Are you looking for plant-based calcium?
Most calcium supplements on the market are derived from mined limestone. Since we don't often sit down to a hearty meal of rocks, it makes sense to use a more "food-based" source supplement. The algae Lithothamnion calcareum is one such source—a living, edible plant rich in calcium and other nutrients. Under the brand Aquamin™, it is a red algae that grows off the coast of Iceland and naturally contains over 30% elemental calcium. The majority of limestone-derived calcium supplements are just that—calcium. Being a whole food, Aquamin™ also contains a complement of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and trace elements boron, strontium, vanadium, copper, silica, selenium, and zinc, all of which are involved in bone health.
Originally used in Ireland as a natural fertilizer, the considerable health effects of the algae Lithothamnion calcareum on livestock led to studies on applications in human health. Early anecdotal reports of the benefits of this algae for arthritic conditions led to further studies. After numerous clinical studies, Aquamin™, the branded version of Lithothamnion calcareum was born.
Aquamin™ is sustainably harvested under a controlled 30-year license by the Icelandic government. Independent control and ongoing research are carried out to ensure that harvesting activities do not impact the local ecosystem. Only fully calcified algae are harvested, leaving younger algae to grow to full maturity. The harvesting area is strictly controlled to ensure that the material is sustainably harvested and is monitored by GPS systems and divers.
Aquamin has been the subject of several clinical studies demonstrating its safety, absorbability, and efficacy for bone health:
- Aquamin has been shown to reduce PTH (parathyroid hormone) levels in the body more effectively than other forms of calcium. PTH reduces the calcium content of bones by making it available to the rest of the body. High levels of PTH are associated with the dissolution of calcium from bones and a reduction in bone mineral content, which can lead to osteoporosis. The positive PTH-reducing effect of AquaminMC has been observed in premenopausal and postmenopausal women and athletes who participate in non-impact sports (e.g., cycling), who exhibit lower than normal bone mineral content.1,2,3
- Studies on bone cells have shown that Aquamin effectively remineralizes cells. Remineralization results in an increase in osteoblasts, which are responsible for the formation of new bone. Researchers have suggested that the synergistic effect of the mineral complex contained in Aquamin is responsible for the increase in osteogenesis (bone-forming activity).4
- Aquamin has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint pain and stiffness. In fact, one clinical study showed that Aquamin was as effective as glucosamine sulfate in reducing joint pain and more effective in reducing joint stiffness!5,6
Aquamin™ calcium comes from a "whole food" source with over 74 trace elements, allowing it to be easily absorbed by the body. Clinical studies and the sustainability of Aquamin™ should clearly demonstrate that it's time to rethink how you supplement your calcium.