Understanding Bone Loss and Traditional Calcium
After age 40, both men and women typically begin to experience a gradual decline in bone mineral density (BMD). For women, this process accelerates significantly after menopause due to hormonal changes, increasing the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Traditional calcium supplements, often derived from limestone (calcium carbonate) or rocks, primarily aim to slow this rate of bone loss. While important, they often lack the comprehensive range of minerals and vitamins necessary to actively stimulate new bone growth. This is where AlgaeCal Plus, a plant-based alternative, positions itself differently.
The Unique Formulation of AlgaeCal Plus
Unlike rock-based supplements, AlgaeCal Plus is sourced from a specific type of marine algae, Mesophyllum superpositum. This natural source offers a wide array of bone-building minerals, not just calcium. The core ingredients in AlgaeCal Plus include:
- Plant-Based Calcium: Sourced from the marine algae, which is highly bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body.
- Magnesium: Essential for activating vitamin D and a key component of bone structure. AlgaeCal Plus is formulated to maintain an optimal 2:1 calcium-to-magnesium ratio.
- Vitamin D3: Crucial for calcium absorption and bone mineralization.
- Vitamin K2 (MK-7): This vital vitamin acts like a traffic controller, directing calcium into your bones where it is needed and away from soft tissues like arteries and kidneys.
- Other Trace Minerals: Including boron, manganese, copper, and zinc, all of which play synergistic roles in bone metabolism and health.
How AlgaeCal Plus Increases Bone Density
While traditional supplements work by attempting to preserve existing bone, the multi-nutrient profile of AlgaeCal Plus is designed to support the body's natural bone-building processes. The presence of multiple minerals and vitamins, particularly Vitamin K2, helps ensure that the calcium is effectively utilized to build new bone rather than simply preventing further loss. Clinical studies provide evidence to support this claim.
Scientific Support and Clinical Studies
Several human clinical studies have been published examining the effects of AlgaeCal products on bone density. For example, a 7-year longitudinal trial published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that participants taking the AlgaeCal Plus and Strontium Boost combination experienced continuous, linear increases in bone mineral density over the study period, averaging about 1% per year.
This is a significant finding, as it contrasts with the typical bone loss expected in older adults, even those taking traditional calcium supplements. To read the abstract of this research, you can visit the study on PubMed. Another study published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences demonstrated that formulations containing AlgaeCal increased bone density in postmenopausal women over a year.
The Role of Strontium Boost
For those with existing bone density concerns, AlgaeCal also offers a companion product called Strontium Boost. Strontium is a mineral that has a dual-action effect on bone:
- Inhibits Osteoclasts: It helps slow down the cells responsible for breaking down old bone tissue.
- Stimulates Osteoblasts: It encourages the activity of cells that build new, healthy bone tissue.
When taken in combination with AlgaeCal Plus, clinical results showed even more significant increases in bone mineral density. It's crucial to take Strontium Boost at least two hours apart from AlgaeCal Plus to ensure optimal absorption.
AlgaeCal Plus vs. Traditional Calcium Supplements
To better understand the difference, consider the following comparison:
| Feature | AlgaeCal Plus | Traditional Calcium Supplements |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium Source | Plant-based marine algae (Mesophyllum superpositum) | Mined rock, such as limestone (calcium carbonate) or oyster shell |
| Nutrient Profile | Whole food source with 13 trace minerals (e.g., magnesium, strontium) and added vitamins D3, K2, C | Often contains only calcium, sometimes with added vitamin D |
| Primary Goal | Clinically supported to increase bone density | Primarily helps to slow the rate of annual bone loss |
| Bioavailability | High absorption due to natural, plant-based source and supporting minerals | Absorption can vary, often less efficient without cofactors |
| Bone Building Action | Stimulates new bone formation and reduces bone breakdown | Primarily acts to reduce bone resorption |
| Cardiovascular Concerns | Contains Vitamin K2 to help direct calcium to bones, not soft tissues. Studies cited show no cardiovascular risk. | Some studies have linked high doses of rock-based calcium to increased risk of arterial calcification. |
Conclusion
For individuals seeking to address declining bone density, the evidence suggests that AlgaeCal Plus, especially when combined with Strontium Boost, may be a more effective strategy than relying on traditional calcium supplements alone. Its multi-nutrient, plant-based formula is designed to actively build new bone, not just slow bone loss. However, as with any supplement regimen, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs and to understand how to best incorporate it into a comprehensive bone health plan.
