Bones are not dead tissue, but are constantly being built up and broken down. They consist of a hard shell and are filled with a tissue matrix on the inside.
Ideally, our entire skeleton renews itself every 7 years. This process is regulated by the osteoblasts (cells that build up bone) and osteoclasts (cells that break down bone). From around the age of 35 there is an increase in osteoclast activity, which causes bones to lose around 1 to 1.5% of their substance per year.
Vegans have a particularly high risk of bone disease. On the one hand, because they do not eat dairy products and therefore do not absorb enough calcium. On the other hand, if they are also exposed to too little sunlight, as is the case for many people in Northern Europe, they also produce too little vitamin D in their skin.
An adequate, balanced supply of the essential micronutrients can make a lasting contribution to maintaining normal, strong bones.
The health claims for vitamins and minerals regarding bone health have been scientifically examined and confirmed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). [1]
- Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones
Calcium has been recommended for decades as a dietary supplement for bones. It forms the basis for bone formation. But bones also need other minerals and vitamins to build and maintain a healthy, strong bone structure.
- Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption/utilization of calcium and phosphorus
- Vitamin D contributes to a normal calcium level in the blood
- Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bone health
Vitamin D3 fulfills several tasks in bone formation. These include the absorption of calcium in the intestine and the formation of osteocalcin. This bone-specific protein helps to incorporate calcium into the bone matrix.
- Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bone health
Studies have shown that vitamin K2 is just as important for strong bones as calcium and vitamin D3. This is because vitamin K2 is needed to activate osteocalcin, a protein that stores calcium in the bones.
A lack of vitamin K2 could therefore lead to a decrease in bone density even with a sufficient supply of calcium and vitamin D3. At the same time, the calcium, which should actually be used for stable bones, could be deposited in the artery walls, where it would promote the "calcification" of the blood vessels.
- Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bone health
About 50% of the magnesium stores in the body are in the bones. Magnesium has been shown in several human studies to improve bone density.
- Boron supports the functions of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D
According to studies, boron is therefore involved in maintaining healthy bones. Boron reduces the excretion of calcium and magnesium via the urine. This effect of boron is particularly important after the menopause, as women excrete larger amounts of calcium and magnesium due to the reduced hormone levels.
- Copper contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissue
- Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal connective tissue formation
- Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
- Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
Studies have also shown that these trace elements can make an important contribution to maintaining normal bone density. Osteoxan contains these substances in a bioactive form that can be optimally absorbed by the body.
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal bone function
- Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein metabolism
These vitamins are essential for the formation of type I collagen and other proteins, which make up around 20% of the bone matrix. These collagen fibers ensure that the bones are both elastic and strong.
Individuals taking anticoagulants or those with a blood clotting disorder should consult their doctor before using this product.
The reason for this is that taking more than 45 µg of vitamin K2 per day could reduce the effect of coumarin-based anticoagulants, such as Marcumar. This type of medication works by inhibiting vitamin K2 in the body.
However, as our body absolutely needs vitamin K for healthy bones and clean arteries, we recommend that you do not take any vitamin K-dependent anticoagulants. Talk to your doctor, who can prescribe medication that works independently of vitamin K. These are known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
