Bone health

Winners Explained

 

The SC Benchmark for bone health combination products   The primary benchmark for this category is the provision of 100% RDA level of calcium (800mg) and a minimum of 100% RDA level of vitamin D (5ug) per daily dose.   Further but less important consideration is then given to provision of magnesium at 100% RDA, vitamin K and boron.

 

Maintenance of bone health and prevention of loss of bone density as we age is important if we wish to reduce possibility of developing osteoporosis and associated increased risk of fracture as a result of a fall. 

The two most important nutrients in bone health are calcium and vitamin D with lesser importance being attributable to magnesium, vitamin K, boron and vitamin C. It is important for all ages to obtain sufficient of these nutrients as it has been found that:

 

- higher intakes in childhood lead to increased bone mass density

- higher intakes in premenopausal women leads to reduced rate of bone loss post menopause

- high intakes in the postmenopausal period results in reduced risk of fracture.

 

 

Quality

Of the 8 products reviewed here, 6 provided 100% RDA of calcium and vitamin D, with four products also containing 100% RDA of magnesium. All of these products would be expected to deliver the benefits associated with higher intakes of these minerals with consequent likelihood of improved bone health. These are: Osteocare (Vitabiotics), Cal Mag and Vitamin D (Holland and Barrett) Osteoplus (Healthspan) and Osteo-Cal-Mag (Aliment)

 

Value range

The price variation for these products ranges from £0.10 - £0.28 per dose which delivers approximately 100% of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium.