Floradix Calcium Magnesium with Zinc & Vitamin D

Both calcium and magnesium are critical for strong bones, however; the average person's intake of these minerals is imbalanced. The ratio of calcium consumption far outweighs that of magnesium consumption, which affects their subsequent absorption and utilization and sets the stage for weak bones and over-calcification of the body.

New studies are showing us that the best way to maintain the health of our bones is not through increased calcium intake alone, but rather through the regular use of a balanced calcium magnesium supplement that effectively addresses the many complicated issues that prevent the adequate absorption and proper utilization of calcium. One like Floradix Calcium Magnesium.

Floradix Calcium Magnesium with Zinc & Vitamin D (Flora) - Average rating (1 review)  - Write a review Show Reviews Reviews February 13, 2008 Reviewer: Michael in Arizona As a holistic nutritionist I found this liquid calcium to be one of the better one's I've tried. Although it is a bit pricey, I think it's worth the extra cost. It has a nice fruity flavor (which makes me more apt to take it)and is not thick, chalky or hard to swallow. It did not upset my stomach or digestive tract. I like that it comes with it's own dosing cup so there is no risk of taking the wrong amount. The formulation of ingredients is also very good. I would recommend this to clients, family and friends. Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No

82-0005 Flora Floradix Calcium Magnesium with Zinc & Vitamin D 17 fl. oz. Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Servings Per Container: 17 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value* Total Calories 60      Total Carbohydrates 15  g 5%       Sugars 15  g   Calcium (elemental) (from 1474mg gluconate and lactate) 155  mg 16%    Vitamin D 200  I.U. 50%    Magnesium (elemental) (from 3089mg magnesium gluconate and citrate) 186  mg 47%    Zinc 3.5  mg 23%    *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Refrigerate after every use. Ingredients: Aqueous extract from hibiscus, camomile, fennel, spinach, fructose, mango juice, orange juice, natural flavor, locust seed flour. Recommended Use: For prolonged use as dietary supplement, take 1,5 measuring capfuls (2 tbsp) daily preferably in the morning. May be diluted with water. Before beginning any program of weight loss, consult your health care practitioner. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you notice any errors in the information above, please let us know. If you have further questions about this product, please contact Flora at 1-800-446-2110

Understanding Calcium Supplements

Daily "Supplemental" Requirements
You should not try to fulfill your daily calcium requirements with a supplement. Your diet will already provide you with a portion of the RDI, (based on dietary calcium), and you should rely on a high quality supplement to provide the remainder. This encourages a more beneficial ratio of calcium to magnesium consumption.

Dosage
Due to the high solubility of Floradix Calcium Magnesium, its dosage is able to be much lower than most other supplements while still providing the same utilizable amount of calcium, in many cases even more! This kind of solubility is created through the form of the supplement (liquid) and the forms of calcium (lactate and gluconate).

Liquid vs. Solid
The average person's body will only dissolve 20% (4) of most solid supplements and will eliminate the remaining 80% possibly causing constipation, gas and bloating (6) A liquid solution does not need to be dissolved, so approximately 98% (4) of the elemental amount will be available for absorption.

Rates of Absorption
Calcium in supplements occurs in a compound form. The component that calcium is bound to is called the compound or "form" of calcium and the calcium itself is called "elemental". The less soluble the compound is, (citrate is less than lactate is less than gluconate) the more elemental calcium is available but the lower the absorption rate. For example, the same amount of calcium gluconate contains less elemental calcium than citrate, but is absorbed at a higher rate because gluconic acid is more soluble than citric acid. Dietary calcium is absorbed at an average rate of 10-30% and most calcium supplements are absorbed at rates anywhere between 4% and 45% depending on the forms of calcium used. Floradix Calcium Magnesium provides the highest rate of absorption possible with a combination of calcium lactate and gluconate, which boast absorption rates of 45% and 50% respectively (7, 5).

Calcium Compounds
Of the four top selling calcium compounds on the market:

Calcium Carbonate is inorganic, insoluble in liquid, requires stomach acid and vitamin D for absorption and its absorption rate plateaus after approximately 500mg (7, 8).

Calcium Citrate is organic and soluble but when taken in large enough quantities in liquid to have a positive impact on your health, its taste is very bitter. However, it is a good choice for use in a solid supplement.

