C:\program files\hart on cd\packages\hart\calcium plus vitamin d.hdc

Calcium Plus Vitamin D
Calcium Plus Vitamin D is a balanced supplement providing a 2:1 ratio of calcium tomagnesium. As the name indicates, Calcium Plus Vitamin D contains vitamin D, as well asphosphorus, for improved calcium utilization in the body. As an added bonus, Calcium PlusVitamin D contains alfalfa herb, a rich source of plant enzymes, to enhance mineralabsorption and bioavailability.
Calcium is the most plentiful mineral in the body, with about 99% stored in bones and teeth.
Calcium is a lifelong dietary requirement, necessary for muscle contractions, nerve
transmission, immune system maintenance, regular heartbeat, and the production of
biological energy. Calcium also safeguards the body against cardiovascular disease by
reducing high blood pressure and lowering cholesterol, thus reducing the probability for heart
attacks and strokes. In addition, menopause symptoms such as nervousness, irritability,
insomnia and headaches have been treated with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D-a
deficiency of calcium available for absorption causes a decrease in estrogen output.
Likewise, calcium can also help reduce symptoms of PMS, including preventing premenstrual tension andmenstrual cramps. Furthermore, recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests thatcalcium may offer protection against colon cancer. Of course, calcium has been successfully used in the preventionand treatment of osteoporosis-taking calcium supplements in the evening appears to be better for preventingosteoporosis than taking calcium in the morning. Plus, since an acidic environment enhances calcium absorption,taking calcium with meals has been shown to improve overall calcium absorption without the need for addedhydrochloric acid (HCl). Incidentally, calcium requires sufficient magnesium and vitamin D for absorption andutilization. In fact, calcium cannot be properly absorbed without adequate amounts of vitamin D.1-8 Magnesium is involved in almost every function of the body. For example, magnesium is essential for cardiac
health, production of ATP energy, formation of bone and protein, healthy functioning of nerves and muscles, and
the regulation of blood sugar levels-magnesium plays an important role in insulin secretion and function.
Magnesium also helps maintain the acid-alkaline balance of the body. In addition, magnesium transports calcium
into the cells and is necessary for calcium to function properly. In fact, nearly 70% of the body's supply of
magnesium is found in the bones in conjunction with calcium and phosphorus. Magnesium deficiency is common
among individuals taking "potassium-depleting" prescription drugs and can also occur if taking too many laxatives.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include depression, fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms, loss of appetite and
muscle spasm and weakness.2,3
Vitamin D's most important function is to maintain sufficient blood levels of calcium-vitamin D facilitates calcium
absorption from food (in the intestinal tract) and reduces urinary calcium loss in order to keep calcium in the body
and spare calcium stores in the bones. Vitamin D is also required for the proper utilization of magnesium, as well as
the breakdown and utilization of phosphorus, which is needed for bone formation. Incidentally, recent research
shows that low levels of vitamin D contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis. Vitamin D participates in other
body functions as well, including normal blood clotting and cardiac function, immune system activity and blood cell
formation, and even cell differentiation-a process that may lower the risk of cancer. Vitamin D is also necessary
for healthy blood levels of insulin and has been reported to assist the body in processing sugar. Furthermore, the
benefits of adequate vitamin D will only occur when the body's calcium and phosphorus requirements are met. It is
important to note that bile acid sequesterants (cholestyramine and colestipol) reduce the absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins such as vitamin D.2,3,5,6
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body, following calcium. Not surprisingly, phosphorus is
needed for calcium to function properly. Calcium works with phosphorus to build and maintain healthy bones and
teeth-the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the bones is approximately 2 to 1. Dietary phosphorus supplementation
has been shown to speed the healing process in bone fractures, while also reducing the expected calcium loss in
such patients. Phosphorus has also been used successfully in the treatment of osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
Phosphorus absorption depends on sufficient calcium and vitamin D. Most dietary phosphorus (about 70% in foods)
is absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream. Approximately 88% of the phosphorus that is absorbed is then
stored in the bones and teeth, along with calcium, although antacids can deplete the storage. Symptoms of
phosphorus deficiency include loss of appetite, weakness, loss of bone mass and loss of calcium.3,7
Alfalfa herb (Medicago sativa) has been used as a tonic for digestive disorders, anemia, loss of appetite and poor
assimilation of nutrients; as a diuretic for edema (water retention) and arthritis; and, to stimulate breast-milk
production in nursing mothers. Alfalfa is a rich source of protein and vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, E and K. Alfalfa also
contains appreciable amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, as well as plant enzymes
that enhance the digestion and absorption of nutrients. In addition, animal studies indicate that saponins found in
alfalfa leaves block the absorption of cholesterol and may help prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Copyright 2007 Herb Allure, Inc. Calcium Plus Vitamin D Individuals with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) should avoid using alfalfa, as it contains theamino acid L-canavanine, which may aggravate symptoms.2,8,10-13 Numerous antibiotics, bile acid sequesterants, certain chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and thyroid hormones may interferewith or impair calcium absorption and may increase calcium excretion. Likewise, calcium supplementation may in turn, decrease theabsorption and bioavailability of tetracycline, thus reducing the drug's effectiveness. For these reasons, calcium supplements should betaken at separate times from drug administration.14 Each tablet provides vitamin D (120IU), calcium (250mg), phosphorus (110mg) and magnesium (125mg), in a baseof Alfalfa herb (Medicago sativa).
1Anderson MD, F. & Gazella, K. "Evaluating Osteoporosis Treatment Options." International Journal of Integrative Medicine; 1999, 2Lininger Jr, S., et. al. The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Ed. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1999.
3Dunne, L. Nutrition Almanac, 3rd edition. NY, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1990.
4Brown, H. "Cancer at the millennium." Energy Times; 1999, 9(5):22-28.
5Torkos Phm, S. "Drug-Nutrient Interactions: A Focus On Cholesterol-Lowering Agents." International Journal of Integrative Medicine; 6Mindell PhD, E. & Hopkins, V. Prescription Alternatives, 2nd Ed. Los Angeles, CA: Keats, 1999.
7Lieberman PhD, S. & Bruning, N. The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book. Garden City Park, NY: Avery, 1997.
8Newall, C., et. al. Herbal Medicines. London, England: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
9Balch MD, J. & Balch CNC, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, NY: Avery, 1990.
10Mindell PhD, E. Earl Mindel 's New Herb Bible. NY, NY: Fireside, 2000.
11PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, 2000.
12Presser PharmD, A. Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs. Petaluma, CA: Smart Publications, 2000.
13Brown, A.C. "Lupus erythematosus and nutrition: a review of the literature." Journal of Renal Nutrition; 2000, 10(4):170-183.
14Lininger Jr, S., et. al. A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions. Rocklin, CA: Healthnotes, 1999.
Copyright 2007 Herb Allure, Inc. Calcium Plus Vitamin D

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