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OxyMin® CalM - FAQ's
Why are there different blends of minerals in OxyMin® CalM?
OxyMin® CalM contains a specially formulated blend of calcium and magnesium from different sources to ensure that it meets the needs of all individuals. When taken together, these minerals are highly soluble, well absorbed and cover the spectrum of digestive requirements. And most importantly, they are able to deliver the ideal elemental dose of calcium and magnesium in just one serving size.
What is elemental calcium and why is this important?
When the term "elemental" is used to describe calcium, it refers only to the amount of actual calcium found in a product. Because calcium by itself is not stable, it is found in complexes such as calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, and calcium gluconate.
Different types of calcium supplements contain different amounts of elemental calcium, which is the actual amount of calcium available to your body.
WARNING: Read The Label
Many calcium supplements list the amount of calcium on the label. (On some labels it is called elemental calcium.) However, some brands list only the total weight of each tablet, not the actual amount of calcium. Recommendations for how much calcium you need are in terms of elemental calcium, so read labels carefully to make sure that you are getting what is recommended.
For example: It is common to see a label on a Calcium supplement stating there are 100 tablets of Calcium, each contain 680mg Calcium. When you take a closer look at the label (and read the fine print) you discover that the Calcium is actually, say, Calcium Gluconate and each tablet is equivalent to 47mg of Calcium! Suddenly you realize that to get a daily dose of 500mg of Calcium, you need to be ingesting 10 tablets!!
How much 'elemental' calcium is in each type of calcium salt?
Calcium Lactate provides 13% elemental calcium however it is a very useful form of calcium as it has a very strong ACIDIC effect. Acidifying calcium lactate from your foods and/or supplements help to bring you back to digestive strength and balance. Calcium lactate is highly soluble in water (a neutral pH) with a high bioavailability, and does not depend on acid conditions in the stomach to be absorbed. Well tolerated by most highly allergic individuals, for best absorption, calcium lactate has been recommended for persons whose urinary pH is alkaline (above 6.6).
Tribasic calcium phosphate provides 39% elemental calcium and Calcium glycerophosphate is the most soluble calcium compound available. This form of calcium is used extensively in the food industry because it is soluble, safe and is well tolerated in the gastrointestinal tract. It is an easily dissolved and well-absorbed supplement that should not cause gas or constipation. It can be taken anytime. Calcium phosphate is the formulation used in specially calcium fortified orange juice, soy milk, and rice milk available.
Calcium carbonate contains the highest amount of elemental calcium, providing forty percent elemental calcium, meaning that 500mg of calcium carbonate yields 200mg of elemental calcium. Advantages of calcium carbonate are that it has the highest percentage of elemental calcium and it has a track record of effectiveness. As soon as it reaches the generally acidic environment of the stomach it is very well absorbed. Another plus is that Calcium Carbonate is a good antacid and is also useful for the temporary relief of occasional indigestion and heartburn.
Why is it important to include magnesium with a calcium supplement?
The proper combination of nutrients is vital to maintaining strong, healthy bones and magnesium is generally considered important to aid calcium absorption. Other cofactors in this process include trace minerals - copper, zinc and manganese - as found in OxyMin® CalM and can help restore bone mass by rebuilding the organic matrix that holds minerals such as calcium and magnesium in place.
Magnesium activates more than 300 enzymes in the body and, with calcium, affects nerve and muscle functions.
·Calcium is required for nerve transmission and regulation of the heart beat.
·Magnesium is an essential part of the production and transfer of energy for protein synthesis and contraction of muscles
·Magnesium is also required for proper nerve function, activation of most of the vitamin B-complex vitamins, and synthesis of many compounds
Together these minerals have a very 'calming' effect on nerves and muscles.
What about the trace minerals in OxyMin® CalM?
Zinc is a trace mineral that has been found to be extremely important to overall health. More zinc is found in the body than any other trace element except for iron. Relatively large amounts are found in bone and muscle, and it's also prevalent in the prostate and retina. It is involved in sugar metabolism and seems to be easily lost from the system. Pregnant and lactating women require more zinc than other women. OxyMin® CalM contains zinc gluconate, a highly absorbable from of zinc for more efficient absorption.
Copper is necessary to help your body use iron and for normal growth and health. It is also important for nerve function, bone growth, and to help your body use sugar. Lack of copper may lead to anemia and osteoporosis (weak bones). Another reason for including Copper Gluconate (a highly absorbable form of copper) in OxyMin® CalM is to maintain the Zinc/Copper ratio because supplementing zinc without copper may cause copper deficiency.
Manganese is required by the body for normal growth and health. Manganese helps our body break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It does so as part of several enzymes. Lack of manganese in animals has been found to cause improper formation of bone and cartilage, may decrease the body's ability to use sugar properly, and may cause growth problems.
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