The calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D in Liquid Calcium Magnesium provide readily absorbable nutrients that support the maintenance of healthy bones.†
Bone tissue is continually remodeled by the body. Two bone cells, the similarly-named osteoblasts and osteoclasts are mainly responsible for the process.2,3
Osteoblasts synthesize and secrete osteoid, the organic compound of the bony matrix. Osteoblasts also help “mineralize” the organic matrix of bone, bringing calcium, magnesium, and other minerals into the structure. Osteoclasts, on the other hand, are responsible for the resorption of the bone matrix and the release of calcium and phosphate from bone.2,3
In an ideal balance, bone tissue being replaced equals reabsorbed bone. Three major factors that affect this are:
Supplemental: includes the proper intake of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D to help build the bone matrix2
Any imbalance in this process can be a challenge for bone health.†3-5 Supplements containing calcium and other bone-building nutrients can support healthy bones and bone structure.†3
Calcium:
While calcium's main role in the body is maintaining bones and teeth, this mineral—the most abundant in the body—has a wide range of biologic roles. Calcium is required for healthy blood circulation, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contractions, and cell metabolism.†6
Calcium supplementation has also been studied for its possible role supporting healthy cell development in the colon,†7,8 the retention of healthy blood pressure that is already within the normal range,†9 supporting healthy body mass index (BMI),†10 and supporting healthy lipid levels (both low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels) already within the normal limits.†11,12
Research has also demonstrated that calcium supplements, if taken regularly, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.†13-16 Osteoporosis affects middle aged and older persons. A lifetime of regular exercise and a healthy diet that includes calcium builds and maintains good bone health and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.†1 Daily intakes above 2,000 mg are not likely to provide any additional benefit to bone health.
Magnesium:
As with calcium, most of the magnesium in the body in found in skeletal structures. Magnesium assists in numerous enzymatic functions throughout the body.17 Magnesium supplementation may also support the retention of healthy cholesterol levels already within normal limits, and is well-known for supporting the immune system.†18,19 Clinical studies have found that magnesium supports healthy bones in young adults.†20,21
Vitamin D:
Ergocalciferol is a vegetarian form of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored at lesser amounts than other fat-soluble vitamins, requiring consistent and adequate intake.22
The primary functions of vitamin D are enhancing the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines and bone mineralization and mineral homeostasis through the regulation of blood calcium levels.†23,24
Clinical studies have indicated that vitamin D supports healthy bone formation.†24,25 Supplementation with vitamin D has been shown to support healthy musculoskeletal function in older adults.†26 Vitamin D with calcium supplements has also been demonstrated to support oral health, including healthy teeth.†27
Boron:
Boron is included in the Vanilla and Mint Liquid Calcium Magnesium formulas. A trace mineral, boron works with calcium and magnesium to support healthy bone mineral metabolism.†28 Boron supplementation has been shown to decrease urinary excretion of both calcium and magnesium.†28
Botanicals:
Ginger, fennel and alfalfa are traditionally used for flavor and for their soothing effect on the intestinal tract.† Horsetail contains silica which is considered to be a trace element useful to support bone metabolism.†33 The Mint and Strawberry formulations of ITI Liquid Calcium Magnesium each contain a proprietary blend of these botanicals.
Conclusion:
Proper calcium intake early in life can provide the greatest benefits to overall bone health.† However, most Americans above the age of 9 do not get the calcium they need through diet alone. Supplementation with an readily absorbable calcium that combines magnesium and vitamin D can help fill the nutritional gaps often seen in the average diet.†34
RECOMMENDATIONS
Take one tablespoon 1 to 2 times daily. Shake well before each use.
PRECAUTIONS
If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
HOW IS IT SUPPLIED?
Product number: 206011 Mint flavor with botanicals, 2:1 Cal/Mag ratio; 16 fl oz, (473 mL)
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
Store at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15°-30°C).
Refrigerate after opening
REFERENCES
1. National Institutes of Health. NIH Consensus Development Program: Osteoporosis Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy. Available at: http://consensus.nih.gov/2000/2000Osteoporosis111html.htm. Accessed on September 7, 2006
2. Porth CM. Bone. In: Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 2002:1312-1314.
3. Guyton AC, Hall JE. Deposition and resorption of bone. In: Textbook of Medical Physiology.10th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000: 903-904.
