INGREDIENT BENEFITS
Ipriflavone
Isoflavones are plant-based compounds that resemble estrogen at the molecular level. In the bone tissue, isoflavones act as balanced, estrogen-like hormones which activate osteoblast cells, promoting new bone formation. Isoflavones also increase cell-signaling proteins that may inhibit the bone-absorbing activity of osteoclast cells. Ipriflavone is an isoflavone derivative which has been shown in human and animal research to support bone function and strength.
Calcium
Nearly 99% of the calcium within the adult skeletal system exists as a complex paired with phosphorus, called hydroxyapatite. In 1990, the USDA published a trial comparing the inexpensive calcium carbonate with calcium citrate-malate, with respect to improved bone mineral density in post-menopausal women. In this trial, researchers found the citrate-malate form was significantly better at supporting bone health than the carbonate form. OsteoPrev is formulated with calcium citrate-malate, as well as calcium hydroxyapatite, to improve calcium absorption and utilization for optimal bone support.
Magnesium
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. Magnesium deficiency is very common: Many Americans fail to acquire even the estimated average requirement (EAR). Magnesium deficiency can also be exacerbated due to factors such as excess consumption of alcohol, salt, coffee, phosphoric acid in sodas, and long-term stress.
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D is a steroid vitamin known for its role in supporting bone health and aiding in the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the GI tract. Emerging research shows a direct correlation between bone mineral density and serum levels of 25(OH)D3, the active form of vitamin D. In one 2013 study, 52 overweight men and women with suboptimal vitamin D levels were given either 7,000 IU of cholecalciferol (D3) daily or a placebo for 26 weeks. The vitamin D group significantly increased vitamin D levels in the blood and improved biomarkers of bone health.
Vitamin K1 (Phytonedione) & Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)
Vitamin K is responsible for synthesizing osteocalcin, a protein involved in calcium transport and properly embedding calcium into bone tissue. Vitamin K has also been shown to decrease the activity of osteoclasts, helping to maintain bone formation and strength. Vitamin K works synergistically with vitamin D3 to improve calcium absorption and helps to bind newly absorbed calcium to the bone matrix.
Boron
Boron supplementation reduced urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium and increased blood levels of 17 betaestradiol and testosterone in postmenopausal women. Improving boron levels has been shown to support bone health.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus plays a role in bone mineralization and is a component of hydroxyapatite crystals in bone. A study examining the effects of calcium intake on the absorption of dietary phosphorus found that as calcium ingestion increases, phosphorus absorption decreases. Supplementation with a calcium phosphate preparation is recommended for maintaining optimal bone mineral density and preventing calcium-induced phosphorus deficiency.
