With baby boomers now reaching their late 50s and early 60s, the bone health supplements industry has never been hotter. Specifically, bone health supplements are reported to be the biggest seller in the United States dietary supplement industry. According to the Nutrition Business Journal, sale of calcium supplements in 2004 reached $993 million.
Loss of bone density begins in adulthood but the condition becomes more commonplace once men and women reach their 50s, which is why bone health supplements are popular amongst aging baby boomers and the elderly. At this age, the body loses more bone mass than it can produce. This natural and normal process of aging leads to loss of bone mineral density and bone tissue structural deterioration. When this happens the risk factors for fracture and debilitating bone disease are much higher.
The National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disease National Resource Center, Washington D.C. states that osteoporosis, and its associated complications, are a major national health threat. Those at higher risk include women, those above 50, and those who have a family history of osteoporosis. Other risk factors include:
• Nutritional status - The absorption of calcium depends on the presence of other factors like certain vitamins, minerals and hormones. Calcium absorption by the body also depends on a slightly acidic pH environment in the digestive tract. In spite of being in good physical condition, a deficiency in any of these areas may impair the absorption of calcium by the body.
• Hormone levels
• Medications that deplete calcium levels.
• Smoking
• Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages.
Baby Boomers
Every day there are about 8,000 baby boomers turning sixty. This demographic cannot be neglected as it represents 25 percent of America's population. That's about 77 million Americans with depleting levels of bone loss. Calcium supplementation can offset this natural bone loss by compensating the body with calcium and other nutrients required for supporting bone health.
Calcium supplements are available as tablets or capsules. The elderly often prefer a more easy-to-swallow delivery form, like calcium supplements in liquid or chewable form. These mediums are also easy for the body to digest since the nutrients have already been broken down.
Women
The production of new bone cells in the body depends on calcium, various nutrients and hormones. Women, therefore, are at more risk for bone density loss because of hormonal changes that occur during menopause. With the loss of estrogen levels during menopause, the bones become brittle and the risk of fracture, especially of the hips, spine and wrists, is higher. According to a study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a regular intake of calcium and Vitamin D supplements can significantly reduce this risk (Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Feb;77(2):504-11). According to the National Institutes of Health, some studies suggest that magnesium deficiencies, common in post-menopausal women, may alter calcium metabolism. Bone health supplementation for women should also include magnesium.
Adults
Bone loss density begins to occur in adulthood. Savvy health enthusiasts take bone supplements in order to proactively support bone health. This demographic usually opts for simple formulations with ingredients that are easily bio-available. Examples include calcium citrate which is efficiently absorbed by the body when it is taken with or without food. The bioavailability of calcium carbonate is best when it is taken with food. Some preliminary studies show that the bioavailability of calcium formate is far superior to both the citrate and carbonate forms of calcium. This was reported in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Age also affects bioavailability of calcium supplements. As age advances, the body's ability to absorb calcium decreases. More supplementation is required for the aged.
While women may be at more risk for loss of bone mineral density, aging men are also susceptible and require calcium supplementation. Supplementation is recommended for men over 55.
Popular Bone Health Supplements
The most popular supplements for baby boomers are:
Calcium - Although many of the foods we eat daily are fortified with calcium, experts say that those approaching their 40s need more. The most common supplements available in the market are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
Vitamin D - It must be noted that Vitamin D is essential for the synthesis of calcium in the body. Without this, calcium would be excreted through the kidneys and intestines without being absorbed by the body.
According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General, bone health depends on a broad spectrum of nutrients and other components in our diet. These include a healthy dose of boron, copper, fluoride, iron, isoflavones, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, protein, Vitamin K, and zinc.
Research on Strontium indicates its use in increasing bone mineral density and bone strength. Studies show that silica is beneficial for bone and connective tissue health.
New research shows that certain components of nutrition such as caretenoids, particularly lycopene show a protective influence against bone density loss at the hip in men and at the lumbar spine in women, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
No Bones to Pick – the Bone Health Supplement Industry is Booming!
Bone density loss is generally preventable and the use of bone health supplements is widely accepted both by the general public and the medical profession.
While standard bone supplements are still popular, those who want to manufacture a superior-quality bone health supplement can talk to a leading supplement manufacturer, like Nutricap Labs. In addition to being quality private label supplement manufacturers, they are experienced contract manufacturers of dietary supplements. Incorporate the latest reliable research on nutrients to produce a bone health supplement that has safe, scientifically-supported ingredients and high efficacy for results.
What Supplements Promote Bone Health?
