Algae-based treatment shows promise in osteoporosis trial
The first six months of a trial involving a compound derived from marine algae have generated promising results, researchers have revealed.
The AlgaeCal Bone Health Programme is a natural therapy, consisting of a plant-based calcium supplement derived from a South American marine algae, a strontium citrate supplement and an exercise regime.
The algae extract, Algas Calcareas, contains calcium, magnesium and a number of other minerals and nutrients that are known to improve bone health.
Gilbert Kaats of Integrative Health Technologies explained: "In our initial review of the scientific literature, we found a number of studies suggesting that vitamins and minerals from plant sources appeared to be more readily absorbed by the body.
"We also found that there was an increasing interest in marine nutrition, so we decided to launch the clinical study."
A total of 400 patients with osteoporosis were placed on the programme and the treatment was found to reverse bone loss and increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
Instead of the expected decline in bone mineral density, over two thirds of women over the age of 50 increased their bone density, with an annual increase of more than one per cent.
Dean Neuls, CEO of AlgaeCal International, said: "We are very excited with these results because our natural osteoporosis treatment is accomplishing what no other calcium supplement has been able to do; we are actually reversing bone loss."
The first six months of a trial involving a compound derived from marine algae have generated promising results, researchers have revealed.
