Bone Health
Aquamin® and Bone Health
Aquamin® is a natural multimineral complex derived from calcified red marine algae. It is a natural source of calcium, magnesium and additional trace minerals of marine origin.
Scientific research has investigated its potential role in bone mineral metabolism, bone turnover and the maintenance of bone structure. Research includes human clinical trials as well as experimental studies using animal and laboratory models. While some findings are promising, the results should be interpreted in the context of the design, size and limitations of each individual study.
Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover
Bone is a living tissue that is continuously renewed through two interconnected processes: bone formation and bone resorption. Maintaining a balance between these processes is particularly important as people age.
Calcium is an essential structural component of bone, while magnesium and other minerals participate in a range of biological processes related to normal bone metabolism.
One of the most extensive human studies involving Aquamin investigated bone mineral density and markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women.
Results of a 24-Month Human Clinical Trial
A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial published in The Journal of Nutrition included 300 healthy, non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups for 24 months:
- calcium supplied through Aquamin®,
- calcium supplied through Aquamin® combined with short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS),
- or a maltodextrin control.
The Aquamin groups received an amount providing 800 mg of calcium per day.
Bone mineral density was assessed at the beginning and after 24 months, while markers of bone turnover, including osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), were assessed during the study.
In the primary intention-to-treat analysis, changes in bone mineral density in the Aquamin groups were not significantly different from the control group.
However, the researchers observed changes in markers of bone turnover. Greater reductions in osteocalcin and CTX were observed at certain time points in participants receiving Aquamin-derived calcium compared with the control group.
Exploratory analyses also identified differences in lumbar spine bone mineral density among some women who had osteopenia at baseline, particularly in the group receiving Aquamin-derived calcium together with scFOS.
Because these were secondary or exploratory findings, they should not be interpreted as definitive evidence that Aquamin prevents bone loss or osteoporosis.
Source:
Slevin M. M. et al. (2014): Supplementation with Calcium and Short-Chain Fructo-Oligosaccharides Affects Markers of Bone Turnover but Not Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women.
Calcium Homeostasis During Exercise
Research has also investigated Aquamin-derived calcium in relation to changes in calcium metabolism during exercise.
During prolonged or vigorous exercise, blood ionized calcium levels can temporarily decrease. This can stimulate the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays an important role in maintaining calcium balance in the body.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 51 male road cyclists aged 18–45 years, participants consumed an Aquamin-containing calcium supplement or placebo before vigorous exercise.
Researchers measured ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone and markers associated with bone metabolism.
Aquamin supplementation taken 30 minutes before exercise was associated with an attenuation of the exercise-related decrease in ionized calcium and the increase in PTH compared with placebo.
These findings relate to acute calcium homeostasis during exercise and should not be interpreted as evidence of increased bone mineral density or prevention of bone loss.
Source:
Sherk V. D. et al. (2017): Calcium Supplementation Attenuates Disruptions in Calcium Homeostasis during Exercise.
Additional Research on Calcium During Exercise
An earlier double-blind crossover study investigated calcium intake around exercise in 20 competitive male cyclists performing 35 km cycling time trials.
Researchers monitored ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), CTX and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase.
Calcium provided through Aquamin before exercise significantly attenuated the exercise-induced increase in PTH compared with placebo. The other measured parameters did not show significant differences.
As with the later exercise study, these findings concern short-term physiological responses during exercise rather than long-term changes in bone density or fracture risk.
Source:
Barry D. W. et al. (2011): Acute Calcium Ingestion Attenuates Exercise-Induced Disruption of Calcium Homeostasis.
Experimental Research on Bone Structure
Aquamin has also been investigated in experimental animal models designed to study changes in bone structure.
In a study using mice fed a high-fat Western-style diet, researchers evaluated bone mineral content, tissue mineral density, bone structure and mechanical properties.
In female mice, supplementation with Aquamin was associated with differences in bone structure compared with animals receiving the high-fat Western-style diet without Aquamin.
These findings provide information about potential biological mechanisms, but because the study was conducted in animals, the results cannot be directly extrapolated to humans consuming Aquamin-containing foods or beverages.
Source:
Aslam M. N. et al. (2010): A Mineral-Rich Extract, Aquamin, from the Red Marine Algae Lithothamnion calcareum, Preserves Bone Structure and Function in Female Mice on a High-Fat Diet.
Research in an Experimental Model of Osteoporosis
Another experimental study compared Aquamin with calcium carbonate in an ovariectomized rat model commonly used in bone research.
Researchers evaluated trabecular bone architecture, mineral composition and biomechanical properties.
The study reported less deterioration in several measures of bone structure, composition and mechanical properties in animals receiving Aquamin compared with calcium carbonate.
This was an animal study, however, and its findings cannot be considered evidence that the same effects occur in humans or that Aquamin can prevent or treat osteoporosis.
Source:
Brennan O. et al. (2017): A Natural, Calcium-Rich Marine Multi-Mineral Complex Preserves Bone Structure, Composition and Strength in an Ovariectomised Rat Model of Osteoporosis.
Laboratory Research on Bone-Forming Cells
Aquamin has also been investigated in laboratory studies involving osteoblasts — cells involved in the formation and mineralization of bone tissue.
In an in-vitro study, researchers examined osteoblast behavior and mineralization in the presence of Aquamin. The study reported increased mineralization in the cell culture model.
Because this research was performed in vitro, it provides information about potential cellular mechanisms but does not demonstrate that consuming Aquamin produces the same effect in the human body.
Source:
O'Gorman D. M. et al. (2012): The Marine-Derived, Multi-Mineral Formula, Aquamin, Enhances Mineralisation of Osteoblast Cells In Vitro.
What Does the Research Tell Us So Far?
Current research suggests that Aquamin and the minerals it provides have been investigated in relation to bone turnover, calcium homeostasis, bone structure and mineralization.
The strongest direct human evidence comes from the 24-month randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women. That study observed changes in several markers of bone turnover, while the primary analysis did not demonstrate a significant difference in overall bone mineral density compared with the control group.
Other studies provide additional information about calcium metabolism during exercise and potential mechanisms observed in animal and laboratory models.
It is important to distinguish these different types of evidence. Findings from cell cultures or animal models cannot automatically be applied to humans, and results obtained with specific doses of Aquamin in controlled studies cannot automatically be attributed to every food, beverage or supplement containing Aquamin.
Important Notice
The information provided on this page is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. It describes findings from specific scientific studies and does not constitute a claim that Aquamin® or products containing Aquamin® diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Products containing Aquamin® are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle or professional medical care.
People with medical conditions, those taking medication, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult an appropriate healthcare professional regarding the suitability of supplementation.