Benefits of calcium citrate on calcium carbonate

The researchers at UT Southwestern medical center, Dallas have reported that the absorptive capacity of calcium citrate is better than calcium carbonate as it is efficient in preventing osteoporosis in the initial stages of post-menopausal women. The risk of reduced bone density is caused by the lack of calcium in the bones. The experts say that calcium supplements taken at the right time will help prevent loss of bone in aged people. Which form of calcium will prevent osteoporosis and bone loss in early period of post menopausal women?

A few studies compared the importance of calcium citrate over calcium carbonate and focused on finding out which was absorbed properly. One of them was published in the American Journal of Therapeutics in which the data were analyzed from 15 other clinical trials evaluating the bio-availability of calcium. Bio-availability refers to the amount of calcium that is absorbed from the supplement rather than the amount present in the supplement.

Another study was published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology by Dr. Howard Heller. This study compared and investigated two calcium over-the-counter medications called CitraCal or calcium citrate and Os-Cal or calcium carbonate. In this study, the researchers concentrated on the pharmacokinetic properties of calcium representing the gradual increase of blood calcium concentration in a six hour period after a single oral dosage. This method was shown as better one than evaluating the change in calcium level due to its excretion through urine. Another study was also published in the American Journal of Therapeutics explaining the ability of calcium citrate in ending the bone loss during the early post-menopausal women.

All the above research studies revealed and established the advantages of the calcium citrate form of calcium supplementation. The results of the first study, which were analyzed from 15 previous clinical trials indicate that calcium citrate was absorbed by 22 to 27 percent better than calcium carbonate.

The second study dealing with the commercial preparations of calcium identified that Citracal was highly bio-available compared to Os-Cal. Hence, calcium citrate was absorbed rapidly and to a large extent. The author in this study emphasized that even in very favorable environment calcium citrate was better absorbed than calcium carbonate. The researchers of this study could observe that the extent of calcium citrate absorption was 2.5 times higher than calcium carbonate.

In the third study, the authors focused on the uses of calcium citrate in the initial stage of post- menopausal women. In this study conducted for about two years, 57 women in the early post- menopausal stage and six women of late post-menopausal stage were taking calcium citrate medicines every day. These women could stabilize the bone density in the spine, in the forearm and at the top of the thigh bone as they were taking calcium citrate which can avoid bone loss. The women in the same study taking placebo did not show any improvement in the bone density and had a severe reduction in bone densities of spine and forearm.

These studies collectively convey the message that calcium citrate therapy alone can prevent the bone loss in the early part of post-menopausal women. It is also found that calcium citrate is effective for long period. In India the drug comes in several brands like Calcinova Forte of Innova Formulations Private Limited.

INNOVA PHARMA

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Benefits of Glucosamine with Methylsulphonylmethane

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino acid in the body. The substance that is beneficial in the cartilage repair and its formation is found to be derived from Glucosamine. Cartilage is the connective tissue that is present near the joints of the bones. Cartilage helps in maintaining flexibility and lubrication for proper joint movement. The formation of new cartilage can be enhanced by consuming Glucosamine orally. Glucosamine is a common dietary supplement, which is a non-vitamin and non-mineral used by adults.

Methylsulphonylmethane or MSM is an organo-sulphur compound that occurs naturally and is helpful in supporting the muscles and tendons of the body. MSM is used as a dietary supplement in combination with glucosamine for osteoarthritis treatment. MSM possesses anti-inflammatory characteristics, and is a precursor for glycosylated lipids and proteins. MSM is chemically similar to the compound that is commonly used for arthritis treatment, dimethylsulfoxide or DMSO. When a person consumes DMSO either orally or topically, 15 percent of the entire DMSO taken will transform into MSM. The pharmaceutical formulations of MSM are prepared to meet the problems associated with joint stiffness & swelling, joint pain, muscle pain, sprain, carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain.

According to the opinion of the scientific panel on dietetic products, allergies and nutrition on the health claims, pursuant to Article 13 of Reglulation 1924/2006, MSM can be used alone or in combination with glucosamine hydrochloride for joint maintenance. The two substances are characterized enough and they are considered beneficial for joint health and in giving support to the joints.

