A Dietary Supplement
120 Tablets

Osteo-Guard®, provided by Douglas Laboratories®, is a microcrystalline Calcium Hydroxyapatite compound (MCHC) prepared from whole bone, is a dietary supplement rich in calcium and phosphate (as microcrystalline hydroxyapatite), trace minerals, bone matrix proteins, amino acids and glycosaminoglycans in their natural forms and physiological ratios.

The adult human body contains approximately 1,200 g of calcium, about 99% of which is present in the skeleton. Bone is constantly turning over, 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 present 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-dihydroxycholecalciferol, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, estrogen, testosterone), which control calcium absorption and excretion, as well as bone metabolism. Levels of soft tissue calcium are maintained at the expense of bone 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 affects 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.

Osteo-guard provides a highly beneficial source of dietary calcium. It is well absorbed and well tolerated. Osteo-guard does not give rise to intestinal gas production (due to release of carbon dioxide) or interfere with digestion as is often experienced with other calcium preparations. Research since the early 1980’s indicates that boron is an essential trace element for humans. Boron is important for normal cell membrane function and integrity. Most notably, boron affects the composition, structure, and strength of bone. Among other factors, boron appears to be necessary for calcium and magnesium absorption, their adequate renal reabsorption, and their incorporation into the bone matrix.

Absorption of boron is about 90% efficient, and it is rapidly distributed among the tissues. Vitamin K1 appears to have important functions in bone metabolism. Vitamin K1-dependent formation of the calcium-binding amino acid gammacarboxyglutamate (Gla) is an important posttranslational modification of proteins found in mineralized tissues. Gla-containing proteins appear to have important regulatory functions in calcium metabolism and bone mineralization.

Ingredients:

Serving Size: 2 tablets
Servings Per Container: 60

Amount Per Serving
Vitamin D3 ...200 IU
(as cholecalciferol)
Vitamin K1 ...100mcg
(as phytonadione)
Calcium ...300mg
(as microcrystalline hydroxyapatite)
Phosphorus ...144mg
(as microcrystalline hydroxyapatite)
Magnesium ...125mg
(as magnesium amino acid chelate**)
Ipriflavone ...300mg*
Boron ...0.25mg*
(as boron aspartate-citrate)

* Daily Value not established
** U.S. Patent Number 4,599,152 Albion Laboratories

Dosage:
As a dietary supplement, adults take 2 tablets twice daily or as directed by your healthcare professional.

WARNINGS:
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place.
(59º-77ºF/15º-25ºC)
(35-65% relative humidity)

Tamper resistant package, do not use if outer seal is missing.

This product contains Vitamin K, which interferes with the prescription drugs Coumadin® and Warfarin. If you are taking these or similar prescription drugs, consult your healthcare professional before using this product.