Protect and build strong bones
Millions of people take calcium supplements to maintain healthy bone. Yet few people realize that optimizing bone integrity involves more than taking a single mineral supplement. A critical additional component for bone health is vitamin K2.
Calcium is not enough for healthy bones
For decades calcium has been the most obvious choice of dietary supplement for improving bone health. We need calcium to keep up with the turnover of the skeleton. However, several studies show that supplementing with calcium exclusively is not enough for optimal bone health. Our bodies need to optimize the use of calcium as access calcium will stick to the blood vessel walls, making them stiff and less elastic.
Adding vitamin D, calcium and vitamin K2 significantly improves bone health, because vitamin D stimulates the synthesis of osteocalcin, while vitamin K2 is needed for "switching" it on. In this way both vitamin D and vitamin K2 work in synergies making the body able to use calcium efficiently for improved bone health.
Bone benefits of MK-7, the natural Vitamin K2
As we get older we are used to see that the skeleton deteriorates. Old people shrink in height; bones get more brittle and vertebra often change shape. In our minds this is a natural process; however, when people start breaking their ribs, their hips, wrists or get breakage in the vertebra, osteoporosis is often diagnosed.
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones reducing the bone mineral density. Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because the bone loss often occurs without any symptoms. Usually the disease is diagnosed only after painful fractures, requiring hospitalization. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) osteoporosis is currently affecting some 200 million people globally.
With obesity adding extra strain on bones, the number of people suffering from osteoporosis is anticipated to increase steadily. Worldwide, one in three men is expected to suffer from osteoporotic fractures in the future, whereas lifetime risk of fracture for women is nearly one in two. Women are more vulnerable than men due to two factores. In general, they have less bone mass to start with - and are therefore more vulnerable to bone loss than men after the skeletons are fully developed. Secondly, during the years following menopause, the annual loss of bone mass in women is accelerated.
Our skeleton
Bone is comprised of the hard outer shell and spongy inner tissue matrix. The inner tissue is a living tissue and the entire skeleton is replaced every 7 years through a process called remodelling. This process is regulated by osteoblasts, cells which build up the skeleton, and osteoclasts, cells which break the skeleton down. As long as the bone-building activity of osteoblasts (absorption) is higher than the action of osteoclasts (resorption), the process of maintaining healthy bones is kept under control.
Osteoblasts produce a vitamin K-dependent protein called osteocalcin, which helps binding calcium in the bone matrix resulting in increased mineral content. Its function is to make the skeleton resistant and less susceptible to fractures.
Osteocalcin needs Vitamin K to function optimally and long-term K-deficiency will lead to significantly reduced density and quality of bone. The breakdown cells (osteoclasts) will remove more bone tissue than the bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) can form, and will slowly but surely lose bone tissue from our bones. The result is bones which become thin and fragile and which may fracture very easily. Even if the bone structure appears normal from the outside, it may be fragile on the inside and this increases the risk of fracture.
Scientifically proven benefits
The Osteo Study in 2003 revealed that vitamin K2 is able to prevent bone loss. A 3 year study has followed two groups of patients: one control group received no supplementation and the second where submitted to synthetic MK-4 treatment. Results explicitly underlined that intake of vitamin K2 was associated with inhibition of loss in bone strength during the study period.
A groundbreaking study showing the correlation between Natto intake and osteoporosis was previously published by a group of scientists led by Masao Kaneki. This research suggested that higher MK-7 levels from Natto consumption can contribute to improved bone health. Increased intake of MK-7 from Natto resulted in better levels of activated osteocalcin and a reduced risk of fracture.
These results were confirmed in 2006 in a study carried out by Ikeda, who found that consuming Natto - containing large amounts of menaquinone-7 - may help prevent the development of osteoporosis. This three-year study of 944 women (aged 20-79) found intake of MK-7 linked to the inhibition of loss of bone mineral density.
Most recently, a study published by Yaegashi et al. in the European Journal of Epidemiology (2008) showed that better vitamin K status resulted in the reduction of hip fracture risk. In this study, while calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D were slightly indicated as important to bone health, natural Vitamin K2 from Natto was identified as the key source: Its consumption was strongly associated with lowering the risk of hip fracture, indicating important role of MK-7 in the prevention of osteoporosis.
