OsteoBase

Hydroxyapatite

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 growth, cellular health, and acid-alkaline balance. Phosphate makes up 50% of bone tissue and is an essential ingredient in calcium supplements to promote bone strength and remodeling. OsteoBase uses multiple forms of calcium, one being MCH, to maximize absorption. Calcium is most well-known for its role in the formation of bone and teeth, but it also plays a role in keeping the heart and muscles functioning by governing muscle contractions.

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. Magnesium plays a major role in bone formation as approximately 50% of magnesium found in the body is found in the bone. Magnesium plays numerous roles in bone health including increasing calcium absorption, acting as a cofactor for alkaline phosphatase activation, as well as supporting vitamin D3 conversion in the body. As the magnesium content of bone mineral decreases, apatite crystals of bone become larger and more brittle. In combination, magnesium malate enhances the absorption of calcium, and works in tandem with calcium to allow muscles to contract and relax. Combined, calcium and magnesium balance are maintained through an intricately linked relationship that supports muscle, nervous system function, and foundational bone health.

Vitamin K2 (as MK-7, MenaQ7^®PRO)

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. Vitamin K also provides critical cardiovascular protection by helping to carboxylate matrix GLA protein (MGP), an inhibitor of circulatory and soft tissue calcification. 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. A Japanese study found superior bone health among women who frequently consumed vitamin K2 compared to those who did not.

Vitamin D (as D3)

Vitamin D is essential for the efficient utilization of calcium by the body. Vitamin D normalizes serum 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 to maintain normal serum calcium concentrations.  Vitamin K and vitamin D share similar qualities, and act in synergy within the body to maintain calcium balance and proper distribution. 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. 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.