With aging, people tend to lose the elasticity of muscles as muscle fibers are degenerated and sometimes replaced by muscle fat which shrinks the muscle. The gel-like fluid present in between vertebrae in the spine is lost, thereby the trunk of the body shortens. Moreover, bones become brittle and appear longer in such patients making a person look thin and bony, and due to cartilage degeneration in joints, movement is hampered. In menopause, women generally develop osteoporosis.
All the reasons stated above have one main cause- LOSS OF CALCIUM!!!
It is seen in people, with deficiency of Calcium and Vitamin D3, calcium is lost from the bones, thereby weakening the bones. In such patients, Calcium and Vitamin D supplements are being prescribed to maintain the balance of aforesaid minerals.
Calcium plays a vital role in building the strong structure of bones. So in deficient patients, it is provided as supplements. Calcium as such is difficult to absorb by our body so a chelated form of Calcium is given as a supplement. The most bioavailable and soluble form is the Calcium Asparto glycinate is preferred which not only helps in maintaining a healthy skeletal structure but also regulates blood pressure, nerve transmission, and connective tissue transmission.
But why do we use Calcium Asparto Glycinate in combination with Vitamin D3?
For this, we must know a little about Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble Vitamin (goes by the name of Cholecalciferol) that is produced by our skin under sunlight/ UV rays exposure. It is also found in food items so people living in cold regions with minimum exposure to sunlight take a diet rich in Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is rich in fish, eggs, beef, liver, cheese, milk, fruit juices, and yogurt. Vitamin D3 absorbed is broken down to calcifediol in the liver and calcitriol in the kidneys. The principal function of Calcium Homeostasis is regulated by Calcitriol- absorption of calcium from the intestine.
We are now brief on how Calcium and Vitamin D3 work together. Let us look closely at the benefits and side effects of this combination.
BENEFITS:
1. Bone Formula
The formula incorporates Vitamin D and Calcium Asparto Glycinate for optimal repair and maintenance of important functions and structure of the human body. It is used in aged people, women in their menopause to prevent common bone disorders like Osteoporosis. When calcium absorption is decreased from the intestine, calcium from bones is pulled into the blood, thereby weakening the bones. In such scenarios, Calcium is provided from outside along with Vitamin D3. As we know that the active ingredient of Vitamin D- Calcitriol facilitates the intestinal absorption of Calcium, the formula is prescribed to pregnant or menopausal women or aged people.
2. Tetany:
Involuntary muscle contractions can be caused. due to a variety of reasons, namely, hypocalcemia, increased parathyroid hormones, or long-term hypocalcemia. This may sometimes affect the brain cells. In this case, the treatment of choice is Calcium Glycinate along with Vitamin D3.
3. Secondary Hypoparathyroidism:
Parathyroid hormones also help in regulating the homeostatic balance of serum calcium. Calcitonin plays an important role by inhibiting the activity of osteoclast which in turn reduces the amount of Calcium that is to be released in the body. Hypoparathyroidism is marked by abnormal skeletal microstructure and an increase in levels of serum Calcium. In hypothyroidism, bones do not respond well to PTH hormones. Vitamin D3 is preferred as it regulates parathyroid hormones which in turn affects the release of calcium from bones. In such cases, Vitamin D3 and Calcium Supplements are given to a patient.
4. Hypocalcemia:
Hypoparathyroidism, Vitamin D deficiency, Renal or Hepatic disorders lead to hypocalcemia, a condition in which serum calcium is less than required. Calcium glycinate and Vitamin D3 oral supplementation relinquish the deficiency.
- Maintaining the integrity of Cartilage
- Helpful in Joint pain
- Maintain integrity and elasticity of joint
- Enhances Flexibility
Side Effects:
Drugs if cure us on one side, hides the harmful effects. That is why it is important to take medicine or supplements only when prescribed. The combination of Vitamin D and Calcium Aspartate Glycinate present some side effects:
- In recent research (published in Annals of Internal Medicine), it was found that people taking the combination might experience Stroke, Atherosclerosis.
- If taken in excess, vitamin intoxication can occur causing Renal failure.
- Hypercalcemia– increased serum calcium level can occur due to increase uptake of calcium and Vitamin D, increased intestinal calcium absorption, increased intake of calcium from bones, overactive hypothyroid gland, decreased excretion of calcium, or cancer of breast or lungs.
Though the combination is a choice of preference in situations where the integrity of bone is hampered yet one must not forget that excess of anything brings negative results.
