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Adam Kreitenberg, MD

Rheumatologist & 1MD Nutrition® Physician Formulator

Board-certified rheumatologist and 1MD Nutrition® formulator, Dr. Kreitenberg specializes in bone and joint health with a focus on naturally derived, clinically backed solutions.

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Dr. Kreitenberg Ranks 2025’s Best Bone Density Support Supplements

What I tell my patients about too much calcium, the risk of bone loss, and choosing supplements.

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Medically Reviewed, Fact Checked, Patient-Focused

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Author

Written by

Adam Kreitenberg, MD

1MD Nutrition® Physician Formulator

Dual Board-Certified: Rheumatology & Internal MedicineClinical Instructor of Rheumatology at Cedars Sinai

25 Jul 2025 • 5 min read

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Hi, I’m Dr. Adam Kreitenberg. As a board-certified rheumatologist, I know how important healthy bones are for staying strong, active, and independent—especially as we age.

Did you know your body has 206 bones, all working together to protect your organs, support your movement, and keep you upright every single day? There’s just one problem: over time, these bones can quietly lose density and strength without you even noticing—until it’s too late.

Why is Bone Density so Important?

Bone loss often begins after age 30, and by 50, the risk of fractures rises dramatically. In fact, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men over 50 will break a bone due to low bone density. For women, menopause can cause bone density to drop by up to 20% in just five years—a leading cause of osteoporosis and related fractures.

Think of your bone structure looking like a sturdy sponge: healthy bones are dense and strong on the inside. But as bone density drops, those inner spaces grow larger—making bones fragile and more likely to break, even from a simple slip or bump.

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The good news? You can help support strong bones with the right nutrients. Unfortunately, most bone health supplements don’t deliver what your body really needs to stay resilient and mobile.

That’s why I put together this guide to help you understand:

1. What ingredients actually strengthen your bones

2. What to watch out for (and avoid)

3. And which supplements I trust most for safe, effective support

Let’s dive in.

How Can a Bone Density Support Supplement Help?

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Helps strengthen bones

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Supports normal bone density

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Works to reduce the risk of bone loss

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Reduced risk of osteoporosis

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Defends against the risk of bone fractures

As a rheumatologist, I tell my patients all the time: a well-formulated bone health supplement—taken as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle—can play a big role in helping to maintain strong, resilient bones.

However, most supplements on the shelf miss the mark. Many rely too heavily on generic calcium and skip the critical co-factors that actually help your body use that calcium properly.

Understanding Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

Let’s clear this up: Osteopenia is the early stage of bone loss. It means your bone density is starting to dip below normal, but it hasn’t reached the severe fragility of osteoporosis yet.

Osteoporosis happens when bones lose so much density that they become weak, brittle, and prone to fractures—even from simple daily movements or a minor fall.

Both conditions develop slowly and quietly, which is why I always recommend my patients get a DEXA scan—a painless test that measures bone mineral density and shows exactly where you stand.

The good news is, staying proactive with the right nutrients, like bioavailable calcium, Vitamin K2, and D3, can help keep bones strong, longer by best supporting your bone density now.

What to Look For in a Bone Density Support Supplement

Experience has taught me which bone health solutions actually make a difference—and which are just empty promises. Too many supplements rely on generic calcium and ignore the real science of bone formation. That’s why I only recommend supplements that include the following clinically studied, bioavailable nutrients:

This is the form of calcium your bones are actually made of—not chalk, not rock. It’s highly absorbable and structurally identical to the mineral matrix found in human bone.

K2 plays a critical role in directing calcium into your bones and away from soft tissues like arteries. MenaQ7® has been clinically studied to improve bone mineral density over time.

D3 helps your body absorb calcium effectively and ensures it gets delivered to where it's needed most. It also supports healthy muscle function, which helps reduce fall risk.

This patented botanical extract has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern research shows it helps stimulate bone formation and improve calcium utilization within the body.

Bottom line?

