<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Dear List Mates: I have noticed almost weekly posts regarding osteoporsis and calcium supplementation questions. I have responded to some of you individually, but it appears appropriate to share this information with the entire group rather than one person at a time. While calcium supplementation is important in the prevention or remediation of osteopenia and osteoporosis, there is more to the solution than just adding calcium to our diets. There are multiple factors to (re)building bone. Among them are supplementation with vitamin D, boron and magnesium in addition to calcium. If low or reduced stomach acid is a problem, there are products available that also include betaine hydrochloride (an acid similar to stomach acid) to assist in assimilation. Another major factor in (re)building bone is EXERCISE! (Yes, I hear the collective groan from around the world.) Bone building is truly a case of use it or lose it. Exercise must be 1. weight-bearing, such as walking, running, dancing; 2. regular (20-30 minutes three times weekly); and 3. vigorous enough to produce a mild sweat. Besides supplementation and exercise, there is also DIET: dark, green leafy vegetables (collards, kale, etc.), legumes (dried beans, limas, peas, etc.). Whole grains are also recommended, but we know the problem with them, of course. There are foods to be used in moderation or avoided because they bind calcium or leach it from our bones: red meat, soft drinks, caffeine-containing products (colas and certain other soft drinks, coffee, teas, etc.) Life-style issues such as limited alcohol consumption and avoidance of tobacco products should also be considered. There are several publications which offer detailed prevention or remediation programs. The three listed below (with my comments about the two with which I am most familiar) are among numerous choices available in the USA. I have no financial interest in any of these publications or in any particular diet, supplement, etc. My intention is only to share what information I have with those who also desire the same information but do not have the time or resources to ferret it out. Recommended reading: "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" by John R. Lee, M.D. with Virginia Hopkins. Warner Books, Inc., 1996. ISBN 0446671444 This is my favorite book. There is an entire chapter devoted to osteoporosis and should be read by both genders who have or are concerned about osteoporosis. The book also contains recommendations for diet, exercise and supplementation for various age-groups. "The Bone Density Diet: 6 Weeks to a Super Body and Mind" by George J. Kessler with Colleeen Kapklein. Ballantine Publishing Group, 2000. ISBN 0345432843 This book is highly recommended by a health-care professional of my acquaintance who has struggled with osteoporosis since an early age. "Strong Women, Strong Bones: Everything You Need to Know to Prevent, Treat and Beat Osteoporosis" by Mirian E. Nelson and Sarah Wernick. The Putnam Publishing Group, 2000. ISBN 0399145974 This book is on my wish- list. The reviews have been favorable. Good luck to all of you. Miss A. J. Devies Ormond Beach, FL