5-1% of their bone density or degree of bone mineralization per year starting around age 30. In women, the rate of loss will spike to 2-3% per year for the first 3-15 years following menopause, which means that over the course of a lifetime, women will likely lose a higher percentage of their bone mass than men, but men are in no way protected from the potentially dangerous consequences of age-related bone loss.

What is the best way to meet my calcium needs?

Studies have shown that individuals who obtain their calcium mainly from food have healthier bones than those who rely on calcium supplements to meet their needs. Why the difference? Most people’s calcium supplements contain an inorganic form of calcium called calcium carbonate, also known as limestone. Yes, that’s right, rocks. Not surprisingly, this very dense molecule is notoriously difficult for stomach acid to penetrate and subsequently enable the release of elemental calcium for absorption into the body.  Similar to most nutrients, the body can utilize calcium more effectively when it is paired with co-factors naturally found in food such as magnesium and trace minerals.

Is Calcium the only nutrient I need to worry about to prevent bone loss?

Definitely not. Bone is a living tissue made up of more than just calcium, and calcium does not function in isolation. Other vitamins and minerals play a major role in determining whether the calcium you ingest will actually be absorbed and properly utilized by the bones. The “calcium paradox” holds that without adequate vitamin K, calcium will not be deposited in the bones where it is required for maintaining bone strength, but rather in the arteries where it can severely compromise cardiovascular health. Another vitamin critical for calcium absorption and utilization is vitamin D. Individuals who are deficient in vitamin D absorb about one half the amount of calcium as individuals who maintain sufficient vitamin D levels. Magnesium and trace minerals like silica, vanadium, boron, and strontium have also been shown to be essential for the normal growth and development of skeletons in humans and animals, and should be included in a bone health nutritional program.

Why is natural vitamin K2 the preferred form of vitamin K for supporting bone health?

Vitamin K1, the form of vitamin K derived from plant foods, is poorly absorbed by the body. A form of vitamin K2 derived from the traditional Asian soy food natto has been clinically shown to promote bone health.  A single daily dose of 45mcg of it can ensure delivery of K2 (MK-7) to all of the body's tissues 24 hours a day.

Why is Bone Strength Take Care® the ideal bone-strengthening nutritional supplement?

New Chapter's Bone Strength Take Care provides complete nutritional support for maintaining strong, healthy bones in the form of whole foods. The calcium complex in Bone Strength Take Care is derived from a sustainably harvested marine algae. The unique porous structure of this plant calcium dramatically increases the surface area where stomach acid can contact the calcium, making it easy to dissolve. The algae is also naturally rich in the full complement of minerals which work synergistically with calcium to promote bone health*, including magnesium, strontium, vanadium, and silica. To ensure proper absorption and utilization of the calcium, New Chapter uses the most effective, bioavailable and bioactive form of vitamin K2 - along with whole-food complexed vitamin D3 created using New Chapter's signature dual-stage probiotic culturing technology, is added to the formula. 

How does inflammation affect bone strength?

 Emerging clinical and moelcular evidence suggests that inflammation exerts a significant effect on bone metabolism by stimulating production of RANKL (Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor k B Ligand), a molecule which activates the production of osteoclasts, cells responsible for the breakdown of bone.  

How does Zyflamend® promote bone health?

In vitro research published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrition and Cancer showed that Zyflamend promotes bone health by modulating production of RANKL, thereby down-regulating the production of osteoclasts.* New Chapter's patented Zyflamend formulation is a clinically tested herbal approach for promoting a healthy inflammation reponse.* Its ten herbs ans spices, including ginger, turmeric, green tea, holy basil, oregano and rosemary, work together to safely promote a healthy inflammation response.* Recent studies suggest this may be an effecive strategy to promote healthy joint function, normal cell growth, and bone health.*