A great bone health supplement doesn’t just toss in calcium. It supports your entire bone-building process, from absorption to mineralization. These four ingredients are the gold standard, and they can all be found in OsteoMD®.

My Bone Density Support Supplement Checklist

Before you choose any bone health supplement, make sure it meets these key standards:

A company that offers a strong money-back guarantee shows confidence in their formula and gives you peace of mind to try it risk-free.

Ingredients matter—but so do the amounts. Always check that each nutrient is included at the clinically studied dosage needed to make a real difference.

It takes specialized knowledge to craft an effective bone supplement. The best products are formulated or endorsed by practicing physicians who understand how bones actually rebuild and stay strong.

Not all Calcium is Created Equal

As a doctor, I get this question all the time: “Isn’t calcium just… calcium?”

Not quite. There are different types of calcium, and some work much better than others.

Let me break it down:

This is the kind your bones are primarily made of. It’s easy for your body to recognize and absorb—especially when it’s paired with Vitamin K2 and D3. That combo helps deliver calcium exactly where it’s needed.

It is a cheap form found in many store-bought supplements. It’s basically from crushed-up rock. Your body struggles to absorb it, and formulations with too much calcium can end up where it doesn’t belong—like in your arteries.

It may sound “natural,” but your bones aren’t made of algae. Calcium hydroxyapatite, on the other hand, is the same form as bone.

Key Takeaway

When it comes to bone health, the type of calcium matters just as much as the amount. Choose a supplement with calcium hydroxyapatite—and make sure it’s paired with K2 and D3 to help your body use it the right way.

What to Avoid in a Bone Density Support Supplement

Not all calcium is created equal—and not all supplements are worth your time (or money).

After reviewing dozens of formulas, I’ve found that many fall into the same traps. Here’s what to watch out for:

These forms are made from pulverized rock. Your body struggles to absorb them, which means less calcium reaches your bones—and more may end up in places you don’t want it, like arteries and joints.

It sounds natural, but remember: your bones aren’t made of algae—they’re primarily made of hydroxyapatite.

Calcium alone isn’t enough. Without K2 and D3, calcium can’t get where it needs to go—and may do more harm than good.

Watch for vague “proprietary blends,” synthetic fillers, or low-dose ingredients that may not deliver real benefits. Transparency matters.

If your supplement doesn’t check all the right boxes, it’s time to upgrade. In the next section, I’ll share the five formulas I trust most… and the one that stands above the rest.

Disclaimer: The author of this advertisement is a proud partner of 1MD Nutrition®. The following content is based on the featured product’s website claims, current as of June 2025.

Real Results, Backed by Real People

OsteoMD® isn’t just well-formulated—it’s well-loved. According to a 2022 customer survey:

  • 89% said OsteoMD® was better than other bone health products they have tried^
  • Of the 59% of users who felt less bone aches, 87% of them noticed the results first happening in 12 weeks or less^
  • Of the 62% of users who felt less joint discomfort, 87% noticed the results first happening in 12 weeks or less^
  • 65% were able to move around more easily^

^ Based on a 2022 survey of over 1209 OsteoMD® repeat customers. Customers were compensated for their survey participation.

And unlike most supplements, OsteoMD® is backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee, giving you time to feel the difference.

If you’re serious about supporting your bone health—whether your family has a history of bone loss or you just want to stay ahead—OsteoMD® is the supplement I trust and recommend. It’s a research-backed, doctor-formulated solution designed with your long-term health in mind.

The Top 5 Bone Density Support Supplements of 2025

Now that you know what to look for—and what to avoid—here are the five supplements I’ve personally reviewed and ranked based on ingredient quality, clinical support, and user satisfaction.

