OPTI - CAL/MAG COMPLEX #71

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, essential to life itself, with 99 % found in bones and teeth. The remaining one percent is responsible for strengthening cell membranes and is a cofactor in many enzyme reactions. Calcium supports the nervous system, hormone formations and proper blood clotting plus regulates cardiovascular physiology!

Research continues to point to calcium deficiency as the primary cause of osteoporosis, the demineralization of bones. Osteoporosis occurs mostly in postmenopausal women, causing approximately 200,000 deaths a year, more than claimed by cancer of the breast, cervix and uterus combined! This disfiguring, deadly condition referred to as "brittle bones" seems to be the result of a diet deficient over a period of years in calcium, compounded by a lower absorption of this essential element due to aging digestive organs. Consider the following facts. Deficiency in magnesium is found in the diets of 75% of all Americans while 68% are not getting enough calcium (International Conference on Human Nutrition, 1995).

Research studies indicate that this condition can begin very early in life and rapidly escalate with age and dietary changes. It has been reported in medical writings that persons over the age of 40 may have a bone loss as high as 25% of stored bone calcium.

With the support of medical research, the market has been flooded with calcium supplements, many which fail to take into consideration calcium metabolism. You have all heard the old saying, “You are what you eat”. It should be changed in light of today’s food supplies: “You are what you absorb”. A mineral that is not absorbed cannot get into the bones; it just floats in the blood stream and them forms deposits in the joints. The amount absorbed is more important than the quantity consumed.

The type of minerals is what determines the absorption levels, Opti-Cal/Mag is a co-enzyme complex, heat stabled molecules that must be associated with another enzyme for the enzyme to perform its function in the body. It is necessary in the utilization of vitamins and minerals for proper delivery to the cell nucleus. One study found that Opti-Cal/Mag complex is 8.79 times more absorbed into the blood than calcium carbonate and 2.97 times more than calcium gluconate. Another interesting study found that calcium from bone meal/powder is absorbed 1.13 times more than calcium carbonate, the variety found in most supplements. Clinical reports consistently confirm that dietary/food calcium in its more absorbable form benefits in the management of lowering blood levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. Other health concerns from calcium deficiencies can contribute to muscle cramps, insomnia, mood/behavioral/nerve problems, hypertension, growth problems, kidney stones, and colon cancer. More recent research indicates that calcium also plays a role in preventing cancer by detoxifying potentially cancer-causing compounds in the bowel.

Because calcium also supports the functioning of nerves and muscles, early indications of calcium deficiency are muscle cramping and irritability.

The following gives description of the supporting minerals interaction within the body:

Magnesium.
An essential mineral. The chief function of magnesium is to activate certain enzymes, especially those related to carbohydrate metabolism. Another role is to maintain the electrical potential across nerve and muscle membranes. It is essential for proper heartbeat and nerve transmission. Magnesium controls many cellular functions. It is involved in protein formation, DNA production and function and in the storage and release of energy in ATP. Magnesium is closely related to calcium and phosphorus in body function. The average adult body contains approximately one ounce of magnesium. It is the fifth mineral in abundance within the body--behind calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Although about 70 percent of the body's magnesium is contained in the teeth and bones, its most important functions are carried out by the remainder, which is present in the cells of the soft tissues and in the fluid surrounding those cells.

Orotate.
An oratic acid salt (nucleic acid); an effective molecule for transporting minerals through cellular membranes. Functions as an essential part of every living cell.

Boron.
A mineral that may play a role in maintaining strong bones, affecting calcium and magnesium metabolism and proper membrane function. Supplements with boron have been shown to reduce the urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium. Boron assists in synthesizing and raising the level of estrogen and testosterone in older women, thereby playing a major role in preventing bone loss.

Potassium.
A mineral that serves as an electrolyte and is involved in the balance of fluid within the body. Our bodies contain more than twice as much potassium as sodium (typically nine ounces versus four ounces). About 98 percent of total body potassium is inside our cells.  Potassium is important in controlling the activity of the heart, muscles, nervous system and just about every cell in the body. Potassium regulates the water balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues. Evidence is showing that potassium is also involved in bone calcification. Potassium is a co-factor in many reactions, especially those involving energy production and muscle building.

MSM.
Supports the body's connective tissue and benefits a huge range of health problems including allergies, arthritis, gastro-intestinal issues, acid stomach, muscle and joint pains, lung problems, and is a transporter of nutrients to the cells.

Vitamin D.
 A fat soluble vitamin essential to one's health. Regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood by improving their absorption and utilization. Necessary for normal growth and formation of bones and teeth.

Pyridoxine.
(Vitamin B-6) A B-complex vitamin that plays a role as a coenzyme in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It facilitates the release of glycogen for energy from the liver and muscles. It also participates in the utilization of energy in the brain and nervous tissue and is essential for the regulation of the central nervous system.

Medical research has shown that the addition of calcium supplements to the diet can restore strength to the bones, particularly when the calcium is balanced with minerals that enhance the absorption and utilization of this important element.