Q: I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about seven years ago. Fosomax and calcium tablets caused such constipation I thought I had a bowel obstruction so I just stopped taking them. Four years ago I tried Boniva and have had better luck with it. However, I still have constipation problems but not as severe. Because I cannot take calcium pills, I drink a quart of skim milk a day and eat all the naturally rich calcium foods I can find. I read an article that black strap unsulphured molasses has 20% calcium per tablespoon, so I added to my daily intake. I don’t know if it’s my imagination but my digestive tract has greatly improved.
My question is, do you think it can help in that way and is it harmful to take one tablespoon each day? I would like to recommend it to friends, male and female, that haven’t had luck with all other methods, including an excellent diet. The only thing I see that may be a problem is the 11 g of sugar. I’m so active it is not a concern for me but it may be a problem for others.
A: Molasses is a byproduct of refined sugarcane, grapes or sugar beets. The quality of the product depends on the maturity of the source plant, the amount of sugar extracted from it, and the method by which the sugar is extracted. In order to make molasses, the cane of the sugar plant is harvested and the leaves are stripped. The juice contained therein is extracted through cutting, crushing or mashing. The juice is then boiled down to make a more concentrated form. The initial boiling process produces what we know as cane syrup and has the highest sugar content. Molasses made from young sugar cane plants is known as sulphured molasses because of the sulfur dioxide that is added to keep the raw cane fresh until processing occurs. According to the FDA, sulfur dioxide is “generally recognized as safe” for use as a preservative except when used on vegetables and meats sold as fresh food. Unsulphured molasses, on the other hand, is made from mature cane plants. Following boiling, what remains is still sweet, but with natural nutrients and the distinct molasses flavor.
A triple boiling and sugar extraction process produces blackstrap molasses which is a more nutritionally dense sweetener than either the sulphured or unsulphured products. It contains antioxidant compounds that may help prevent cell damage from free radicals and is used to add both color and flavor to cooked foods and can also be used to sweeten beverages. The food energy content of blackstrap is primarily from the small amount of sugar remaining; however, it contains trace amounts of vitamins and substantially greater amounts of several minerals. It is a source of potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron, with one tablespoon providing up to 20% of the daily value of each of the nutrients mentioned. It is available as a supplement in health food stores, used in cattle feed production and in the manufacture of ethyl alcohol for industrial purposes.
The Office of Dietary Supplements of the NIH recommends 1,200 mg of calcium daily for adults ages 51 and older for women and 1,000 mg for men ages 51 to 70 with a jump to that of women once they reach the age of 71. Two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses contain 400 mg of calcium. Natural foods that provide calcium include cheese, milk, yogurt, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, tofu, okra, salmon, and fortified breakfast cereals.
As you have discovered, calcium can cause constipation (as well as bloating and gas) in some individuals. These side effects may be overcome by spreading out the supplement throughout the day. Excess amounts of calcium may also interfere with iron and zinc absorption, and can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
With regard to granulated and added sugars and based on a 2000 calorie diet for active men and women ages 51 and older, 260 empty calories can be consumed in a day but those calories include fats and added sugars such as blackstrap molasses. Moderation is key; therefore, there are better options than daily molasses consumption. Speak with your physician regarding his recommendations.
Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Vitamins & Minerals” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