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1. OsteoMD®

by1MD Nutrition®

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A+

OVERALL GRADE

Pros

  • Icon Formulated by a board-certified rheumatologist
  • Icon 325mg Calcium Hydroxyapatite
  • Icon MenaQ7® Vitamin K2
  • Icon Calzbone® (Cissus quadrangularis)
  • Icon Clinically studied ingredients at effective dosages
  • Icon Requires three capsules daily
  • Icon 90-day money-back guarantee
  • Icon 89% of OsteoMD users stated it was better than other bone health products they have tried^
  • Icon Of the 59% of users who felt less bone aches, 87% of them noticed results first happening in 12 weeks or less^
  • Icon Proud Partner of the Arthritis Foundation®

Cons

  • Icon Only available online.

The Bottom Line

OsteoMD® is the only supplement I fully endorse—and helped formulate. It combines all four essential ingredients needed to build and maintain strong bones, in clinically studied forms and dosages. The survey results speak for themselves, and the ingredients are backed by peer-reviewed research. If you're serious about protecting your bone health, this is the supplement I recommend every time.

^Based on a 2022 survey of over 120 OsteoMD repeat customers. Customers were compensated for their survey participation.

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2. Bone boost

byEssential Elements

A Partner of 1MD Nutrition®

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A

OVERALL GRADE

Pros

  • Icon Calcium Hydroxyapatite, D3, and K2
  • Icon Includes C. quadrangularis
  • Icon Requires three capsules daily
  • Icon 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Icon Not doctor-backed
  • Icon Occasionally out of stock

The Bottom Line

Bone boost™ includes quality ingredients like hydroxyapatite and C. quadrangularis for bone health support. However, the formulation lacks direct clinical oversight or medical expert involvement, which may matter to those who prioritize clinically-optimized dosages and sourcing for long-term results.

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3. AlgaeCal® Plus

byAlgaeCal Inc.

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B+

OVERALL GRADE

Pros

  • Icon Natural ingredients
  • Icon Vegetarian
  • Icon Includes Vitamin D3 and K2
  • Icon Science-backed
  • Icon Doctor-supported
  • Icon One-year money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Icon Requires four capsules daily
  • Icon Uses plant-based calcium, not hydroxyapatite
  • Icon Does not contain MenaQ7®, a clinically-studied form of vitamin K2

The Bottom Line

AlgaeCal® Plus offers a plant-based approach with algae-derived calcium for those seeking natural bone support. However, the formula doesn't include clinically studied K2, which may limit its comprehensive effectiveness. While it provides a natural alternative, the formulation may lack the clinical research backing some consumers look for in bone health supplements.

*Can be purchased directly from Amazon

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4. Bone Strength Take Care™

byNew Chapter®

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B

OVERALL GRADE

Pros

  • Icon D3 and K2 included
  • Icon Vegetarian
  • Icon Requires three capsules for full dosage

Cons

  • Icon Shorter guarantee window, only 60 days
  • Icon Low dosages of key nutrients
  • Icon Does not contain MenaQ7®, a clinically-studied form of vitamin K2
  • Icon Contains soy

The Bottom Line

Bone Strength Take Care™ includes D3 and K2, though in relatively modest amounts. The formula uses plant-based calcium and contains soy, which may not suit all dietary preferences. While it provides basic bone support nutrients, the dosages may be more suitable for general wellness rather than intensive bone-building goals.

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5. Grass Fed Bone Marrow

byAncestral Supplements®

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C+

OVERALL GRADE

Pros

  • Icon Nutrient-rich marrow base
  • Icon Rich in collagen

Cons

  • Icon No comprehensive ingredient list
  • Icon Requires six capsules a day
  • Icon Shorter guarantee window, 60 days
  • Icon Not doctor-backed

The Bottom Line

This ancestral-style formula takes a whole-food approach with grass-fed bone marrow, appealing to those who prefer traditional nutrition sources. However, it requires six capsules daily and lacks detailed ingredient transparency and clinical validation data. While it may suit those drawn to whole-food supplements, it may not meet the needs of consumers seeking scientifically structured bone support.

Why I Recommend OsteoMD®

When I began working with 1MD Nutrition®, my mission was simple: create a supplement that does more than just check boxes on a label. I wanted something I could confidently recommend to my own patients—because I knew firsthand how many “bone support” formulas just weren’t enough.