The combination of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are used as nutritional supplements by the patients suffering from osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint disorders. One of the novel treatments suggested for osteoarthritis is the combination of the three supplements mentioned above. These supplements are found to be effective in causing pain relief and relief from stiffness in the case of osteoarthritis. It is always safe to take the advice of a health care provider before anyone starts using the combination of MSM, glucosamine and chondroitin. Use of these herbal supplements is prevented when the person has diabetes, bleeding disorder, drug allergy, is overweight, is using a blood thinner like warfarin. The food and drug administration or FDA has not approved all the uses of chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM. These supplements cannot be used in place of any other drugs prescribed for the patient. They can be taken as an additional medication with the doctor’s suggestion.

One of the combinations of Glucosamine and MSM prepared for osteoarthritis is Glucosamine + MSM Tablets. These tablets constitute glucosaminesulphate, MSM, calcium and vitamin D3. This medicine is a full package for osteoarthritis patients as it helps in reducing arthritis symptoms, improve the cartilage, diminishes the fracture risks, eliminate the pain in the joints, and develop strength in the bones. The calcium helps in bone development, while vitamin D3 helps in the proper absorption of calcium. Therefore, glucosamine and MSM together can reduce the cartilage damage and maintain the tendons and cartilage in the joints. The elasticity of the connective tissue is maintained by the MSM.

Glucosamin & MSM come in various combinations. One of the preferred combinations is Diacerin 50 mg + Glucosamin 750 mg + MSM 250 mg which is available in several brands in India. Cosameg D of Innova Formulations is one of the leading brands available in Indian markets.

PREGNANCY AND MORNING SICKNESS: A GOOD SIGN IN PREGNANCY ?

Nausea and vomiting are the most common and primary signs of pregnancy. These symptoms normally start from 6th week of pregnancy and can be experienced at any time of the day. They are normally observed to terminate by the 12th week of pregnancy, though the duration might differ from woman to woman. As these symptoms go worse during mornings, the problem is termed as "Morning Sickness". The severity of the condition might differ for each and every woman. It is found that nearly 75 percent of pregnant women experience this condition in their first trimester. Among these women, 50 percent might experience both nausea and vomiting while 25 percent might experience only nausea. A few of them might not have any symptoms at all.

Morning sickness is not considered harmful to either the woman or the baby in its mild stage. If the woman suffers from severe vomiting and cannot retain the food, then the condition is termed as hyperemesis gravidarum. If hyperemesis gravidarum is not treated within a certain period, the imbalance in electrolytes and loss of nutrients can be harmful to the body. The major cause for morning sickness experienced as nausea might be enhanced hormone levels, although the exact cause is not known. A few doctors consider morning sickness as a positive sign for proper improvement of placenta. The other probable causes for morning sickness are elevated estrogen levels, increased stomach acids, enhanced fatigue and increased sense of smell.

It is uncommon for nausea to remain for long, while it might appear and disappear throughout the pregnancy. The morning sickness might be stimulated by the smell of garlic, potatoes and onions. If the person is aware of the stimulant for her sickness, she can avoid getting exposed to that stimulant. The probable reasons behind morning sickness are categorized as follows.

Sensitive gastrointestinal tract

The physiological changes during early pregnancy can cause the stomach of a woman, sensitive to those changes. Some of the research studies have found that a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori in the stomach can result in nausea and vomiting in certain women. But, this is not supported by many other studies.

Estrogen Hormone

Estrogen is the hormone that is found at higher levels in the blood of women in early pregnancy, which is doubted to be playing a role in causing morning sickness.

Stress

Nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women are assumed to result as an unusual response to stress. However, there are no sufficient research studies to support this assumption.

hCG

The hCG hormone levels are known to increase quickly during the early pregnancy. Though the influence of hCG on nausea initiation is not confirmed, hCG is doubted as one of the reasons for nausea during early pregnancy. This is probably due to the increase in levels of hCG, when the person suffers from intense nausea.

The woman suffering from nausea during pregnancy might lack nutrients as she may not be able to take balanced diet. This condition can be resolved with the intake of prenatal vitamin. The baby's health is not hindered by morning sickness as long as the pregnant mother eats a balanced diet and drinks a lot of fluids. The woman with nausea has to figure out what exactly is essential for her and the desired frequency of her meals.

Medications

Damsat Forte Tablets of Innova Formulations Private Limited which is a unique combination of Pyridoxine Hydrochloride 10 mg + Doxylamine Succinate 20 mg & Folic Acid 5 mg helps women to get relief from Morning Sickness and is highly effective in early pregnancy.