Bae et al. 2011

Magnesium Supplementation through Seaweed Calcium Extract Rather than Synthetic Magnesium Oxide Improves Femur Bone Mineral Density and Strength in Ovari-ectomized Rats

Y Bae, S Bu, J Kim, J Yeon, E Sohn, K Jang, L Lee, M Kim

Department of Food and Nutrition, Kangwon National University, South Korea

Biol Trace Elem Res (2011) 144 : 992 – 1002

Background: 

Minerals from different sources are highly variable in their effects on the body, and simply supplying adequate quantities of a given mineral does not guarantee bioavailability and efficacy at a cellular level. 

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a diet containing calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) obtained from inorganic sources (calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide), to a diet containing calcium and magnesium obtained from a marine plant source – Aquamin.

Details:

40 rats divided into 4 study groups; 12 week protocol. Primary study outcomes centered on bone health – bone mineral density, bone mineral content and bone strength.

Results :

  • – OVX-SCa rats had improved femur strength compared to OVX and OVX-Mg rats 
  • – OVX-Sca rats had femur bone mineral content and bone area similar to that of the SHAM rats, whereas OVX and OVX-Mg rats had lower bone mineral content and area.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal calcium absorption was the same regardless of calcium source (marine or inorganic). Aquamin prevented some of the negative effects of ovariectomy on bone in rats, while inorganic sources of these calcium and magnesium did not. 
  • Aquamin provides other minerals (besides Ca and Mg) that may contribute to bone health.  Bone changes in post-menopausal women may be off-set by Aquamin.
  • Results suggest that seaweed calcium (Aquamin) is an effective calcium and magnesium source for improving bone health compared to synthetic calcium and magnesium supplementation. 
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PUBLISHED ARTICLES

Bone health
Joints & inflammation
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