Calcium Crystals Plus™*

Calcium – A Life Supporting Nutrient
Calcium is essential for life, and is the most abundant mineral in the human body. It is well-recognized for its importance in the development of bones and teeth, but has many other functions as well. Calcium acts as a “pump” regulation mechanism that escorts nutrients and waste products in and out of cells through their membranes. It is also involved in nerve transmissions and muscle contractions (including the heart muscle).

The best natural sources of Calcium include whole grains, beans, nuts and especially dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale. Corn tortillas, almonds, sesame seeds and watercress are also excellent sources of Calcium. Milk and dairy products contain a lot of calcium, but the absorption of calcium from dairy by the body can be slow due to the high amount of protein in these foods.

Calcium & Osteoporosis
Between 26 and 38 million people in the United States are at high risk for developing osteoporosis, even though the U.S. has the highest per capita dairy consumption! Although 80% of those diagnosed with osteoporosis are women, men can suffer from this debilitating condition as well. Men begin to experience bone loss at the age of 65 to 70; women, however, lose bone more rapidly after reaching menopause. Osteoporosis occurs when this bone loss becomes severe.

Calcium has been shown to play a significant role in promoting bone health. Research has shown it helps prevent the breakdown of bone tissue. In addition, calcium delivers beneficial support with premenstrual syndrome complaints (ie. bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches, muscle cramps and mood swings).

To maintain bone health, up to 1500 mg/day of Calcium is recommended (varies somewhat with age, weight, sex, etc.). Scientific studies have shown the role of calcium in preventing the breakdown of bone tissue. It is often difficult to get this amount through the diet. In order to maintain an adequate supply of calcium for all of its important jobs in the body, doctors often recommend that people use a calcium supplement. However, not everybody can take a supplement in a “pill” format.

Calcium Crystals Plus™ from Nature’s Answer® is a tangy, sweet, lemon-lime Calcium crystal drink mix. It offers a simple, convenient and delicious way to get the Calcium the body needs in a fast-acting liquid form. Calcium Crystals Plus™ contains Calcium citrate, an easily absorbed form of calcium, which is gentle on the stomach. It is further fortified with key nutrients recommended for maintaining good bone health and reducing the onset of osteoporosis*, including Magnesium, Vitamins C and D and Ipriflavone. Together, they work in synergy to deliver the nutritional support your bones need to maintain bone mass, reduce bone loss and promote overall bone health. In addition, these essential nutrients help insure rapid and complete absorption of calcium by the body.

Key Ingredients
Calcium Citrate -
Nature’s Answer researched the many forms of calcium available and found that Calcium citrate is better absorbed than Calcium carbonate (the kind of Calcium often used in antacid tablets). Furthermore, studies demonstrated that supplementation with Calcium citrate provided more beneficial results than Calcium Gluconate and Tricalcium Phosphate. Calcium citrate is less likely to cause “gas” or stomach upset, which can occur with other calcium forms.

Magnesium-
The second most common mineral in the body (after Calcium) is Magnesium. It is important for many metabolic processes, including building bone, and is essential for promoting calcium absorption. Magnesium citrate, found in Calcium Crystals Plus™, is a high quality form of Magnesium, and has less of a laxative effect than other forms, such as Magnesium oxide.

Vitamin C-
A major antioxidant nutrient, Vitamin C supports the immune system. It is essential for the formation of collagen, the “glue” that holds the body together. Vitamin C helps to create an acidic medium, which h increases the absorption of Calcium citrate.

Vitamin D-
Vitamin D is produced by the body through the activity of the sun; hence the name, the “sunshine vitamin”. It is essential for the formation of bone tissue. Vitamin D deficiency is common among people in northern latitudes, the elderly, and others who don’t regularly get enough sun exposure. Vitamin D-3, the form used in Calcium Crystals Plus™ most closely matches natural Vitamin D formed by the body.

Ipriflavone-
This nutrient has been extensively studied with respect to bone metabolism, or more specifically, osteoporosis. It is a compound derived from soy, which has been shown to be useful, along with Calcium, in inhibiting the breakdown of bone tissue in the body, especially in women who are postmenopausal, the most common group to develop osteoporosis.

Stevia-
Stevia is a plant whose leaves are used by herbalists to impart a sweet flavor. Stevia has no calories and does not adversely affect blood sugar. It is also free of the harmful effects that are associated with artificial sweeteners.

*Regular exercise and a healthy diet with enough Calcium helps maintain good bone health and may reduce the high risk of osteoporosis in women later in life. Adequate calcium intake is important but daily intakes of above about 2,000 mg are not likely to provide any additional benefits.

References for Educational Purposes:
Belizan JM, et al. Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. N Engl J Med. Nov1991;325(20):1399-405.

Dawson-Hughes B. Calcium Supplementation and Bone Loss: A Review of Controlled Clinical Trials. Am J Clin Nutr. Jul1991;54(1):274S-80S.

Dawson-Hughes B, Harris SS, Krall EA, Dallal GE. Effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone density in men and women 65 years of age or older. N Engl J Med. Sep1997;337(10):670-676.

Devine A, Dick IM, Heal SJ, et al. A 4-year follow-up study of the effects of calcium supplementation on bone density in elderly postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis Int. 1997;7:23-28.

Heller, H. J.; Stewart, A.; Haynes,et. al Pharmacokinetics of calcium absorption from two commercial calcium supplements. J Clin Pharmacol, 39:11, Nov 1999, 1151-4

Lipkin M, Newmark H. Calcium and the prevention of colon cancer. J Cell Biochem Suppl 1995;22:65–73 [review].

Reginster JY, Denis D, Bartsch V, et al, Acute biochemical variations induced by four different calcium salts in healthy male volunteers, Osteoporos Int 1993 Sep;3(5):271-5

Thys-Jacobs, S., Starkey, P., Bernstein, D., et. al, Calcium carbonate and the premenstrual syndrome: Effects on premenstrual and menstrual symptoms . Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:444-52