Boron: Necessary to calcium uptake, it also decreases renal excretion of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus (also necessary to bone remodeling.) (1)

Calcium: Needed for proper endocrine secretion, acid-alkaline balance & nerve conduction. (3) Necessary for healthy bones & teeth, it also inhibits absorption of lead into bone tissue. (1,3) Low tissue calcium levels have also been found in people with allergies, particularly histamine allergies. (3) It is best to use different forms for optimal absorption.  Most forms of calcium require adequate stomach acids to be properly broken down and assimilated. (4,7) Thus, digestive problems can impair absorption.  Calcium carbonate, the most commonly recommended form of calcium, is one such example. Depending on how it is manufactured, it may not disintegrate and dissolve properly. (4)

Calcium Citrate – Citrate is used in the Kreb’s cycle and thus makes it easier for calcium to enter into the cell.  Combined with malate, absorption rates have been significantly better than carbonate or milk. (5) Other studies have shown 20-66% higher absorption rate of calcium citrate over calcium carbonate. (6) As a Kreb’s cycle intermediate, citrate is a good choice if the development of kidney stones is a concern.

Calcium Malate – The combination of calcium citrate and malate offer high bioavailability and an effective way to maintain bone mass. (4) It is also an intermediate of the Kreb’s cycle and is thus a good choice if the development of kidney stones is a concern. 

Kreb’s cycle intermediates are easily ionized, have no toxicity, are almost completely degraded and increase calcium and other mineral absorption. 95% of ingested Kreb’s cycle intermediates are utilized for energy and the remaining 5% is excreted by the urine.  In doing such, they help prevent kidney stones. (2)

Microcrystalline Calcium Hydroxyapatite – Some studies have shown that microcystalline hydroxyapaptite calcium.  (MCHC) may increase bone mass. (4) A significant difference in trabecular bone increase has been observed with the use of MCHC over carbonate. (8)

Copper: Important in formation of red blood cells & hemoglobin, as well as elastin & collagen. Aids in bone formation and works synergistically with zinc and vitamin C. (1,3) Important in many enzyme activities.  Antagonistic to iron.  Deficiencies or excesses can negatively affect the nervous system.  It is needed for myelination of the nerves and the integrity of the cardiovascular system.  Synergistic with estrogen.  (Copper is normally excreted via the gallbladder and the liver.) (3) Osteoporosis is one of the early signs of copper deficiency. (1)

Horsetail (Dry extracted):  Increases calcium absorption, strengthening hair, nails, bones and teeth. Promotes healthy skin and healing of connective tissue and broken bones.  Has been used as a diuretic and to treat kidney stones, in cystitis, intestinal disorders, gout and rheumatism. (1) Rich in silicic acid and silicates, it also contains fatty acids, PABA, silica, sodium, potassium, manganese, calcium, copper, fluorine, zinc, aconitic acid, equisitine, vitamin B5 and fifteen different types of bioflavonoids. (1, 4)   Crude horsetail contains an enzyme, thiaminase, that destroys thiamin.  This enzyme is neutralized by alcohol, temperature and alkalinity. (4) The dry extracted method is used in order to preserve more of the active constituents of this herb while neutralizing thiaminase.

Magnesium: It is involved in many enzyme activities and is essential to carbohydrate & mineral metabolism as well as neurotransmission. It is necessary to appropriate calcium uptake and is one of the minerals involved in bone remodeling.(1) The fourth most abundant cation in the body, it is easily depleted by stress.  It is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions due to its positive charge.  It stabilizes RNA & DNA and is needed for cellular metabolism.  A natural sedative.  Influences the intra & extracellular fluid balance through its relation with potassium & sodium. (3)

Manganese: Essential to enzyme production necessary to proper fat oxidation and purine metabolism; enhances the immune system; necessary for fat & protein metabolism. Essential to energy production, bone growth and reproduction.  It also works with thiamine and vitamin E.(1) Manganese is primarily located in the mitochondria.  It activates the free radical scavenger, SOD (superoxide dismutase).  It is also needed for normal thyroid function (involved in thyroxin formation) and the adrenal hormones affect its metabolism. (3)

Vitamin K: Plays a role in bone formation and the prevention of osteoporosis. (1)

Phosphorus: Important to the normal formation of bones & teeth, cell growth, kidney function and cardiac contractions.  It is involved in energy production and the utilization of vitamins. If functions with magnesium & calcium.(1)

Vitamin B6 from Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate: Important in nervous system & immune function as well as fat and protein absorption.  It is necessary for hydrochloric acid production.  Activates many enzymes.  Important in sodium and potassium balance. (1)

Vitamin D3: Necessary to calcium & phosphorus absorption & utilization. (1) D3 is the active form of vitamin once it has been converted by sunlight within the body. (2)

Vitamin E: Antioxidant properties; prevents lipid peroxidation; enhances circulation. Requires zinc for proper functioning. (1)

Zinc: Found in the adrenal tissue, it is involved in over 100 enzyme activities.  Synergistic with thiamine, P-5-P & pantothenic acid. (3)

Other Contents: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate – Binding agents.  

REFERENCES:

1.JamesF. Balch, M.D.&Phyllis C. Balch, C.N.C.;Prescription for NutritionalHealing; Avery Publishing Group, Inc., 1990.

2.MichaelMurray, N.D.&Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.;Encyclopedia of NaturalMedicine, Revised 2^ndedition; Prima Publishing,1998

3.Dr.David L. Watts;Trace Elements and Other Essential Nutrients;2^ndWriter’s B-L-O-C-K edition, 1997; 1995.

4.http://www.gnc.com/wellness/natpharm

5.SmithKT, Heaney RP, Flora L, Hinders SM; “Calcium absorption from a new calciumdelivery system (CCM)”; Calcif Tissue Int 1987 Dec; 41 (6):351-2

6.NicarMJ, Pak CY; “Calcium bioavailability from calcium carbonate and calciumcitrate”; J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1985 Aug; 61 (2):391-3

7.Bo-LinnGgW, Davis GR, Buddrus DJ, Morawski SG, Santa Ana C, Fordtran JS; “An evaluationof the importance of gastric acid secretion in the absorption of dietarycalcium”; J Clin Invest 1984 Mar; 73 (3): 640-7

8.RuegseggerP, Keller A, Dambacjer MA; “Comparison of the treatment effects ofossein-hydroxyapatitecompoundandcalcium carbonate in osteoporotic females”; Osteoporos Int 1995 Jan; 5 (1):30-4