Ortho Molecular Products OsteoBase

OsteoBase includes 300 mg of elemental calcium and 300 mg of elemental magnesium per serving, with multiple forms of calcium to ensure maximum absorption. OsteoBase also includes the highest-quality forms of vitamin K2 (MK-7), and vitamin D (D3) to ensure maximum bioavailability and a synergistic benefit for the absorption and assimilation of calcium within the body (vitamin D). OsteoBase covers a common deficiency, vitamin D, and other musculoskeletal nutrients needed in a convenient, foundational bone health formula.

Overview

Epidemiologic studies and national nutrient surveys indicate key nutrient deficiencies are widespread, specifically vitamin D, which plays a dynamic role in calcium absorption, integration and administration within the body.1,2 Dietary intake data collected in the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) found that, at a national level, there seems to be a high prevalence of inadequate vitamin D intakes from food sources (range 75-96%; with most age and gender groups having about 90% prevalence of inadequate intakes).3 Data on vitamin D intakes from food and supplement source combined show a lower prevalence of inadequate vitamin D intakes, although still above 50% (range 54-84%, depending on age and gender).4 Poor diets, nutrient depletion from medications, and poor intestinal absorption all contribute to reduced intake of vitamin D, as well as magnesium and vitamin K. OsteoBase provides 300 mg of calcium and 300 mg of magnesium per serving, in a 1:1 ratio.

Calcium

Calcium in bone is combined with phosphorus to form microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCH). In the body,

phosphorus is second in abundance only to calcium, and is necessary for bone health. Phosphate makes up 50% of bone tissue and is an essential ingredient in calcium supplements to develop and maintain bone health. OsteoBase uses multiple forms of calcium to maximize absorption.5

Magnesium

Magnesium comprises about 1% of bone mineral and is known to influence both bone matrix and bone mineral metabolism. A tight control of magnesium homeostasis seems to be crucial for bone health.6, 7

Calcium and magnesium balance is maintained through an intricately linked relationship that support foundational bone health.8,9

Vitamin K2 (as MK-7)

Vitamin K2 helps to bind newly absorbed calcium to the mineral matrix in bone through its activation of the protein osteocalcin. In addition, vitamin K has been found to help maintain bone mineral density by decreasing the activity of osteoclasts, or cells that break down the bone matrix.10,11 A 2005 study from northern Finland found that those with greater levels of vitamin K-carboxylated osteocalcin had stronger bones than those with lower levels of the protein.12 A Japanese study found superior bone health among women who frequently consumed vitamin K2 (as MK-7) compared to those who did not.13

Vitamin D (as D3)

Vitamin D is essential for the efficient utilization of calcium by the body. Vitamin D helps in the absorption and use of calcium by increasing the intestinal absorption of dietary calcium, increasing the reabsorption of calcium filtered by the kidneys, and mobilizing calcium from bone when there is insufficient dietary calcium.14,15 Vitamin K and vitamin D share similar qualities, and act in synergy within the body to maintain bone health. A randomized study that split 172 women into a vitamin K2 group, a vitamin D3 group, a vitamin K2 and D3 group, and a placebo group for two years found that the combination of vitamin D3 and K2 had the most benefits for supporting bone health among the groups.16 This formulation includes 45 mcg of vitamin K2 and 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 per capsule for optimal absorption and use by the body.