PYRIDOXINE (VITAMIN B-6) is necessary in the production of hydrochloric acid. Inadequate stomach acid, a common problem in older adults, lowers efficiency in absorbing calcium.1 Vitamin B-6 might also aid in the healing of bones after a fracture.2 A deficiency of vitamin B-6 can cause the departure of needed calcium from the body.3

Pyridoxine inhibits the formation of a toxic chemical called homocysteine which has been implicated in a wide variety of conditions including arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis.4 In-creased homocysteine concentrations in the blood have been demonstrated in postmenopausal women and are thought to play a role in osteoporosis by interfering with collagen cross-linking.5

VITAMIN D (CALCIFEROL) is essential to the absorption of dietary calcium from the intestine and deposition of calcium into bone. A long-term loss of this vitamin is associated with calcium loss and bone deterioration.6 A study of elderly patients in a 120-bed nursing home found that many suffered from osteomalacia, a painful bone-softening disease caused by a vitamin D deficiency.7 A clear correlation was found indicating the longer the confinement and subsequent lack of vitamin D, the more often this painful bone wasting occurred in patients.

NOTE: Individuals who spend a consistent amount of time in the sun during the entire year are not particularly prone to develop melanomas, according to the 1985 report "Sunlight and skin cancer" in the New England Journal of Medicine. Individuals prone to skin cancer are those who normally live in temperate climates, spend most of their time indoors, and then expose themselves to intense sunlight by spending occasional weekends on the beach or winter vacations in the tropics. Consistency and moderation are the keys to maintaining healthy bones without risking cancer.

CALCIUM (AS CALCIUM CITRATE) is necessary to prevent osteoporosis, hypertension, tetany (muscle spasms such as cramps) and insomnia.8 This mineral is vital for the normal blood clotting mechanisms that begin the process of wound healing.9 Calcium also helps maintain all cell membranes and aids in the maintenance of connective tissue.10 Restoration and maintenance of bone tissue is observed in people who consume, over several years, a high-calcium diet plus at least 750 mg of calcium/day from supplements and 375 IU/day of vitamin D.11

At present, calcium citrate appears to be the best form of calcium to supplement with, in regards to both absorption and decreased risk of developing kidney stones.12, 13 In addition, citrate has the ability to chelate out heavy metals, prevent recurrent kidney stones, augment treatment of urinary tract infection and promote diuresis.14, 15

MAGNESIUM (OXIDE) supplementation appears to be as important as calcium supplementation. Individuals with osteoporosis have lower magnesium content than people without osteoporosis.16 Magnesium is important in the development and maintenance of strong bones. When magnesium is deficient, calcium is lost.17 Magnesium also plays a role in the formation of bone and in carbohydrate and mineral metabolism.18

A study reported by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (vol 56, 1992) found that when two groups of untrained subjects underwent a seven-week strength training program, the group that received a magnesium supplement increased their strength 28.6% while the placebo group increased only 10.5% - a significant difference.

Magnesium supplementation prevents sore muscles, cramps, and elevated blood pressure, allowing patients to walk with out pain.19

VITAMIN C (CALCIUM ASCORBATE) functions as an important antioxidant which increases superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, decreases histamine levels, which dry the joints, and provides anti-inflammatory action.20, 21 Studies have confirmed that vitamin C has a positive effect on cartilage22, 23 and, in fact, an excess of ascorbic acid is necessary in human chondrocyte protein synthesis to mitigate cartilage erosion.24 Deficient vitamin C intake is common in the elderly, resulting in altered collagen synthesis and compromised connective tissue repair.25

MANGANESE (GLUCONATE) participates in the formation of connective tissues, bone growth and in the digestion of proteins. A long term deficiency of manganese is associated with calcium loss from bone because of this trace mineral's role in bone metabolism.26 Before other exotic connective tissue supplements such as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, there was manganese which is necessary to activate enzymes needed for collagen and proteoglycan synthesis.27

COPPER (LYSINATE) is required for the synthesis of normal collagen and maintenance of cartilage structures.28 Copper is a co-worker with zinc. When researchers gave injections of zinc-copper superoxide dismutase directly into human arthritic joints, the symptoms improved.29

Arthritis victims often have higher than normal copper levels in their arthritic joints. Years ago, this was interpreted that copper caused arthritis. Now, however, scientists find the opposite to be true. In a double-blind study, osteoarthritis patients whose copper bracelets were replaced with placebo bracelets experienced a significant deterioration in their condition.30

BORON (GLYCINATE) aids in the absorption of calcium. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that within eight days of supplementing the diet with 3 mg of boron, a test group of postmenopausal women lost 40 percent less calcium and one-third less magnesium through their urine.31

ZINC GLUCONATE can inhibit the inflammation process that occurs in arthritis by suppressing the release of histamine from mast cells.32 Arthritis victims usually have lower than normal zinc levels in their blood.33 In a double-blind study using arthritis patients, zinc supplementation provided noticeable improvement in morning stiffness, joint swelling, walking time, and the patients' own impression of their condition.34

DL-PHENYLALANINE is a mixture of the amino acids D and L-phenylalanine. The D form may prevent breakdown of the brain's natural narcotics and has been shown to relieve the chronic pain of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain and migraine headaches.35 The L-form is the precursor of norepinephrine and dopamine. DL-phenylalanine is effective in the control of pain, especially in those with arthritis.36

GINGER ROOT (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) FROM EXTRACT produces anti-inflammatory activity similar to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. It interferes with the manufacture of prostaglandin and thus blocks inflam-mation.37 Ginger ameliorates symptoms of nausea, motion and morning sickness, vertigo, dizziness and stomach disorders.38 Ginger root helps the body recover from the effects of stress and fatigue more rapidly than otherwise.39

LICORICE ROOT (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA) FROM EXTRACT possesses substantial anti-inflammatory properties and is widely utilized to ameliorate stiff, inflamed and sore muscles and joints due to arthritis, rheumatism, lupus, gout and bursitis.40, 41, 42 Licorice root extract contains a triterpene saponin called glycyrrhizin which exhibits a powerful cortisone-like effect. European researchers concluded several decades ago that licorice root extract has none of the side effects associated with the use of cortisone and hydrocortisone drugs yet is every bit as effective.43

WINTERGREEN (GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS) FROM EXTRACT has long been used to combat muscle pain, arthritis, and rheumatism as this herb consists predominately of methyl salicylate, a close relative of aspirin. In contrast to aspirin, however, small amounts relieve stomach indigestion instead of causing it.44