Monograph

As we age, bone density decreases, leading to a weakened structure and greater fracture risks. Formulated with vitamins and minerals that are essential to strong bones, NUTRA Osteo can help support skeletal health. NUTRA Osteo contains nutrients that can sustain bone health in men and women, as well as teenagers and young adults.
 

Description

NUTRAscriptives® NUTRA Osteo includes minerals that have superior bioavailability for effective use and absorption. The balanced combination of nutrients includes calcium, magnesium, boron, silicon, vitamin K and D for complete bone health.

Research

Boron

As a trace mineral, boron is essential to bone development.[1] Boron improves the effectiveness of other bone protective minerals: calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.[2] An animal study found that boron supplementation increased boron serum levels to stimulate bone development and inhibit bone resorption (bone disintegration).[3] In combination with calcium, boron supplementation improved bone tissue and mineral content in rats, suggesting boron is important to calcium absorption that is necessary for strong bones.[4]

Calcium

As an essential mineral, calcium is involved in several physiological processes including bone development. Several studies have indicated calcium is important to bone density and fracture prevention, especially among older women. A meta-analysis observed that calcium exhibited overall effectiveness in maintaining bone mineral density and reducing the incidence of vertebral fractures in post-menopausal women.[5] Elderly patients with hip fractures had an insufficient intake of calcium in their diet suggesting calcium supplementation was necessary to prevent greater bone loss.[6]

A five-year study examined the relation between calcium supplementation and fracture risks in elderly women (1460 subjects, 70 years and older). Subjects received calcium (1200 mg) or a placebo finding calcium supplementation was effective in protecting bones from fractures.[7]

Furthermore, different types of calcium appear to be more effective aids for bone health. A two-year study recruited 301 postmenopausal women to take calcium citrate malate, calcium carbonate, or a placebo. Results indicated both calcium supplements significantly reduced bone loss in postmenopausal women, but results were most effective in the calcium citrate-malate group.[8]

A combination of calcium and vitamin D affected bone mineral density and bone metabolism in 398 subjects (65 years and older). Results indicated three years of calcium/vitamin D supplementation moderately reduced bone loss and fracture incidents in older subjects.[9]

An eighteen-month study evaluated the effects of calcium supplementation on bone mineral density in adolescent girls. Ninety-four subjects took calcium (500 mg/day) or a placebo finding bone density significantly increased among individuals taking the calcium supplement.[10]

Magnesium

Researchers have suggested magnesium creates an alkaline environment in the bones to reduce calcium deterioration and improve bone density.[11] A magnesium-deficient diet can cause greater bone loss and weakness.[12]

Specifically, studies have observed low magnesium levels in women finding a significant association to bone deterioration.21,22 One study recruited 77 postmenopausal women with bone weaknesses to measure their magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium serum concentrations finding magnesium concentrations were significantly lower in the subjects. Researchers concluded low magnesium levels were significantly associated with weaker bones, while the other minerals had no significant relation.[13]

Another study indicated that both magnesium and zinc serum levels can be significantly lower in women with weak bones, when compared to women with normal bone density.[14] Additionally, an animal study found that a low-magnesium diet reduced magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D levels in the bones of female rats leading to low bone density.[15]

Silicon

Silicon has an important role in bone and connective tissue health, as it aids collagen production and bone mineralization.[16]

A cross-sectional study (2,847 subjects) reviewed silicon's relation to bone mineral density finding the element significantly supported bone health in men and premenopausal women, but not in postmenopausal women. The study suggested silicon intake could prevent future bone weaknesses, as it supported bone health in men and younger women.[17]

An animal study found that silicon inhibited resorption (bone disintegration) and stimulated bone formation to maintain normal bone mass in female rats.[18] Similarly, a four-week animal study found silicon aided bone mineral density in rats with bone weaknesses.[19]

Vitamin D

Several studies have reviewed the effects of vitamin D on bone health. A meta-analysis from 1966 to 2006 found Vitamin D research is typically focused on bone health and fracture risks in the older adult population.[20]

The relation between vitamin D3 deficiency and bone fracture risks among postmenopausal women was reviewed from 1985 to 2005. Overall, the risk of fractures was lower in subjects that took a vitamin D3 supplement.[21]

A twelve-week observational study reviewed the effects of vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation on healing weak, fractured bones. Thirty women with bone fractures were selected to take vitamin D3 (800 IU) and calcium (1,000 mg) or a placebo. In six weeks, bone mineral density was higher in the vitamin D3/calcium group, when compared to the placebo group. Researchers suggested supplementation was beneficial in improving bone mineral density.[22]

Bone loss and the bone turnover rate are reduced more in the winter possibly due to less contact with vitamin D3 from sun exposure. A twelve-month study gave 55 healthy adults vitamin D3 (500 IU/day) and calcium (500 mg/day) supplementation or a placebo during the winter months of October to April in southwestern Germany. Results indicated vitamin D3/calcium prevented bone loss commonly seen in the winter.[23]

