The role of nutrients in M.D. Healthline's Bone Strengthener Plus

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining blood levels of calcium. Vitamin D may increase calcium absorption by as much as 30% to 80%.Vitamin D depletion may accelerate cortical bone loss, and increase the risk of hip fractures. Early recognition and prompt treatment of Vitamin D depletion is essential for well being, as morbidity related to bone loss and fractures may be reduced. (Rao DS.Perpective onAssessment of Vitamin D NutritionJ Clin Densitom. 1999 Winter; 2(4): 457-464).

Calcium (Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate MCHC) is more effective in increasing bone thickness than any other form of calcium. (Pines A, Rafat H, Lyon AH, Whittington J. Clinical trial of microcystalline hydroxypatite compound ('Osssopan') in the prevention of osteoporosis due to corticosteroid therapy. Currr Med Res Opin 1984;8(10):734-742.) This special calcium contains a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorous. MCHC also contains trace minerals, matrix proteins, and glycosaminoglycans. Hyrodroxaptite suppliescalcium in the form that it occurs in the body, and is therefore absorbed quickly. Studies indicate that MCHA promotes positive cortical bone balance.
(Epstein O; Kato Y; Dick R; Sherlock. Vitamin D, Hydroxyapatite, and Calcium Gluconate in Treatment of Cortical Bone Thinning in Postmenopausal Women with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Am J Clin Nutr1982 Sep; 36(3): 426-30).

Copper is essential for normal bone synthesis. A study conducted in 1995 entitled, "Copper supplementation and bone-mineral density in Middle age women," (Eaton-Evans J., Mcllrath EM, Jackson WE, et al. Proc Nutr Soc 1995; 54:191A) found that copper supplementation prevented bone loss. Many nutritionally educated health professionals recommend 2 to 3 mg of copper per day especially if zinc is supplemented, because zinc depletes copper nutriture.

Magnesium is required for sound bone health. Studies indicate that people with osteoporosis suffer from low levels of magnesium in both bones and blood. (Cohen L, Klitzes R. Magnesium malabsorption in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Magnesium 1983; 2:139-43). Other studies have demonstrated that supplemental magnesium reduced bone loss and increased bone mass.

Vitamin K is essential for bone formation. In a study published in 1999 the diet of 72,327 women aged 38 to 63 was analyzed. The data support the conclusion that, "low intakes of vitamin K may increase the risk of hip fracture in women." Vitamin K is essential for the formation of osteocalcin, a protein only found in bone.
(Freskanich D, Weber P, Willet WC, Rokett H. Booth SL. Colditz. Vitamin K Intake and Hip Fractures in Women: A Prospective Study. AmJ Clin Nutr. 1999 Jan;69(1): 74-79).

Wild Yam Extract (Dioscorea) is a storehouse of phytochemicals. Wild Yam contains steroidal saponins that are pharmaceutically converted into cortisone, estrogen, and progesterone-like compounds. Women who require progesterone should consult a health professional and not rely soley on wild yam or other herbs. Although the pharmaceutical conversion cannot be duplicated by the body, wild yam offers many other benefits. Wild yam is considered to be a strong antispasmodic and has potential anti-inflamatory properties. An extract of wild yam has been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties, and has been shown to lower blood triglycerides and to raise HDL, the "good" cholesterol. (Araghiniknam M, Chung S, Nelson-White T, et al. Antioxidant activity of dioscorea and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in older humans. Lif Sci 1996; 11:147-57).

Horsetail Silica (Equesetumarvense) is alsoknown as Bottlebrush plant, Shave grass, and scouring rush. It has been use in folk medicine as a remedy for kidney problems, arthritis, ulcers, and tuberculosis. It was recommended by the Roman physician Galen. Horsetail is rich in bioflavonoids along with potassium, aluminum, and manganese. It also contains silicon, a trace mineral that plays an important role in bone formation. (Carlise EM, Silicon localization and calcification in developing bone. Fed Proc 1969; 28:374) In animal research, silicon supplementation was shown to increase bone density. ( Hott M, de Pollak C, Modrowski D, Marie PJ. Short-term effects of organic silicon on trabecular bone in mature ovariectomized rat. Calcif Tissue Int 1993; 53174-790). Preliminary research studies with humans appears to validate the bone strengthening properties of Silicon supplementation.

Boron is an essential nutrient for bones and joints. It strengthens the connective structure in bone matrix. Studies have shown that boron supplementation also offers significant benefits for people suffering from osteoarthritis. (Newman RE, Essentiality of boron for healthy bones and joints, Environ Health Perspect 1994 Nov; Suppl 7:83-5). In addition, boron appears to improve calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium metabolism and reduces the loss of these minerals through the urine. Evidence further indicates that boron plays an important role in synthesizing estrogen, and other steroidal hormones and protects them from rapid breakdown. (Nielsen FH, et al, Effect of dietary boron on mineral. Estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women. FASEB J 1987 Nov; 1(5): 394-397.

Ostivone (7-Isopropoxy Isoflavone) is an isoflavone synthesized from the soy isoflavone daidzein, and holds great promise in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Numerous clinical studies demonstrate that this non-hormonal nutrient increases bone mineral density and inhibits bone loss. As bone density increases fracture rates decrease. OstivoneTM also appears to enhance the effect of estrogen, and may be an attractive adjunct or alternative to hormone replacement therapy. (Head KA, Ipriflavone: an important bone-building isoflavone. Altern Med Rev 1999 Feb: 4(1): 10-22).

Supplement Facts Serving Size: 3 Tablets Servings per container: 30
	Amount Per Serving	US RDV
Vitamin D	200 IU	50%
Calcium (Microcrystalline Hydroxapatite Concentrate) MCHC	600 mg	60%
Copper	2 mg	100%
Magnesium	200 mg	50%
Vitamin K	150 mcg	**
Wild Yam Extract	100 mg	**
Horestail Silica Extract 6%	300 mg	**
Boron	2 mg	**
Ostivone	90 mg	**
** No RDA has been established Other ingredients:DiCalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Steric Acid, Croscamelose Sodium, Magnesium Sterate, Food Glaze, & Silicon Dioxide
HypoAllergic: Contains no yeast, wheat, corn soy, milk, salt, sugar, starch, artificial colors, or artificial flavors.

References:

Dawson-Hughes B, Harris SS, Krall EA, et al. Rates of bone loss in postmenopausal women randomly assigned to one of two dosages of vitamin D. Am J Clin Nutr; 61:1140-45,1995.

Lips P; Duong T; Oleksik A; Black D; Cummings S; Cox D; Nickelsen T. A global study of vitamin D status and parathyroid function in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: baseline data from the multiple outcomes of raloxifene evaluation clinical trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001; 86(3): 1212-21, Mar 2001.

Nielsen FH. Boron-an overlooked element of potential nutritional importance. Nutr Today; 23:4-7, 1988.

Pines A, Rafat H, Lyon AH, Whittington J. Clinical trial of microcystalline hydroxypatite compound ('Osssopan') in the prevention of osteoporosis due to corticosteroid therapy. Currr Med Res Opin 1984;8(10): 734-742.

Rude RK; Olerich M. Magnesium deficiency: possible role in osteoporosis associated with gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Osteoporos Int; 6(6): 453-61, 1966.

Seaborn CD, Nielsen FH. Silicon: a nutritional beneficence for bones, brains and blood vessels? Nutr Today; 28:13-18, 1993.