VIT∆MIN CODE RAW Calcium
FAQs
– July 2009
 1.
Why is calcium important?
A: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human
body and has numerous important functions.
It accounts for 1 to 2 % of adult human body weight and more than 99% of
total body calcium is stored in the bones and teeth for structural
support.
2. Why is bone health important?
A: Bone Health means a lot more than simply preventing
osteoporosis. Healthy bones manufacture red blood cells, immune cells,
secrete hormones and much more. Bone loss is associated with increased
inflammation, which then accelerates more bone loss and becomes a
vicious cycle. There is an Osteo-Immune relationship, as well as a link
between bone loss and obesity. Because osteoporosis is often the first
sign of degenerating bone health (often in the form of a fracture due to
weak bone) we consider good bone health to be one of the most overlooked
components of extraordinary health - everyone needs to think about their
bone health.
3. Why should I question if my calcium supplement
is effective?
A: Calcium supplements taken in the absence of other
vitamins and minerals and without proper diet and exercise, have not
been proven in clinical studies to help strengthen bones. The best that
can be said is that calcium supplementation helps slow down or stop bone
loss.†† While slowing bone loss is good, increasing bone mineral density
should be the goal. The majority of calcium supplements are made from
ground-up rock and most of them are in tablet form and have solubility
problems. The USA is the country that purchases the most calcium
supplements, but it is also one of the countries with higher incidence
of osteoporosis.
4. What is VIT∆MIN CODE RAW Calcium?
A: VIT∆MIN CODE RAW Calcium is the first raw, vegan
calcium formula, composed of AlgaeCal RAW, a certified organic plant
source of calcium derived from the marine algae Algas calcareas rich in
73
naturally occurring minerals and trace minerals. The RAW Calcium formula
provides all the necessary cofactors such as 100mcg of Vitamin K2 in the
form of MK-7, 1,600 IU of RAW Food-Created vitamin D3 and other
bone-building† Code Factors, magnesium, boron, silica and vanadium. RAW
Calcium is completely free of commonly-used limestone rock, chalk or
animal bone sources of calcium and is suitable for even the most
dedicated raw food vegan. RAW Calcium May Reduce the Risk of
Osteoporosis,†† Increase Bone Strength, Increase Bone Mineral Density
and Slow Bone Loss.†
5. Who can benefit form taking RAW Calcium?
A: Anyone can benefit from calcium supplementation.
RAW Calcium is the best choice for individuals searching for a RAW,
vegan, whole food calcium supplement; anyone already using a calcium
supplement; those who wish to reduce the risk of developing Osteoporosis
later in life,†† and adults seeking to build better, stronger bones by
increasing bone density.† RAW Calcium is completely free of
commonly-used limestone rock, chalk or animal bone sources of calcium
and is suitable for even the most dedicated raw food vegan.
6. What is the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for
calcium?
A: According to the Institute of Medicine (2003), the
Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for desirable calcium retention and
balance in people between the ages of 19 and 50 is 1000mg per day; for
people aged 51 improving changes in bone mineral density.
7. How much calcium does RAW Calcium provide and
what is the source?
A: RAW Calcium delivers 756mg (76% DV) of plant-based
calcium from AlgaeCal RAW.
8. What is AlgaeCal RAW?
A: AlgaeCal RAW is the first raw, vegan, certified
organic whole food plant source of Calcium. As
opposed to single element calcium supplements, AlgaeCal RAW is powdered
Marine Algae (Algas
calcareas) containing an entire spectrum of plant nutrients, large
quantities of Calcium and Magnesium
and naturally rich in 73 trace mineral bone-building Code Factors such
as Boron, Strontium, Vanadium,
Silica as well as other naturally-occurring trace minerals. Your body
was designed to accept plant
minerals better than rock because plants pre-digest the minerals for us.
AlgaeCal RAW washes up on the pristine shores of South America where it
is harvested live, just like vegetables from a garden, then cold
processed to retain nutritional value. The porous nature of AlgaeCal RAW
dramatically increases surface area which lends itself to better
dissolution.
9. Is AlgaeCal RAW USDA certified organic?
A: We are very proud to say that Algas calcareas, the
plant source calcium mineral complex that is
AlgaeCal has been certified organic by the USDA, IBD (Organic
Certification for Brazil and other Latin
American Countries) and IFOAM (International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements). However,
the RAW Calcium formula as a whole are not certified organic.
10. Is the calcium in AlgaeCal RAW absorbable and
bioavailable?
