Even after we stop growing, we are continually breaking down and rebuilding our bones to repair microfractures and maintain bone health1. This process is called bone remodeling.
We also use calcium and magnesium from our bones to keep our blood and tissues in a state of homeostasis, which is the constant state of balance our bodies require to stay alive2. So, our bones are not only important to allow us to run and jump, but because they also provide a resource of the minerals that keep our bodies in balance.
Calcium and magnesium are also essential for our muscles to function. Every time our heart beats, we blink, or wiggle our toes, we use calcium and magnesium to trigger the contraction and relaxation of our muscle fibres2. If we are not able to get enough of these nutrients from the diet, our bodies extract them from our bones to maintain homeostasis and allow our muscles to continue to contract and relax2.
Lack of zinc from the diet and vitamin D from the sun also impacts the bone remodeling process and can lead to weakened and brittle bones. Zinc promotes bone growth and regeneration3. Vitamin D allows us to effectively absorb calcium and is essential for mineralization of calcium into bone4.
Over time, the donation of calcium and magnesium from our bones to our tissues to maintain homeostasis and muscle function results in increasingly brittle and weak bone remodelling1. Low bone density, called osteoporosis, increases our risk of fractures and falls, which is a leading cause of decline in quality of life, wellness, and independence as we age5.
The loss of bone density is a slow and silent process, and we typically don’t realize that it’s happening until we’re given a diagnosis of osteoporosis, or we experience a fracture. However, 10% of Canadians over the age of 406and 21% of postmenopausal women are osteoporotic6. Shockingly, after experiencing a hip fracture in Canada, 22% of women and 33% of men die in the first year6, and an increased risk of mortality in the remainder of hip fracture patients over the next ten years7.
These numbers are astounding, especially given that osteoporosis is a largely preventable disease. Meeting daily nutrition requirements for calcium, magnesium, zinc, and achieving adequate levels of vitamin D from sun exposure and supplements is an essential part of preventing osteoporosis1-6.
Some groups of people are more likely to benefit from Calcium-Magnesium supplementation:
Adolescents: we reach 90% of peak bone mass by 20 years, and 100% by 30 years of age8
Family history of osteopenia or osteoporosis5
Pregnancy increases our requirementsfor calcium, magnesium and zinc9
Individuals experiencing restless legs or musclecramping
Concern that you are not eating a balanced diet
Individuals with digestive disorders that lower the absorption nutrients, including SIBO, Celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease
Individuals who have taken acid-blocking medications, steroid medication, smoke cigarettes, or drink alcohol
We should aim for 1000mg-1200mgof calcium9, 8-11mg of zinc, and at least 400mg of magnesium daily. Research shows that the vast majority of us do not meet these requirements through nutrition, even if we eat a healthy diet, so adequate intake should be achieved through the combination of food and supplementation.
Salus Calcium-Magnesium supports the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, helps us to maintain proper muscle function, and supports homeostasis by providing the essential nutrients calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.
The Salus Calcium-Magnesium liquid formulation is easy to dose, gentle on the digestive system, and highly absorbed. The addition of herbs, vegetables and fruit tastes gives the formula a great taste without the use of preservatives, colouring, or artificial flavours.
