Nature’s Sea Calcium

  • Stock #1576-9 (75 g)
This information is provided by YourRoadLessTraveled.com

The relevance of calcium to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is well established. However, in recent years, data has emerged indicating important associations between increased calcium intake and the reduced risk of colorectal cancer, metabolic syndrome, overweight and obesity, and gestational hypertension (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure). In addition, calcium supplementation becomes more important with age as research shows that, throughout adulthood, the efficiency of calcium absorption from the diet gradually declines.1-9

Nature’s Sea Calcium is a plant-derived calcium supplement obtained from a species of red algae that grows off the coast of Ireland. Nature’s Sea Calcium provides a bioavailable source of calcium, coupled with the added health benefits of numerous minerals and trace elements that occur naturally in the algae. Nature’s Sea Calcium also contains a proprietary blend of short-chain fructooligosaccharides to promote maximum calcium absorption. Nature’s Sea Calcium is available in capsules, as well as in powdered form, the latter of which is suitable for vegetarians. Nature’s Sea Calcium contains:

Lithothamnion belongs to a group of red algae known as coralline algae that grows in pollution-free, north-eastern Atlantic waters, off the southwest coast of Ireland. This important species of algae is made up of successive layers of calcium and magnesium carbonates, giving it the texture and appearance of coral. Lithothamnion is regarded as a high-quality seaweed and an excellent plant-based source of calcium and magnesium carbonate. However, Lithothamnion also contains relatively large amounts of naturally-occurring trace elements, including boron, copper, iron and zinc. The porous texture of Lithothamnion is believed to contribute to the bioavailability of its rich mineral content. Results of a 3-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 12 pre-menopausal women (ages 20 to 40), showed that Lithothamnion provided a greater bioavailable source of calcium than standard calcium carbonate when compared to placebo. In addition, Lithothamnion also provided a more prolonged decrease in blood levels of PTH (parathyroid hormone), which is indicative of increased calcium absorption. 10-18

Short-chain Fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) are naturally-occurring simple carbohydrates that are neither digested nor absorbed by humans. Instead, scFOS encourage the growth of bifidobacteria—one of several beneficial strains of colonic bacteria—while suppressing the growth of potentially harmful pathogens (disease-causing organisms) in the colon. ScFOS also help promote intestinal immunomodulation and may help reduce the risk of colon cancer. Furthermore, scFOS have been shown to enhance calcium and magnesium absorption in the colon. 19-28

Each capsule of Nature’s Sea Calcium provides 100mg of calcium and 50mg of magnesium. Each serving of Nature’s Sea Calcium powder (2 level scoops) provides 325mg of calcium and 163mg of magnesium.

This information is provided by YourRoadLessTraveled.com
References:

1Bohmer H, et. al. “Calcium supplementation with calcium-rich mineral waters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of its bioavailability.“ Osteoporosis International; 2000, 11(11):938-943.

2Flood, A., et. al. “Calcium from diet and supplements is associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer in a prospective cohort of women.“ Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; 2005, 14(1):126-132.

3Liu, S., et. al. “Dietary calcium, vitamin D, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older U.S. women.“ Diabetes Care; 2005, 28(12):2926-2932.

4Shapses, S.A., et. al. “Effect of calcium supplementation on weight and fat loss in women.“ Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism; 2004, 89(2):632-637.

5Davies, K.M., et. al. “Calcium intake and body weight.“ Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism; 2000, 85:4635-4638.

6Heaney, R.P. “Normalizing calcium intake: projected population effects for body weight.“ Journal of Nutrition; 2003 Jan;133(1):268S-270S.

7Hofmeyr, G.J., et. al. “Calcium supplementation to prevent pre-eclampsia–a systematic review.“ South African Medical Journal; 2003, 93(3):224-228.

8Abrams, S.A. “Normal acquisition and loss of bone mass.“ Hormone Research; 2003, 60 Suppl 3:71-76.

9Nordin, B.E., et. al. “Nutrition, osteoporosis, and aging.“ Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences; 1998, 854:336-351.

10“Coralline algae.“ National University of Ireland, Galway. . Accessed February 2006.

11Assoumani, M.B. “The Functionality of Aquacal, A Seaweed Calcium Mineral.“ Innovations in Food Technology; February 2000.

12“Plant-source calcium supplement appears to offer better absorption.“ Decision News Media; 2006. . Accessed February 2006.

13“Osteoporosis.“ University of Maryland Medical Center; 2004. . Accessed February 2006.

14“Phymatolithon calcareum.“ National University of Ireland, Galway. . Accessed February 2006.

15Zenk, J.L., et. al. (2004) “A Single Dose Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Comparison of Two Calcium Supplements in Pre-Menopausal Women.“ 2004 Experimental Biology meeting abstracts[accessed at http://select.biosis.org/faseb/eb2004_data/FASEB006902.html]. The FASEB Journal, Abstract #608.4.

16—. “A Single Dose Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Comparison of Two Calcium Supplements in Pre-Menopausal Women.“ Marigot Ireland Ltd.; 2004. . Accessed February 2006.

17“High bioavailability of calcium from seaweed proved.“ Decision News Media; 2006. . Accessed February 2006.

18Guillemant, J., et. al. “Acute effects of oral calcium load on parathyroid function and on bone resorption in young men.“ American Journal of Nephrology; 2000, 20(1):48-52.

19Flamm, G., et. al. “Inulin and oligofructose as dietary fiber: a review of the evidence.“ Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition; 2001, 41(5):353-362.

20Galland MD, L. “Using Friendly Flora.” . Accessed January 2006.

21Wolfson ND, D. “A Probiotics Primer.” Nutrition Science News; June 1999.

22Lukaczer ND, D. “The Probiotic Solution for Colitis.” Nutrition Science News, December 2000.

23Almada BSc, A. “Appliance Of Science.” Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals; December 2002.

24Bouhnik, Y., et. al. “Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide administration dose-dependently increases fecal bifidobacteria in healthy humans.” Journal of Nutrition; 1999, 129(1):113-116.

25Tokunaga, T. “Novel physiological function of fructooligosaccharides.“ Biofactors; 2004, 21(1-4):89-94.

26Bornet, F.R., et. al. “Nutritional aspects of short-chain fructooligosaccharides: natural occurrence, chemistry, physiology and health implications.” Digestive and Liver Disease; 2002, 34 Suppl 2:S111-120.

27Tahiri, M., et. al. “Effect of short-chain fructooligosaccharides on intestinal calcium absorption and calcium status in postmenopausal women: a stable-isotope study.“ American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 2003, 77(2):449-457.

28—. “Five-week intake of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides increases intestinal absorption and status of magnesium in postmenopausal women.” Journal of Bone and Mineral Research; 2001, 16(11):2152-2160.