A: The body’s ability to absorb calcium depends on the
body’s need for calcium, the last calcium containing meal consumed, the
presence of co-factors, among many other factors. The body best
absorbs calcium when divided into multiple servings throughout the day
because studies suggest that the body can only utilize a limited amount
of calcium at once. AlgaeCal RAW besides being a plant sourced calcium,
has a unique porous nature, like a sponge so it has a lot more surface
area than an ordinary calcium carbonate. More surface area means more
opportunity for stomach acid to come in contact with the calcium and
dissolve it. Beyond solubility in the stomach, AlgaeCal RAW has been
shown to be bioavailable in the rest of the digestive process. The
calcium that actually goes into the bloodstream varies among
individuals, depending on need for calcium, calcium source, amount
taken, co-factors, etc. Another reason for low calcium absorption is the
poor dissolution of some tablet forms. It has been found that some
tablets are so closely bound with glues that they could take hours to
dissolve. Capsules are a preferable delivery form to tablets for this
reason. The contents of vegetable capsules is a loose powder which has
greater dissolution potential than a tightly bound tablet. RAW Calcium
delivers AlgaeCal RAW, a whole food source of calcium, in a vegan
UltraZorbe capsule for rapid dissolution and better bioavailability.
According to the National Academy of Sciences, most supplement forms of
calcium such as calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are absorbed
typically in a range of 25% to 35%. Foods however have better absorption
and values differ greatly from food to food, but are usually higher. The
key point is that plant based calcium is absorbed better than calcium
from rock. AlgaeCal RAW is a whole food algae naturally rich in calcium
and other minerals which facilitate absorption.
11. Why is vitamin D3 important to bone health?
A: To help the body absorb calcium it is also
important to get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D can be obtained through
sunlight exposure and foods. Recent studies show the need for much more
vitamin D than was previously recommended. Vitamin D functions as an
important hormone by sending a message to the intestines to increase the
absorption of calcium up to 80% depending on individual need. Vitamin D
is well known for maintaining normal calcium levels, but new research
shows it plays an important role in a host of other important functions
such as strengthening the immune system.† Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol
is the natural form of vitamin D and is much more effective at raising
serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D as opposed to the synthetic D2 or
ergocalciferol form. RAW Calcium delivers 1,600 IU of RAW Food-Created
vitamin D3.
12. What are the benefits of vitamin K2 in the form
of MK-7 in a calcium formula?
A: Strong scientific evidence now suggests that
vitamin K2 is an important piece of the bone health
puzzle.† Vitamin K2 is derived from Natto, the richest natural source of
vitamin K2. Natto is an ancient
Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, and significant amounts of
vitamin K2 are produced
during the fermentation process. Vitamin K2 is classified into MK-4 and
MK-7 primarily. More recently the attention of scientists is focused on
the MK-7 version which is natural and stays in the blood stream longer
than MK-4 creating bone health benefits. MK-7 stimulates protein
synthesis in osteoblastic cells and enhances osteocalcin production, a
calcium-binding protein in the cells, which stimulates the
mineralization in bone tissues. MK-7 has been found to have a
stimulatory effect on calcification and an inhibitory effect on bone
reabsorption in bone tissue, thereby increasing bone mass.† RAW Calcium
provides 100mcg of RAW Food-Created vitamin K2 in the form of MK-7.
13. Why is magnesium important to bone health?
A: As the fourth most abundant mineral in the body,
magnesium is essential to good health.
Approximately half of the total body magnesium is found in bones and the
other half is distributed
throughout cells of tissues and organs. This critical mineral is needed
for more than 300 biochemical
reactions. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps
heart rhythm steady, supports a
healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium deficiency may
be a risk factor in cases of extensive bone loss because magnesium
deficiency alters calcium metabolism and the hormones that regulate
calcium. Several human studies have suggested that supplementing with
magnesium can
improve bone mineral density.† Magnesium and calcium work together to
keep calcium in bones and out of soft tissues.† RAW Calcium includes
380mg of Magnesium from AlgaeCal RAW.
14. Are there other minerals crucial to bone
health?
A: The consumption of other trace minerals such as
silica, boron, vanadium and strontium have all been linked to healthy
bones.† All of these minerals and many others are naturally occurring in
the Algas calcareas included in RAW Calcium.
15. What are RAW Food-Created Nutrients?
A: The RAW Food-Created Nutrients in Vitamin Code
formulas are individually cultivated with their
unique Code Factors intact, enabling targeted delivery and natural
recognition of nutrients by the body.
Imagine growing a plant in the garden, and adding extra vitamin D to the
soil to yield a plant rich in
vitamin D. The yeast or bacteria is cultivated in water and “fed” a
vitamin to yield a food-based yeast or
probiotic matrix that is rich in that particular vitamin. Raw
Food-Created Nutrients are grown in both S.
cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) and the probiotic Lactobacillus bulgaricus to
provide a broader spectrum of
Code Factors.
16. What is a Code Factor?
A: Code Factors are the known, and yet to be
discovered, synergistic compounds found in food and
necessary for proper nutrient delivery. Providing these Code Factors
infuses the essential elements of
whole foods that the body thrives upon.
