Osteoporosis
Bones are hard tissue with a high mineral content. more
Osteoporosis
Bones are hard tissue with a high mineral content. Hydroxylapatite [(Ca5(PO4)3OH)] accounts for a major proportion of bone substance with approximately 40 % of total mass of human bones.
In healthy bones, special cells ensure the continuous build-up and breakdown of bone substance. A healthy bone is therefore a dynamic, constantly changing entity that nevertheless maintains its equilibrium.
However, in old age this equilibrium is lost to the detriment of bone density. The loss of bone density increases in women from around fifty years of age. Equally this happens in men around the age of 65-70. Starting then, bone density decreases equally year by year in both sexes15. This process is caused by hormones. If this bone demineralization becomes pathological, the resulting disorder is known as osteoporosis.
The loss of bone density occurs at a rate of around 1 % per year of life. An adequate, regular intake of calcium appropriate to one's age can maintain the calcium balance of ageing bones6. In most cases, the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for calcium for the 50+ age group is 1000 - 1200 mg16.
Magnesium also has a considerable influence on bone health. While the intake of magnesium supports bone formation, both a deficiency and a chronic overdose of magnesium can disrupt bone mineralization17. Therefore, careful dosage is vital.
Recent findings have shown that also strontium plays an important part in bone mineralization in connection with osteoporosis. One study was able to demonstrate a significantly reduced risk of bone fracture upon administration of a daily dose of 2000 mg of strontium ranelate18.
Calcium, magnesium and various strontium salts are part of our portfolio and are available in different pharmaceutical grades.
Muscle nutrition
The field of orthopedics also includes the health of the locomotor system, i.e. the muscles and tendons. more
Muscle nutrition
The field of orthopedics includes the health of the locomotor system, e.g. the muscles and tendons. For the muscles, in particular, an adequate intake of mineral salts is essential. Iron is especially important for optimum muscle function, but so too are calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Iron is the key metal atom in myoglobin. Myoglobin is a protein very similar to hemoglobin, with the ability to reversibly bind oxygen and store it in the muscles. Its function as supplier of oxygen during short-duration, high-stress activities such as fight, flight or hunting means it was once vital for survival.
Calcium is an important factor in the release of neurotransmitters for communication between nerve cells and muscle cells. Potassium is essential to life as it ensures correct muscle contraction. Finally, magnesium takes on crucial functions in muscle metabolism.