4. Porth CM. Osteoporosis. In: Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 2002:1355-1358.
5. Holmes NH, ed. Osteoporosis. In: Professional Guide to Diseases. 7th ed. Springhouse, Pa: Springhouse Corporation, 2001: 591-592.
6. Weaver CM, Heaney RP. Calcium. In: Shils ME, Olson JA, Shine M, Ross AC, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, Md: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999: 141-155.
7. Lupton JR, Steinbach G, Chang WC, et al. Calcium supplementation modifies the relative amounts of bile acids in bile and affects key aspects of human colon physiology. J Nutr. 1996;126:1421-8.
8. Bostick RM, Fosdick L, Wood JR, et al. Calcium and colorectal epithelial cell proliferation in sporadic adenoma patients: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1995;87:1307-15.
9. Jolma P, Kalliovalkama J, Tolvanen JP, et al. High-calcium diet enhances vasorelaxation in nitric oxide-deficient hypertension. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2000;279:H1036-43.
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11. Heaney RP, Recker RR, Lappe JM. Effects of calcium supplementation on serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women. Am J Med.2003;114:620-621.
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13. Ruml LA, Sakhaee K, Peterson R, Adams-Huet B, Pak CY. The effect of calcium citrate on bone density in the early and mid-postmenopausal period: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Am J Ther. 1999;6:303-11.
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17. Grodner M, Anderson SL, DeYoung S. Magnesium. In: Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition: A Nursing Approach. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2000: 224.
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19. Mooren FC, Golf SW, Volker K. Effect of magnesium on granulocyte function and on the exercise induced inflammatory response. Magnes Res. 2003;16:49-58.
20. Dimai HP, Porta S, Wirnsberger G, et al. Daily oral magnesium supplementation suppresses bone turnover in young adult males. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998;83:2742-8.
21. Rude RK, Kirchen ME, Gruber HE, Meyer MH, Luck JS, Crawford DL. Magnesium deficiency-induced osteoporosis in the rat: uncoupling of bone formation and bone resorption. Magnes Res. 1999;12:257-67.
22. Grodner M, Anderson SL, DeYoung S. Vitamin D. In: Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition: A Nursing Approach. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2000: 194-198.
23. van Leeuwen JP, van Driel M, van den Bemd GJ, Pols HA. Vitamin D control of osteoblast function and bone extracellular matrix mineralization. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr. 2001;11:199-226.del Puente A, Esposito A, Savastano S, Carpinelli A, Postiglione L, Oriente P. Dietary calcium intake and serum vitamin D are major determinants of bone mass variations in women. A longitudinal study. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2002;14(5):382-8.
24. Kyriakidou-Himonas M, Aloia JF, Yeh JK. Vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal black women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1999;84:3988-90.
25. Feskanich D, Willett WC, Colditz GA. Calcium, vitamin D, milk consumption, and hip fractures: a prospective study among postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;77:504-11.
26. Bischoff HA, Stahelin HB, Dick W, et al. Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on falls: a randomized controlled trial. J Bone Miner Res. 2003;18:343-51.
27. Krall EA, Wehler C, Garcia RI, Harris SS, Dawson-Hughes B. Calcium and vitamin D supplements reduce tooth loss in the elderly. Am J Med. 2001;111:452-6.
28. Nielsen FH. Biochemical and physiologic consequences of boron deprivation in humans. Environ Health Prospect. 1994;102 Suppl. 7:59-63.
29. Lien HC, Sun WM, Chen YH, Kim H, Hasler W, Owyang C. Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2003 Mar;284(3):G481-9.
30. Ghayur MN, Gilani AH. Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of ginger in gastrointestinal disorders. Dig Dis Sci. 2005 Oct;50(10):1889-97.
31. Fennel. In: PDR® for Herbal Medicines, Third Edition. Montvale, NJ: Thomson; 2004: 316-318.
32. Schuyler L. Alfalfa. In: The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing; 1999: 391.
33. Horsetail. In: PDR® for Herbal Medicines, Third Edition. Montvale, NJ: Thomson; 2004: 450-451.
34. Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General. Chapter 7, “Lifestyle Approaches to Promote Bone Health.” Available at: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/bonehealth/chapter_7.html#Calcium. Accessed: August 15, 2006.