17. What are RAW Food-Chelated Minerals?
A: Chelation is a naturally occurring process in the
body for transporting minerals across the intestinal
wall during digestion. Common inorganic forms of trace minerals may
interact with lipids, proteins, fiber or other minerals, inhibiting
absorption. When minerals are bound to chelating agents such as amino
acids, they become more stable and are much less reactive in the
digestive tract. RAW Food-Chelated
Minerals are minerals that have been bound to raw rice amino acids
making their structure more akin to
food, designed to enhance mineral absorption and improve
bioavailability.
18. What is the difference between RAW Food-Chelated
Minerals and other mineral chelates?
A: The primary difference between RAW Food-Chelated
Minerals and regular amino acid chelates is that the amino acids we use
are derived from raw rice protein and not from a synthetic form. This
means they have a full spectrum of naturally occurring amino acids that
are found in proportions similar to what they would be in foods. All 20
amino acids are present and include both branch chain aminos as well as
all the essential aminos, which can’t be produced by the body. Other
amino acid chelated minerals most times only utilize a dipeptide or
tripeptide (two or three amino acids). Scientific data also shows RAW
Food-Chelated Minerals to have better bioavailability and shelf
stability.
19. What is the suggested use for RAW Calcium?
A: Adults take 5 capsules daily. For best results take
3 capsules with breakfast and 2 capsules with lunch. Capsules may be
opened and contents added to water or raw juice.
20. Does RAW Calcium interact with medications?
A: It's important to discuss with a doctor possible
interactions between calcium supplements and overthe-counter and
prescription medications. Any medication that needs to be taken on an
empty stomach should not be taken with calcium supplements. The RAW
Calcium recommended usage can be rearranged to accommodate medications.
Please discuss the appropriate intake schedule with your doctor. RAW
Calcium also includes vitamin K2 which is usually not recommended while
taking blood thinners.
21. Are there any contraindications or warnings for
RAW Calcium?
A: Caution: As with any dietary supplement, consult
your healthcare practitioner before using this product, especially if
you are pregnant, nursing or under medical supervision. Not intended for
children.
22. Can I take RAW Calcium if I am pregnant or
nursing?
A: Calcium plays a critical role during pregnancy and
lactation. Pease discuss RAW Calcium with your
doctor to decide if it’s appropriate for you.
23. Is RAW Calcium Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free,
and does it contain Soy?
A: The ingredients in RAW Calcium are vegan, gluten
free, dairy free and do not contain soy allergens.
24. Does RAW Calcium contain any binders or
fillers?
A: There are no fillers or binders in RAW Calcium.
25. Does RAW Calcium contain any artificial colors,
flavors or preservatives?
A: No, there are no artificial ingredients in RAW
Calcium.
26. What are RAW Calcium capsules made of?
A: The capsule used is made of cellulose, the
structural component of the primary cell wall of plants.
Although the content of the capsule is entirely raw, the capsule itself
cannot be made raw. Raw foodist
may open the capsule and pour the contents into water or raw juices. The
capsules are labeled Vegan.
27. Does RAW Calcium require refrigeration?
A: No, RAW Calcium should be stored in a cool dry
place both before and after opening.
28. What is the shelf life of RAW Calcium?
A: RAW Calcium has a shelf life of 3 years.
29. Can RAW Calcium be taken with other Garden of
Life products?
A: Yes, RAW Calcium can be taken in conjunction with
other Garden of Life products. It is important that you discuss ALL
supplement use with your health care practitioner, particularly if you
have any kind of medical condition.
30. How is VIT∆MIN CODE RAW Calcium different from
other calcium supplements?
A: RAW Calcium is the first ever RAW vegan calcium
from AlgaeCal RAW with 73 minerals and trace
minerals, including the necessary bone-building† Code Factors, vitamins
D3 and K2, magnesium, boron, silica and vanadium. It also contains RAW
Food–Created Nutrients and follows all Vitamin Code quality standards:
- RAW – uncooked, untreated, and unadulterated
- RAW – contain live enzymes and probiotics
- RAW – 100% Active Ingredients– No Binders or
Fillers
- Contain Nutrient Specific Peptides for Targeted
Delivery and Utilization
- Contain Code Factors for Extreme Nutrient Synergy
31. What is the Suggested Retail Price of VIT∆MIN
CODE® RAW Calcium?
A: RAW Calcium is available in both 75ct (15-day
supply) and 150ct (30-day supply) amber glass
containers and have a Suggested Retail Price of $25.95 and $44.95
respectively.
32. What does the Vitamin Angels logo on the RAW
Calcium carton mean?
A: For every Vitamin Code® RAW Calcium sold, a
donation will be made to Vitamin Angels and their
Operation 20/20 program to eliminate Vitamin A deficiency in the world
by the year 2020.
††Regular exercise and a healthy diet with enough
Calcium and Vitamin D helps maintain good bone health and may reduce the
risk of osteoporosis later in life.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