Calcium Lactate and Gluconate are organic, have a pleasant taste and are both highly soluble in liquid form. Most importantly, they do not rely only on "active transport" sites, located at the beginning of the small intestine, for absorption. These sites are vitamin D dependent and are limited as to the amount of calcium that they can take in. Only a soluble calcium compound, such as calcium lactate or gluconate, can also take advantage of the independent "passive diffusion" sites in the more alkaline environment at the end of the small intestine. These sites allow absorption regardless of stomach acid levels, age, gender, nutrition or hormone status and are limited only by intestinal transit time (7). Highly soluble throughout the entire digestive tract, these are extremely bioavailable forms of calcium (8).

Co-Factors for Proper Utilization

Magnesium is a key factor for bone strength. Sufficient amounts are required to ensure proper calcium utilization, thereby preventing calcium deposits in soft tissue. A study by Dr. Abraham that used a 1.2:1 magnesium to calcium ratio, along with co-factors, resulted in a significant 11% increase in bone mass compared to only 0.7% in the control group (3). Floradix Calcium Magnesium uses this higher ratio of magnesium to help properly utilize both supplemented and dietary calcium and to address the increasing problem of over-calcification of the body (6, 9).

Vitamin D has been added to facilitate the adequate absorption of calcium (including dietary sources) at the vitamin D dependant, active transport sites.

Zinc has been added to assist bone matrix synthesis (11).

Floradix Calcium Magnesium is a smart choice for any adult concerned with improving or maintaining their bone health. Specially formulated to be effective in all areas of calcium absorption and utilization, Floradix Calcium Magnesium safely and effectively maintains bone health over a lifetime.

What Sets Salus Calcium Magnesium Apart?

• Higher Magnesium to Calcium Ratio: Facilitates bone strength and proper calcium utilization to help prevent calcium deposits in soft tissue (6)
• Useable Calcium Dosage: Satisfies daily supplemental calcium needs and is safe for long-term supplementation
• Highly Soluble Calcium Compounds: Bound to organic acids that can be readily absorbed regardless of age, nutrition or hormone status (7)
• Easy-to-Digest Liquid Solution: Allows for more contact with absorption sites & does not require dissolving, leaving approximately 98% (4) of the elemental calcium available for absorption
• Added Zinc and Vitamin D: Essential co-factors in the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth
• Great Tasting Fruit Juice & Herb Base: pH balanced to assist the absorption of calcium and added herbs, which contain minerals, stimulate digestion and reduce bloating
• No Harmful Additives: No lead, pesticide residues, preservatives or food coloring–guaranteed.

References:

1. Peacock, M., Calcium Absorption Efficiency and Calcium Requirements in Children and Adolescents. American Journal of Nutrition, 1991. 54: p. 261S-265S.

2. Gaby, Alan R., Every Woman's Essential Guide to Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis. Prima Health, 1990.

3. Abraham, G. E., and H. Grewal, A Total Dietary Program Emphasizing Magnesium Instead of Calcium. Effect on Mineral Density of Calcaneous Bone in Postmenopausal Women on Hormonal Therapy. Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 1990 35: 503-507.

4. The Physician's Desk Reference, p.1542.

5. Murray, M.T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. 1996, Rocklin: Prima Publishing.

6. Celotti, F. and A, Bignamini, (1999). Dietary Calcium and Mineral/Vitamin Supplementation: A Controversial Problem. The Journal for International Medicinal research 27: 1-14.

7. Pansu, D., et al., Solubility and Intestinal Transit Time Limit Calcium Absorption in Rats. Journal of Nutrition, 1993. 123(8): p. 1396-404.

8. Camara-Martos, F. and M. Amaro-Lopez, Influence of Dietary Factors on Calcium Bioavailability. Biological Trace Element Research, 2002. 89: p. 43-52.

9. Schaafsma, A., P.F.d. Vries, and W. Saris, Delay of Natural Bone Loss by Higher Intakes of Specific Minerals and Vitamins. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2001. 41(3): p. 225-249.

10. Fairweather-Tait, S.J. and B. Teucher, Iron and Calcium Bioavailability of Fortified Foods and Dietary Supplements. Nutrition Reviews, 2002. 60(12): p. 360-367.

11. Gur, A., et al., The role of trace minerals in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis and a new effect of calcitonin. Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism, 2002. 20: p. 39-43.