Calcium as Microcrystalline Hyrdoxyapatite
First we chose non-synthetic microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHC) which contains calcium, growth factors, a wide array of peptides, mucopolysaccharides, and other micro-nutrients, all of which work together synergistically in a way that is simply not matched by traditional calcium supplements. This probably accounts for MCHC’s amazing ability to stop and reverse bone loss. The only downside to MCHC is that it is sourced from bovine bone and is therefore not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. It comes from young bovine bones which includes other elements improving the absorption and bioavailability. In this form they remove the fatty constituents and leave the minerals in their natural ratios as well as residues of matrix, proteins, and glycosaminoglycans.
Calcium Citrate Malate
A water-soluble form of calcium that can be taken on an empty stomach. Calcium Citrate Malate is created through mixing the calcium salt found in citric acid with malic acid. This type of Calcium has higher levels of bioavailability than other forms with less side effects (like bloating and constipation experienced with Calcium Carbonate). Calcium Citrate Malate is water-soluble and evidence shows it is actually dissolved into cell membranes of bone and slows down bone loss. On the other hand, Calcium Citrate Malate does not have the best effect on your bone density.
Calcium from Organic Algae
So what Calcium has the best effects on bone density? Enter the final type of Calcium included in Nature’s Essentials Calcium-Rx™ Calcium from Organic Algae…sourced from USDA Certified Organic marine algaes and is clinically proven to increase bone density. Many people are beginning to discover, and are intrigued by, this new type of calcium supplement that is made entirely from plants.
With our unprecedented Calcium matrix, Nature’s Essentials provides your bones with a comprehensive approach to bone health, bone density and bone strength. However, any expert will tell you that having healthy bones comes from more than just calcium intake. For example, added ingredients such as vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium, and phosphorus along with regular weight-bearing exercise are all needed to fully support bone health.
Vitamin D3 enhances Calcium absorption
It’s now common knowledge that vitamin D3 is mandatory to get calcium to the bones, not stuck in the arteries. The principal function of vitamin D3 in calcium homeostasis is to increase calcium absorption from the intestine. Calcium is absorbed by both an active transcellular pathway, which is energy dependent, and by a passive paracellular pathway through tight junctions. 1,25Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) the hormonally active form of vitamin D, through its genomic actions, is the major stimulator of active intestinal calcium absorption which involves calcium influx, translocation of calcium through the interior of the enterocyte and basolateral extrusion of calcium by the intestinal plasma membrane pump. This article reviews recent studies that have challenged the traditional model of vitamin D mediated transcellular calcium absorption and the crucial role of specific calcium transport proteins in intestinal calcium absorption. There is also increasing evidence that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) can enhance paracellular calcium diffusion. The influence of estrogen, prolactin, glucocorticoids and aging on intestinal calcium absorption and the role of the distal intestine in vitamin D3 mediated intestinal calcium absorption are also discussed.
(Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2011 Dec 5;347(1-2):25-9. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.05.038. Epub 2011 Jun 1. Vitamin D and intestinal calcium absorption. Christakos S1, Dhawan P, Porta A, Mady LJ, Seth T.)
Vitamin K2 (as MK-7)
Magnesium, manganese, vanadium, silica and a few more minerals have all been proven to assist in bone growth and so should be part of any bone health supplement. Fortunately, these are all found in the plant sourced Calcium portion of our formula. However, Vitamin K is another vitamin that supports the proper deposition of calcium into the bone matrix, thereby maintaining skeletal integrity as well as supporting cardiovascular and arterial health. We use vitamin K2 as MK-7 from natural fermentation, which is a more bioavailable form of vitamin K.
Ipriflavone
Ipriflavone (i.p.), an isoflavone derivative, is currently used in several countries for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Recently, 149 elderly, osteoporotic women (65-79 years) with prevalent vertebral fractures were enrolled in two Italian, multicenter, double-blind, 2-year studies. Women were randomly allocated to receive either oral i.p. (200 mg T.I.D. at meals) or matching placebo, plus 1 g oral calcium daily. One hundred eleven subjects completed the 2-year treatment period. A significant increase in forearm bone mineral density (BMD), measured by dual photon absorptiometry (DPA), was obtained after i.p. treatment. Women receiving the placebo showed only a limited bone loss during the treatment period, probably due to calcium supplement; however, a significant between-treatment difference was obtained in both studies. Urinary hydroxyproline was significantly decreased in i.p.-treated patients, suggesting a reduction in bone turnover rate. A reduction of incident vertebral fractures was observed in i.p.-treated women compared with control subjects. A significant improvement of bone pain and mobility has also been pointed out in one of the studies. To date, 2769 patients have been treated with i.p., for a total of 3132 patient/years, in 60 clinical studies performed in Italy, Japan, and Hungary and reviewed for long-term safety assessment. The incidence of adverse reactions in ipriflavone-treated patients (14.5%) was similar to that observed in subjects receiving the placebo (16.1%). Side effects were mainly gastrointestinal. Few patients presented reversible modifications of laboratory parameters. The data from the above studies show that long-term treatment with i.p. may be considered safe, and may increase bone density and possibly prevent fractures in elderly patients with established osteoporosis.
(Calcif Tissue Int. 1997;61 Suppl 1:S23-7. Efficacy of ipriflavone in established osteoporosis and long-term safety. Agnusdei D1, Bufalino L.)
†These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This Product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