That’s how OsteoMD® was born.

As a rheumatologist, I made sure this formula included what most others leave out: the exact ingredients and dosages your bones actually need to stay strong.

Calcium Hydroxyapatite – the form of calcium your bones are literally made of

MenaQ7® (Vitamin K2) – clinically studied to deliver calcium where it belongs

Vitamin D3 – helps your body absorb and use calcium properly

Calzbone® (Cissus quadrangularis) – supports bone formation and mineralization

This is the only formula I’ve seen that brings all four together in clinically studied dosages.

What to Expect When Taking OsteoMD®

Supporting strong, healthy bones isn’t an overnight process—but with consistency, you can start seeing real results in just a few months.

Here’s what most OsteoMD® users experience:

Month 1: Nutrient Activation Begins

MenaQ7® (Vitamin K2) enters circulation and begins supporting the bone-building process, helping direct calcium toward your bones and away from soft tissue. Meanwhile, your D3 and hydroxyapatite levels start supporting calcium absorption and transport.

Month 2: Healthy Habits Take Hold

By now, taking OsteoMD® has become a daily routine. Internally, mineralization processes are ramping up as your body integrates these key nutrients.

Month 3 & Beyond: Stronger Bones, Better Support

Over half of users report noticeable improvements in joint comfort, mobility, and less bone aches within 12 weeks.^ With continued use, OsteoMD® helps promote long-term skeletal strength and supports healthy bone density.

^Based on a 2022 survey of over 180 OsteoMD repeat customers. Customers were compensated for their survey participation.

Ready to Support Stronger, Healthier Bones?

I formulated OsteoMD® because my patients—and people like you—deserve more than generic calcium.

You deserve a science-backed, doctor-developed solution that may help protect your bone health today, so you can stay active, confident, and strong for years to come.

If you’re looking for a supplement with:

Clinically studied ingredients

Doctor-formulated precision

Real-world results in just 12 weeks

A 90-day money-back guarantee

Then I can say this with confidence:

OsteoMD® is the bone health supplement I trust—and the only one I recommend.

About 1MD Nutrition®

1MD Nutrition is a trusted leader in health and wellness, providing comprehensive, physician-formulated supplements designed to address today’s most pressing health concerns. With a medical advisory board of board-certified specialists in rheumatology, urology, ophthalmology, neurology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and immunology, every product is crafted with science-driven precision to ensure maximum safety and efficacy.

Recognized with prestigious awards like the Taste for Life Essentials and Delicious Living Supplement Awards, 1MD Nutrition has earned its reputation for quality and results. Our supplements have improved the lives of over 1 million satisfied customers, addressing needs from digestive health to immune support with unmatched reliability.

Beyond products, 1MD Nutrition partners with leading institutions and supports charitable initiatives to promote better health worldwide. This commitment reflects our mission to deliver real, measurable wellness solutions that stand apart from the rest.

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Dr. Adam Kreitenberg is a dual board-certified rheumatologist and internal medicine specialist with deep roots in Southern California. A graduate of UCLA, USC, and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, he completed his internship, residency, and rheumatology fellowship at USC and L.A. County Medical Center. He runs his primary practice in Tarzana and is on staff at multiple hospitals in the San Fernando Valley. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Hebrew, Dr. Kreitenberg is widely published and actively mentors local medical residents.

Inspired by his mother’s struggle with aging joints, Dr. Kreitenberg is dedicated to helping patients manage everyday pain through a balanced approach of nutrition, gut health, physical therapy, and functional recovery pathways. As a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, he combines clinical expertise with the latest research and supplements to help patients stay active and feel their best everyday.

About Dr. Adam Kreitenberg:

Citations

¹ 1MD Nutrition. “Meet Dr. Adam Kreitenberg.” https://1md.org/pages/doctor/dr-adam-kreitenberg

² National Osteoporosis Foundation. “What is Osteoporosis?” https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/