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a group of related components, K1 (phylloquinone), K2 (menaquinone), and K3 (menadione), which offer necessary aid to bone metabolism and improve calcium utilization. Individuals with lower vitamin K levels often have low bone mineral density and an increased fracture risk.[24]

Vitamin K intake can decrease the occurrence of hip fractures in elderly individuals, as the nutrient improves bone quality.[25] A research review on vitamin K from 1972-2002 found that low levels of vitamin K intake contributed to weak bones and fractures.[26] Similarly, a meta-analysis of vitamin K2 clinical trials found fracture incidences decreased in individuals with higher vitamin K2 levels.[27]

A controlled trial conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that vitamin K2 could stimulate bone formation and reduce the occurrence of vertebral fractures. Furthermore, the WHO suggested vitamin K2 could be combined with traditional bone density medications to improve bone quality.[28] A one-year study recruited 48 postmenopausal women to take a bone medication with vitamin K2 or the bone medication by itself. Results indicated the treatment/vitamin K2 combination enhanced bone mineral density in the neck.[29]

Vitamin K1 intake was measured in postmenopausal women and correlated with bone health and decreased fracture risks. Researchers found vitamin K1 was not directly associated with a reduction in fracture risks, but it was associated with improving bone mineral density and reducing bone resorption (bone disintegration).[30]

An animal study fed rats a low-magnesium diet, finding magnesium deficiency diminished bone quality. To counteract this effect, vitamin K2 was administered to the rats. Results indicated bone quality significantly improved among rats with magnesium deficiency.[31]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take two tablets daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Boron – Up to 3 mg per day

Calcium – Up to 1,200 mg per day

Magnesium – Up to 350 mg per day

Silicon – Up to 40 mg per day

Vitamin D3 - Up to 5,000 IU per day

Vitamin K1 - Up to 500 mcg per day

Vitamin K2 – Up to 500 mcg per day (Mena-Q7 is superior in quality to only require 45 mcg per day)

Precautions

The maximum safe dosages of the nutrients in this formula have not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Boron – There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Calcium – Taking calcium without food may increase the risk of kidney stones. Mild upset stomach has been reported with calcium supplementation.

Magnesium – Diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal cramping have been reported in large doses. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take doses greater than 350 mg per day of magnesium. Individuals with myasthenia gravis should not take magnesium.

Silicon - There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Vitamin D3 - Do not take vitamin D if you have lupus. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid supplementing with doses higher than the RDA amount (400 IU), unless prescribed by a physician. Research indicates that the RDA amount of vitamin D is not enough to meet all of your body's needs. To lower health risks associated with vitamin D deficiency, optimal levels may be reached by taking 1000 IU/day.[32] Though optimal amounts of vitamin D may seem high in comparison to the RDA standard, studies have found vitamin D toxicity is unlikely to occur in doses less than 10,000 IU (250 mcg)/day.[33],[34]

Vitamin K (K1 & K2) - There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Drug Interactions

Consult a physician before taking NUTRA Osteo, as the following key nutrients may interact with certain medications.

Boron – There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Calcium – Bisphosphonates, H2 blockers, Levothyroxine, Proton pump inhibitors, Quinolones, Tertracyclines, Vitamin D Analogues.

Magnesium – Bisphosphonates, Quinolones, Tetracyclines

Silicon – May inhibit aluminum absorption

Vitamin D3 - The following drugs may reduce vitamin D absorption: Orlistat, Cholestyramine, Ketoconazole, Colestipol, Phenobarbital and Phenytoin, and Antacids with aluminum.

Vitamin K (K1 & K2) – Broad-spectrum antibiotics, Cephalosporins, Cholestyramine, Colstipol, Orlistat, Salicylates, Warfarin.

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Nielsen FH. Is boron nutritionally relevant? Nutr Rev. 2008; 66(4):183-191.

[2] Volpe SL, Taper LJ, Meacham S. The relationship between boron and magnesium status and bone mineral density in the human: a review. Magnes Res. 1993; 6(3):291-296.

[3] Xu P, Hu WB, Guo X, Zhang YG, et al. Therapeutic effect of dietary boron supplement on retinoic acid-induced osteoporosis in rats. Nam Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2006; 26(12): 1785-1788.

[4] Naghii MR, Torkaman G, Mofid M. Effects of boron and calcium supplementation on mechanical properties of bone in rats. Biofactors. 2006; 28(3-4):195-201.

[5] Shea B, Wells G, Cranney A, Zytaruk N, et al. Calcium supplementation on bone loss in postmenopausal women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004; 1:CD004526.

[6] Lee YH, Lim YW, Ling PS, Tan YY, et al. Inadequate dietary calcium intake in elderly patients with hip fractures. Singapore Med J. 2007; 48(12):1117-1121.

[7] Prince RL, Devine A, Dhaliwal SS, Dick IM. Effects of calcium supplementation on clinical fracture and bone structure: results of a 5-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in elderly women. Arch Intern Med. 2006; 166(8):869-875.

[8] Dawson-Hughes B, Dallal GE, Krall EA, Sadowski L, et al. A controlled trial of the effect of calcium supplementation on bone density in postmenopausal women. N Engl J Med. 1990; 323(13):878-883.

