Calcium Hydroxyapatite -- The Only Form Of Calcium Proven To Reverse Bone Loss
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Calcium Hydroxyapatite: A Superior Bone Support Supplement
The importance of calcium on preventing osteoporosis is undeniable. Yet, calcium does not work alone in creating strong, healthy bones. Although calcium is a major constituent of bone, the whole bone matrix is composed of a variety of other minerals including phosphorus and magnesium, trace elements, proteins, collagen, and glycosaminoglycans. Calcium and phosphorus occur in bone in a 2 to 1 ratio predominantly as crystalline structures called hydroxyapatite.
A Better Form of Calcium.
The physiological balance and structure of the hydroxyapatite minerals along with the presence of the organic constituents in bone caused researchers to speculate that it might be appropriate to use an extract of whole bone as a more beneficial form of supplemental calcium. Subsequent research conducted in Britain over a ten-year period showed that was indeed the case. Microcrystalline calcium hydroxyapatite compound (MCHC), and extract of young bovine bone, was found to be an extremely bioavailable form of calcium. The superiority of MCHC compared to traditional forms of calcium was shown in a number of controlled calcium balance and calcium absorption studies. The whole bone extract was exceptionally well-absorbed, producing more prolonged positive balance than soluble calcium salts such as calcium gluconate. MCHC was uniquely found to not only prevent further loss of bone, but to restore its mineral content. It was also surprisingly well-tolerated. Unlike calcium carbonate, the bone extract did not produce carbon dioxide to interfere with digestion.
Careful Processing Preserves Activity.
It is important not to confuse Microcrystalline Calcium Hydroxyapatite Compound with bone meal. Although MCHC is derived from bone, MCHC is specially processed to retain all bone minerals and organic residues intact and in their natural physiological ratios. Unlike many bone meal products, MCHC has not been heated or treated with chemical solvents. Studies comparing MCHC whole bone extract with bone meal in which the organic substances were destroyed demonstrated superior calcium absorption and utilization of MCHC. The organic components of the bone - collagen, mucopolysaccharides, amino acids, etc. - appear to contribute to the enhanced absorption and bone uptake of calcium.
Regular bone meal is often obtained from the bones of older animals which typically have unacceptable levels of lead and other toxic contaminants. MCHC, however, utilizes young bovine bone which has been carefully screened to ensure low levels of those undesirable substances.
MCHC should also not be confused with the hydroxyapatite derived synthetically or from phosphate rock. Although the hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate hydroxide) compound that is present in bone also occurs in phosphate rock, it does not have the microcrystalline structure or necessary organic constituents that distinguish MCHC and provide superior bioavailability. The microcrystalline structure of MCHC contributes to improved calcium absorption as it provides a large surface area from which the minerals in the organic matrix can be released in the intestine.
A Wise Choice for Those at Risk of Osteoporosis.
Microcrystalline calcium hydroxyapatite compound has numerous advantages over other forms of calcium making it a favorite of those who wish to supplement calcium as part of an overall approach to the prevention of osteoporosis. It is exceptionally well-absorbed and tolerated, and unlike other calcium supplements, MCHC provides physiological amounts of bone matrix components making it a comprehensive bone support supplement.
Calcium Supplements: Which is Best?
The importance of adequate calcium for skeletal health throughout the life cycle, not just after menopause has been affirmed by many journals. But how much calcium do you need, and which calcium supplement should you choose if one is necessary?
Ideally, the best way to get calcium is through your diet. But the diets of most Americans supply only 450 to 550 mg of calcium daily - well below the recommended daily allowance of 800 mg. And, to reach the level of up to 1,500 mg daily recommended for most menopausal women, calcium supplements are often necessary.
There are several factors to consider when choosing the calcium supplement best for you: the amount of elemental calcium in a specific supplement; how readily it will dissolve; its absorbability (how much calcium will actually enter your bloodstream); possible side effects; and of course, its cost.
How Much Calcium?
Calcium supplements come in a wide array of compounds: calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate, etc. Each compound contains a different amount of pure calcium, called the elemental calcium content. For example, calcium citrate contains 23% elemental calcium. Labels should state how many milligrams of elemental calcium are in each tablet, although many labels do not. Be sure you know how much actual calcium your supplement provides. This way, you can avoid taking too much calcium or not enough. All AMNI labels list elemental amounts of calcium or other minerals.
