Calcigard®

DESCRIPTION
Calcigard® 250, manufactured by Douglas Laboratories®, provides 250 mg of elemental calcium from calcium citrate. Calcigard 250 is available with and without added vitamin D.

FUNCTIONS
The adult human body contains approximately 1,200 g of calcium, of which about 99% is present in the skeleton. Bone is constantly turning over, through a continuous process of formation and resorption. In children and adolescents, the rate of formation of bone mineral predominates over the rate of resorption. In later life, resorption predominates over formation. Therefore, in normal aging, there is a gradual loss of bone. The remaining 1% of total body calcium is found in the soft tissues and plays important roles in such vital functions as nerve conduction, muscle contraction, blood clotting, membrane permeability, and hormonal signaling. Blood calcium levels are carefully maintained within very narrow limits by the interplay of several hormones (1,25-dihydroxy-cholecalciferol, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, estrogen, and testosterone) which control calcium absorption and excretion, as well as bone metabolism. Levels of soft tissue calcium are maintained at the expense of bone calcium in the face of inadequate calcium intake or absorption. Intestinal calcium absorption is generally higher in children than in adults and ranges from 15 to 75% of ingested calcium. Adequate vitamin D status is necessary for normal calcium absorption. Osteoporosis afflicts a large proportion of the elderly in developed countries. Caucasian and Asian women typically have low peak bone densities, and therefore, are at the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis. It is generally accepted that obtaining enough dietary calcium throughout life can significantly decrease the risk of developing osteoporosis. Among other factors, such as regular exercise, gender and race, calcium supplementation during childhood and aldolescence appears to be a prerequisite for maintaining adequate bone density later in life. But even elderly osteoporotic patients can benefit significantly from supplementation with dietary calcium. Calcigard 250 provides calcium citrate which is a highly available and well tolerated source of dietary calcium. Vitamin D is a key regulatory hormone for calcium and bone metabolism. Adequate vitamin D intake is important for ensuring normal calcium absorption and maintaining proper calcium plasma levels. People living in southern regions of the U.S. can derive significant amounts of vitamin D from sunlight dependent synthesis in the skin during the summer, whereas people in the northern states have to rely more on foods and supplements for adequate vitamin D status. This is why Calcigard 250 is available both with (CA2) and without (CA1) vitamin D.

INDICATIONS
Calcigard 250 may be a useful dietary supplement for those at risk for osteoporosis, or anyone who wishes to increase their intake of calcium and other nutritional factors for maintaining good bone health.

FORMULA (CA2)
Serving Size 1 Tablet - Servings per Container 90
Each tablet contains:

Calcium (citrate) ........................... 250 mg**

Vitamin D3 (fish liver oil).................. 50 IU***
**elemental content
***optional ingredient

SUGGESTED USE
One to four tablets daily as a dietary supplement, or as directed by a physician. Take with food.

SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse side effects have been reported.