A comprehensive, vegan, liquid bone health formula!
At least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men are expected to suffer a bone fracture due to osteoporosis at some point in their lives. This is a sobering fact compounded by the fact that by age 40, our bone building years are largely behind us and a slow, gradual decline is on the horizon. Fortunately, we can be proactive with diet, supplements, and exercise to mineralize and build bone density while we can and then slowdown that bone loss to glacial speeds later in life.
If just taking more calcium was the answer, we would’ve reduced rates of osteoporosis long ago. Studies and meta-analyses of dairy consumption, osteoporosis and fractures have conflicting results, with some showing increased risk, decreased risk or no relation to bone fractures.
At Flora we recognize that bone health requires more than just increased calcium intake and that calcium requires ‘helper nutrients’ to ensure it is well absorbed and well utilized by the body, so it doesn’t just end up lining your arteries as plaque or in your urinary tract as kidney stones (highly unpleasant, trust me!).
What we came up with is Bone Health+™ with Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamins D & K. This sophisticated bone health formula features a 2.5:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium in a bioavailable liquid form. Vegan vitamin D3, vitamin K2, deep sea minerals and a standardized silica mineral extract from spring horsetail have been added to create a truly comprehensive formula that supports bone mineralization and ensures calcium is deposited where it should be. The liquid form makes it easy to digest and assimilate and has a delicious fruit juice base, making compliance and daily use easy.
Calcium is, of course, an essential mineral for bone health and supplementation can increase bone density and strength while reducing the risk of fractures later in life. Excess or poorly utilized calcium though, can end up deposited in blood vessels and soft tissue and is associated with increased risk of heart disease so supplementing wisely and in combination with vitamin D and vitamin K2 is important. Bone Health+ uses calcium citrate, which has been shown to have slightly better absorption than other dietary sources, does not reduce stomach acid, doesn’t cause constipation, and also helps to inhibit kidney stone formation.
Magnesium usually doesn’t get top billing for bone health the way calcium does, but it also plays an important role in bone mineralization and in healthy teeth. About 50-60% of the magnesium in the body can be found in the bones. Studies have shown that up to 30% of people have less than stellar amounts of this key mineral in their system.
Vitamin D helps in the maintenance of teeth and bones by aiding calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin D, along with calcium, a healthy diet, and exercise, is one of the major factors in reducing risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D3 is the preferred form of this vitamin as it has been shown to be more effective in raising vitamin D levels in the body. For Bone Health+, it was important to us that we formulate with a vegan source of vitamin D and a special lichen that produces it came through for us.
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is the form of this vitamin that supports bone and arterial health. It is difficult to get in our diet in this form. Leafy greens and other vegetables contain vitamin K in the form of phylloquinone, which plays a role in blood clotting. Specific bacteria can convert this form to vitamin K2 but this conversion may be impaired in those with poor diet or after use of antibiotics. K2 supports our body’s use of calcium by inhibiting calcium deposits in our arteries and preventing arterial stiffness. K2 also is essential for activating osteocalcin, the protein used to mineralize our bones with calcium. All of this makes vitamin K2 essential for both cardiovascular and bone health, especially when supplementing with calcium.
Silicon is the mineral that silica compounds contain. Silicon has been shown to be essential for collagen synthesis and to play a role in bone mineralization, making it an important mineral for healthy nails, hair, skin, and bone. Orthosilicic acid is the water-soluble form of silica that is best absorbed and utilized by the body. The silica extract used by Flora is made by water extraction of the spring horsetail plant. It’s in the form of orthosilicic acid and is standardized for its silicon content. It’s also available as a stand-alone product called Florasil to support healthy nails, hair, skin, bones and collagen production.
Bone Health+ is a truly comprehensive, vegan, gluten-free, liquid bone health formula that actually tastes good because it’s formulated using a liquid base of fruit juices like orange and pear. Whether you’re still of an age where you’re putting bone in the bank or looking to maintain and slow down bone density loss while keeping your bones and connective tissue flexible, Bone Health+ has you covered. Try it out using coupon code ‘bonehealth’ at checkout on our site this week.
About the Author:
Robert Dadd is a Master Herbalist (Dominion Herbal College) with a BA in Communications from Simon Fraser University. His areas of research include adaptogens, probiotics, and essential fatty acids. He is currently the Product Information Supervisor for Flora Manufacturing and Distributing.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