The Bone Dense Calcium shows 1,000 mg of elemental calcium per 10 capsules -- and this 1,000 mg of elemental calcium is taken from a larger quantity of the original material. The larger amount is not shown on the label -- only the "elemental calcium."
Does it Dissolve?
Recent research has shown that many brands of calcium supplements do not dissolve adequately enough before they leave the stomach. Thus, the calcium does not become available for the body to use. To test calcium tablets, place one in a glass of white vinegar for half an hour. Stir every three minutes or so. If the tablet dissolves or even breaks up, it should be soluble in your stomach. Better yet, ask the company for an actual Disintegration Report documenting the time it takes for their tablets to disintegrate. Ideally, calcium tablets should break apart or dissolve in about 30 minutes. Please note that this simple home test is suitable only for calcium supplements - not the Vibrant Life Bone Dense Calcium because our Calcium has many other ingredients to make the calcium even more effective.
Absorbability is Key.
Although some sources of calcium are absorbed better than others, inadequate information exists to compare them all and determine if one is always best. Calcium carbonate is a good source of calcium as long as adequate stomach acid or acid foods are present. Most people absorb calcium better from calcium citrate than from carbonate because it is soluble in water. The citrate form is also considered safer and better tolerated. And, as an animal-free source, it is often preferred by vegetarians. Hydroxyapatite, the form of calcium which occurs naturally in bone, is also a readily available source of calcium and is often the choice for those at risk of osteoporosis.
REFERENCES
Calcif Tissue Int 1990;46:300-304
Dent CE, Davies IJT: J Royal Society Medicine 1980;73:780-785.
Durance RA, Parsons V, et al: Clinical Trials Journal 1973;3:67-74.
J Am Coll Nutr 1990;9(6):583-587.
John Hopkins Med Ltr, Feb 1991.
Nilsen KH, Jayson, MI, Dixon AS: British Medical Journal 198;21:1124.
Pines A, Raafat H, Lynn AH, Whittington J: Curr Medical Research & Opinion 1984;8(10):734-742.
Windsor ACM, Misra DP, Loudon JM, Staddon GE: Age and Aging 1973;2:230-234.
MCHC
(Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite)
Nutritional support for maintaining and restoring
bone-tissue health requires more than calcium alone.
Living bone is a complex tissue composed of calcium and
phosphorus, plus magnesium and over 20 trace minerals.
In addition, bone strength depends on collagen and
connective-tissue factors called “glycosaminoglycans.”
All of these elements are lost in osteoporosis, not
just calcium.
The MCHC (microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate) used in Vibrant Life Bone Dense Calcium is a unique whole-bone extract derived from free-range New Zealand calves. This pure MCHC is processed at ultra-low temperatures, which is essential to preserve the nutritional quality of the organic material in the product.
MCHC contains all of the minerals found in bone, in their exact ratios, plus protein-based factors, including collagen and glycosaminoglycans.
The collagen present in MCHC is primarily Type I collagen, with a small amount of Type V collagen. These are the two types found in bone. Assays show MCHC contains no Type II or Type III collagen, the type found in articular cartilage and soft tissues. This confirms the purity of MCHC.
MCHC thus provides precise
nutritional support for the prevention and treatment of
osteoporosis. Clinical trials demonstrating its
effectiveness have been extant in the scientific
literature for over 20 years.1,2
Concerns have been raised about the presence of lead in
calcium supplements. The lead content in MCHC is
confirmed by careful lab analysis to be less than one
part per million. This is a very low amount compared to
other sources of calcium and many foods. Consumers
should be informed that so-called “hydroxyapatite”
products may be nothing more than ordinary bone meal,
and may contain much higher lead levels.
supplemental sources:
Of all the various forms of calcium available two
stand out as perhaps the most valuable. Calcium
citramate (citrate/malate) is absorbed better and
tolerated more consistently than calcium carbonate.
Physicians and other healthcare professionals
experienced in nutritional therapy have increasingly
turned to calcium citramate as their preferred form of
calcium. However, evidence has increasingly pointed to
the efficacy of microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHC)
in cases where osteoporosis is the greatest concern.
Apparently this form of calcium has a special affinity
for bone formation but some have asserted that it may
not be absorbed well.
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