Alkaline potassium supplements linked to thicker bones

According to new research published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, for the first time, the benefits of pH regulation with potassium and the subsequent effects on bone mineral density (BMD) has been established.

pH balance is important for regulating body fluids, blood pressure, muscle and nerve cells, osmotic pressure and water balance. Its effect on bone mineral density makes sense, but has never been researched until now.

Of 161 post-menopausal women with low bone mass, those taking an alkaline potassium supplement saw a significant 1% increase in BMD compared to those taking a non-alkaline potassium supplement.

Women taking the alkaline potassium were also found to have lower amounts of calcium excreted in the urine.

The mechanism behind the apparent benefits is proposed to be by the alkaline supplement neutralizing the high acidity of the modern Western Diet. "In the modern diet, acid is generated from foods like dairy products, grains and meats," explained one of the researchers. "Previous studies have found that the kidney does not quite keep up in removing excess acid load."

Bonnie - this is such an important study and backs up what I have been saying for a long time. Excess acidity contributes to bone loss! I have used a sodium/potassium bicarbonate supplement for years to balance pH in my clients with high osteoporatic risk.