A systemic review was made of all randomized controlled trials that gave adults either vitamin K1 or K2 supplements for at least six months. A total of 13 trials were identified with data on bone loss and 7 trials that reported fracture incidences. All of these human trials except one showed that supplemental vitamin K1 or K2 reduced bone mass loss. Vitamin K2 in particular was associated with increased bone mineral density. In all 7 trials to evaluate fracture risk, vitamin K2 proved most effective, reducing the risk of vertebral fractures by 60%, hip fractures by 77%, and an astounding reduction for all non-vertebral fractures of 81%.
For those taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent osteoporosis, adequate vitamin K2 intake is essential to activating proteins that bind calcium to the bone. In the presence of inadequate vitamin K status, the calcium that would be used to maintain strong bones is instead deposited into the arterial wall where it accelerates the atherosclerosis process.
The complete Bone Building Formula
Osteoxan is a highly efficient formula, developed according to the newest scientific research, to build healthy, strong bones. It provides the whole spectrum of important bone building nutrients in one product. The regular intake of Osteoxan may improve the bone density and stability of bones even until old age. Osteoxan is a natural nutritional supplement, free from side effects.
Ostexan contains the following vital nutrients which showed in studies to improve the buildup of strong bones:
1. Vitamin K2 showed in several studies to be as important for bone health as Calcium and Vitamin D3. Vitamin K2 activates Osteocalcin, a k-dependent protein which helps binding calcium in the bone matrix. If someone lacks Vitamin K2 the bone density my decrease and lead to osteoporosis, even if this person gets enough Calcium and Vitamin D3. At the same time, the calcium will be deposited in the arteries, leading to arteriosclerosis.
Osteoxan contains MK-7, the most active form of supplemental Vitamin K available (MK-7), which is a pure, natural extract derived from Natto (fermented soybeans). Natto has been used safely for generations for improved bone and heart health. MK-7 is nearly completely absorbed. Compared to synthetic Vitamin k2 (MK-4), natural Vitamin K2 (MK-7) has the highest bioactivity of all Vitamin K forms and stay active in your blood for 72 hours.
2. Calcium has for decades been the most obvious choice of dietary supplement for improving bone health. Even though it is the foundation for bone building, healthy bones also contain many other minerals and trace elements which are just as important as calcium, even they are required in very small amounts. Therefore, Osteoxan contains a special source of calcium, which also contains Magnesium and 74 other minerals and trace elements, e.g. Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Selenium, and many more. This 100% plant based calcium is derived from algaes and has a very high bioavailability.
3. Magnesium showed in several human studies that it may enhance bone density. Bones contain approximately 50% of the body´s magnesium deposits. Magnesium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, because it regulates those hormones which are responsible for proper calcium metabolism.
4. Vitamin D3 regulates the uptake of calcium from the digestive system as well as the synthesis of the Osteocalcin protein, which is important to bind calcium to the bone matrix. But as mentioned before, Osteocalcin also requires the presence of Vitamin K2 to fulfill its work.
5. Boron is also very important for building healthy bones, because it supports the metabolism of Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D. Boron reduces the excretion of calcium and magnesium over the urine. This is especially important for women in menopause because due to the reduced hormone levels they loose greater amounts of calcium and magnesium. Boron also enhances the impact of vitamin D and helps to bind calcium to the bones.
6. Copper, Manganese, Zinc and Selenium are also very important for bone health and the preservation of bone density. Osteoxan supplies these trace elements in a very bioactive form which can be absorbed very easily by the body.
7. Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 are essential for the buildup of Collagen Type I and other proteins, which account for 20% of the bone matrix. These collagen fibers are responsible to keep the bones elastic and strong at the same time.
Advantages of Osteoxan:
- supports buildup of healthy bones
- improves bone density
- prevents osteoporosis
- reduces the risk of bone fractures
- improves the healing process of bone fractures
To support stability and buildup of bone structure with vital nutrients, take 2 capsules 2 times daily during or after a main meal.
Note: Studies show that 45 mcg Vitamin K2 (4 capsules) is not likely to interact negatively even with patients undergoing anticoagulant treatments with coumarin/warfarin. However, if you are currently taking anticoagulats and consider taking Osteoxan you should consult your physician first.