[9] Dawson-Hughes B, Harris SS, Krall EA, Dallal GE. Effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone density in men and women 65 years of age or older. N Engl J Med. 1997; 337(10):670-676.

[10] Lloyd T, Andon MB, Rollings N, Martel JK, et al. Calcium supplementation and bone mineral density in adolescent girls. JAMA. 1993; 270(7):841-844.

[11] Kitchin B, Morgan SL. Not just calcium and vitamin D: other nutritional considerations in osteoporosis. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2007; 9(1):85-92.

[12] Stendig-Lindberg G, Koeller W, Bauer A, Rob PM. Prolonged magnesium deficiency causes osteoporosis in the rat. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004; 23(6):704S-711S.

[13] Odabasi E, Turan M, Aydin A, Akay C, Kutlu M. Magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Can magnesium play a key role in osteoporosis? Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2008; 37(7):564-567.

[14] Mutlu M, Argun M, Kilic E, Saraymen R, Yazar S. Magnesium, zinc and copper status in osteoporotic, osteopenic and normal post-menopausal women. J Int Med Res. 2007; 35(5):692-695.

[15] Rude RK, Gruber HE, Norton HJ, Wei LY, et al. Reduction of dietary magnesium by only 50% in the rat disrupts bone and mineral metabolism. Osteoporos Int. 2006; 17(7):1022-1032.

[16] Jugdaohsingh R. Silicon and bone health. J Nutr Health Aging. 2007; 11(2):99-110.

[17] Jugdaosingh R, Tucker KL, Qiao N, Cupples LA, et al. Dietary silicon intake is positively associated with bone mineral density in men and premenopausal women of the Framingham Offspring cohort. J Bone Miner Res. 2004; 19(2):297-307.

[18] Rico H, Gallego-Lago JL, Hernandez ER, Villa LF, et al. Effect of silicon supplement on osteopenia induced by ovariectomy in rats. Calcif Tissue Int. 2000; 66(1):53-55.

[19] Bae YJ, Kim JY, Choi MK, Chung YS, Kim MH. Short-term Administration of Water-soluble Silicon Improves Mineral Density of the Femur and Tibia in Ovariectomized Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2008 Apr 26.

[20] Cranney, A, Horsley, T, O'Donnell, S, et al. Effectiveness and safety of vitamin D in relation to bone health. Evid Rep Technol Assess. 2007 Aug; 158:1-235.

[21] Jackson, C, Gaugris, S, et al. The effect of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) on the risk of fall and fracture: a meta-analysis. QJM. 2007 Apr; 100(4):185-192.

[22] Doetsch, Am, Faber, J, Lynnerup, N, et al. The effect of calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation on the healing of the proximal humerus fracture: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Calcif Tissue Int. 2004 Sep; 75(3):183-188.

[23] Meier, C, Woitge, HW, et al. Supplementation with oral vitamin D3 and calcium during winter prevents seasonal bone loss: a randomized controlled open-label prospective trial. J Bone Miner Res. 2004 Aug; 19(8):1221-1230.

[24] Bugel S. Vitamin K and bone health in adult humans. Vitam Horm. 2008; 78:393-416.

[25] Kishimoto H. Vitamin K and bone quality. Clin Calcium. 2004; 14(4):621-626.

[26] Ryan-Harshman M, Aldoori W. Bone health. New role for vitamin K? Can Fam Physician. 2004; 50:993-997.

[27] Hara K, Akiyama Y. Vitamin K and bone quality. Clin Calcium. 2007; 17(11):1678-1684.

[28] Iwamoto J, Takeda T, Sato Y. Role of vitamin K2 in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Curr Drug Saf. 2006; 1(1):87-97.

[29] Hirao M, Hashimoto J, Ando W, Ono T, Yoshikawa H. Response of serum carboxylated and undercarboxylated osteocalcin to alendronate monotherapy and combined therapy with vitamin K2 in postmenopausal women. J Bone Miner Metab. 2008; 26(3):260-264.

[30] Macdonald HM, McGuigan FE, Lanham-New SA, Fraser WD, et al. Vitamin K1 intake is associated with higher bone mineral density and reduced bone resorption in early postmenopausal Scottish women: no evidence of gene-nutrient interaction with apolipoprotein E polymorphisms. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008; 87(5):1513-1520.

[31] Kobayashi M, Hara K, Akiyama Y. Vitamin K2 and bone quality. Clin Calcium. 2005; 15(7):49-55.

[32] Garland C, Garland F, Gorham E, et al. The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention. Amer J of Pub Health. 2006; 96(2):252-261.

[33] Peacock, M, Liu, G, Carey, M, et al. Effect of calcium or 25OH vitamin D3 dietary supplementation on bone loss at the hip in men and women over the age of 60. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000; 85: 3011-3019.

[34] Hollis, BW. Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels indicative of vitamin D sufficiency: implications for establishing a new effective dietary intake recommendation for vitamin D. J Nutr. 2005; 135: 317-322.