Reinforcing the body’s bone structure
The structure of bones can be likened to concrete used to make buildings. When a building is first assembled, the frame is built with cast iron rods. Cement is then poured around these iron rods to form a structure, strong enough to withstand rocking while maintaining strength.
Without the iron rods, the cement would be brittle and fracture even with minor movements. Without the cement, the iron rods would have no support.
A similar situation happens with our bones. The iron rods represent the bones in our body and the cement surrounding the rods are formed by minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. These minerals give the bones strength.
Bones are composed of living and growing tissue. Bones support and protect the organs in the body and also produce red and white blood cells.
In addition to their mechanical functions, bones form a reservoir for minerals, with the most notable mineral being calcium. Ninetynine per cent of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and 1% is in teeth.
Calcium plays an important role in transmitting signals to nerves and muscles and also plays a part in various other bodily functions.
In order to keep these functions regulated, the calcium content in the blood must be maintained at a specific level.
When calcium levels in the blood are too low, calcium is released from the bone into the bloodstream. This process is known as resorption, which results in the breakdown of bones.
Coupled with the rebuilding of bones (a process known as formation), both these processes constitute bone remodelling. By replacing old bone cells with new ones, the continuous bone remodelling cycle ensures that the calcium supply in the body is adequate and is always in balance.
however, if the resorption rate is greater than the formation rate, the loss of bone mass will occur. If the formation rate is greater than the resorption rate, bone mass will increase.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced. When BMD is reduced, the risk of fractures increases.
While calcium is considered to be the main bone nutrient, studies have shown that too much attention paid to calcium intake often causes an imbalanced intake of other nutrients, which could also increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Ideally, calcium should be taken along with other nutrients such as vitamin D and magnesium to maximise its bioavailability.
Recent statistics by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) have shown that 50% of Malaysians are at risk of developing osteoporosis when they reach their 50s, with women in their 30s and above being the group with the highest risk.
In Malaysia, there are 88 and 218 cases of hip fractures in males and females respectively in every 100,000 people.
According to statistics, 51.8% of Malaysian women will suffer from mild osteoporosis after menopause.
Seaweed-based calcium: Aquamin
Branded as Aquamin, the red algae Lithothamnion sp. is a living, edible plant rich in calcium and 74 other trace minerals.
It is found along the coast of Iceland, where these algae absorb essential minerals from the sea during their growth phase, giving them a multi-mineral property that contains magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and the trace minerals boron, strontium, vanadium, copper, silica, selenium and zinc, all of which are important for bone health.
The algae is then harvested by the Icelandic government under a controlled 30-year licence. Independent monitoring and continuous research is done to ensure harvest activities do not affect the ecosystem.
As only completely calcified algae is harvested, young algae is left to grow to full maturity.
Aquamin for bone and joint health
The primary benefit of Aquamin is that it has been shown to reduce levels of the parathyroid hormone (PTh) in the body more effectively than other forms of calcium.
PTh has a direct effect on bone mineral density (BMD). It controls the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. When blood calcium is low, PTh is released which pulls calcium away from the bones. As a result, bones weaken and become brittle.
Bones are more prone to fractures if they are constantly exposed to a high level of PTh.
Aquamin has been clinically proven to reduce the production of PTh. This means calcium levels remain intact in the bones and calcium loss from the bones is prevented. This way, the bones become stronger as more calcium is deposited. The end result is an increase in BMD.
Aquamin has shown this positive effect in pre- and post-menopausal women as well as in athletes in non-impact sports (i.e. cycling), all of whom exhibit lower-than-normal bone mineral density.
Measuring the absorption of various forms of calcium is difficult. Absorption can vary according to the source of calcium, the delivery form, the individual human subject, digestibility and meal consumption.
The reduction in PTh levels in humans is so linked to calcium levels that the ability of Aquamin to reduce PTh is the conclusive proof of its superior bioavailability.
Offering a range of minerals from a single natural source, this further enhances the bioavailability of Aquamin.
It is believed that the porous nature of Aquamin is the key to its superior absorption. In studies conducted on bone cells, Aquamin was shown to effectively remineralise cells, increasing the number of osteoblasts.
Osteoblasts are responsible for new bone formation. Researchers theorised that the synergistic effect of the mineral complex in Aquamin is responsible for the increase in osteogenesis (bone formation activity).
Conclusion
Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health. A 5% to 10% difference in peak bone mass can increase the risk of hip fractures later in life.
Aquamin is an organic and plant-based multi-mineral that helps prevent osteoporosis. Rich in calcium and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, selenium and other important trace minerals, it helps increase BMD.
Derived from a unique red seaweed algae, this patented ingredient has demonstrated an effective cell remineralisation mechanism by increasing the number of osteoblasts, thus increasing osteogenesis.
This information is contributed by an inhouse pharmacist at Cambert (M) Sdn Bhd.