Calcium Physiology

Calcium absorption from GI tract is regulated by vitamin D and parathyroid hormones. Without parathormone, you cannot actively transport calcium through the digestive tract wall.

Each mineral works best in proportion to other minerals. Vitamin D  and calcium intake recommendations must therefore take into account the kind of calcium, the amount of vitamin D in the diet, the amount of sun exposure, the activity of parathormone, the dietary intake of binding substances such as phytic acid ( in wheat), and competition of calcium with phosphorus, magnesium and other minerals. Deciding calcium intake recommendations, is not simple. There is be a wide margin of error in any general "recommended daily allowance" for calcium.

Blood Calcium concentration is closely regulated by intake control at the bowel wall, active deposits and withdrawals from bone, and close monitoring of the amount the kidney excretes. If blood calcium drops even marginally, a state of nervous and muscular hyperactivity - tetany - quickly appears. The symptoms are tremor, anxiety, and hand muscle cramps that draw the fingers into a clenched fist.

In older women, a high plasma level of vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, whereas high sodium, protein, alcohol and caffeine intakes will cause increased urinary losses and negative calcium balance. Other regulatory changes and/or vitamin D deficiency may alter the balance between calcium absorption from the bowel and excretion from the kidney.  Vitamin K2 also play a role in in the transport and deposition of calcium in bone. K2 deficiencies contribute to osteoporosis and increase calcification of arteries.

Bone stores 99% of body calcium, and calcium salts, laid down in a soft protein matrix, are responsible for the hardness of bones. Long-term calcium deficiency leads to bone thinning or osteomalacia.

The problem of demineralization of bone is confused with loss of whole bone tissue. The term "Osteoporosis" refers to a loss of total bone mass and not just bone thinning due to calcium deficiency. Copper and manganese are essential for normal bone matrix formation, and must be considered in the overall nutrient equation.

Calcium Supplements

Calcium intake recommendations, to be realistic and effective have to take into account the type of calcium chosen and the variables of absorption in each individual.  The cheapest, common supplement is Calcium Carbonate ("Tums"), made from limestone, or oyster shells. Calcium carbonate is not soluble in water and is poorly absorbed. There are other problems with this calcium supplement in large amounts over a long period of time. Calcium carbonate is an antacid which reduces stomach acidity and may interfere with the digestion of food. It causes "rebound" hyperacidity after it leaves the stomach. It blocks its own absorption. It may be poorly absorbed, and bind other minerals and vitamins. Calcium citrate is also not soluble in water and may not be absorbed easily.

More soluble calcium compounds are the best to use but are more expensive and are best delivered in a powder form dissolved in juice or added to food. Calcium glycerophosphate is the most soluble compound available in and is used in Alpha OMX and in all the other Alpha Nutrition Formulas. This form of calcium is used in the food industry because it is soluble, safe and is well tolerated in the gastrointestinal tract. Its high solubility mean better absorption and the daily dose required is less than calcium carbonate.

Alpha OMX is carefully formulated blend of nutrients essential for bone growth and maintenance. All bone nutrients work together to strengthen none as it grows and to maintain bone strength as we age. The key nutrients for bone health are calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D, zinc, copper and manganese. This formula was designed with women in mind because bone thinning has become a major health problem for aging women. Some research suggest that bone nutrient intake in teenage girls is an important determinant of bone health in later life. Women of all ages can benefit from nutrient supplementation. Bone nutrients will also help men to achieve optimal bone health. The formula can be used to supplement the diets of children who are at risk of mineral or vitamin D deficiency and will prevent rickets.

Order OMX Online

All Alpha Nutrition formulas are ordered at Alpha Online. We ship through the Post Office to all destinations in Canada, Continental USA, Alaska, Hawaii. Alpha Nutrition ®is a registered trademark and a division of  Environmed Research Inc., Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada. In business since 1984. Online since 1995.