Lithothamnion calcareum is a limestone algae of the Corallinacea family, belonging to the group of red algae.
Calcareous algae are organisms that accumulate calcium carbonate in their interior. Their composition, besides calcium and magnesium carbonate, is made up of more than 20 oligo-elements with varying quantities such as Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Potassium (K), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Molybdenum (Mo), Silicon (Si), Phosphorus (P) and Strontium (Sr) (DIAS, 2000).
The process of obtaining the Lithothamnion raw material used by Litholife is totally chemical free. After collection, the algae is dried, milled and packaged without bleaching.
Lithothamnion is 100% natural, has no side effects such as constipation, nausea, bloating and abdominal pain. Compared to other supplements, Lithothamnion has another differential: due to its high absorption by the body, it does not produce residuals or deposits in the arteries, which reduces the risk of developing heart diseases.
The presence of other minerals makes Lithothamnion a complete supplement since it has auxiliary elements for calcium absorption.
It is necessary to have a balanced intake of pharmacological compounds that aim to improve bones health of a human being. In order to obtain the nutritional benefits of calcium, the presence of magnesium and phosphorus is necessary, as well as other micronutrients, all present in “Lithothamnion Sp" and absent in oyster or shell meal.
Sources: Para Solubilidade: Melo, T.V., P.P. Mendonça, A.M.A. Moura, C.T. Lombardi, R.A. Ferreira e V.L.H. Nery. 2006. Solubilidad in vitro de algunas fuentes de cálcio utilizadas em alimentacion animal. Arch. Zootec.,55: 297-300. Para Biodisponibilidade: Soriani MF, Teixeira MM. Avaliação in vitro da biodisponibilidade de íons cálcio em preparação comercial do Concentrado Mineral marinho – CMM produzido a partir de algas calcárias. 2012. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Belo Horizonte – Minas Gerais.
The sources of calcium may be from inorganic (rocks) or organic (bone meal, shells, and algae) origin. From an organic source, they are even classified as from animal or vegetal origin.
Being from vegetal and organic source, Lithothamnion has high bioavailability and therefore is an excellent alternative for human consumption.
Studies indicate a bioavailability of 86.7% for Lithothamnion.
The high porosity of algae (>40%), provides a larger acting surface and contributes to better absorption.
Caution needed when choosing the source of Calcium to be used as an ingredient, as there are options that can cause health risks. Calcium and other isolated inorganic, molecular or chelated minerals can cause allergies and possible deposits in the arteries and joints.
MACRO MINERALS - (They are necessary in relatively high amounts in our body - consumption over 100mg / day)
Calcium The most abundant mineral in our organism, the main component of the skeletal system. Essential amounts of calcium are necessary for muscle contraction, blood coagulation, cardiac functions, transmission of nerve or synaptic impulse, structural support of the skeleton, and acting as a mediator of the action of various hormones. Adequate intake of Ca is essential to the growth and normal development of the skeleton and teeth, and proper bone mineralization.
Magnesium A mineral present in all cells. Magnesium is an essential mineral for the human body, necessary for more than 300 very important biological processes. In addition to improving the absorption of Vitamin D, magnesium helps to regulate calcium in the organism and its proper fixation in the bones. It benefits blood pressure and helps to prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke.
Phosphorus - Just like calcium, it is vital for building strong bones and teeth. It makes up the structure of cells and is important in many biochemical reactions, such as in energy metabolism. The amounts of phosphorus and calcium need to balance each other out to perform their functions.
Chlorine - Ionized chlorine acts on osmotic pressure regulation, along with sodium, keeping the balance aqueous. It participates in the maintenance of blood pH. It is usually in balance with sodium and potassium.
Sodium - Along with potassium, it regulates the organism’s water balance. It influences the conduction of nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and blood pressure.
Potassium - Associated with sodium, it acts on the organism’s water balance and the transmission of nerve impulses, carries electrical current, and maintains heart rate and blood pressure steady.
MICROMINERALS (They are necessary only in small quantities in our organism – consumption: less than 100mg / day)
Iron - Antioxidant (it combats free radicals, preventing the formation of fat deposits in the arteries); it increases the body defenses; it is necessary for the production of hemoglobin and responsible for the assimilation and transport of oxygen to the cells.
Zinc - It is vital for the growth and development of the organism. It regulates sexual development, insulin production, immune system and antioxidant action.
Selenium – It protects the immune system, acts in conjunction with vitamin E as a potent antioxidant, combating the activity of free radicals. It has protective action against cancer and is essential for normal thyroid function.
Copper - Antioxidant, it helps in the absorption of iron, participates in the production of hemoglobin and regulates cholesterol. It is required for energy production.
Iodine – It regulates the function of the thyroid gland. It is necessary for regulating body growth and development.
Manganese - It is important for the production of some enzymes, participates in the formation of bones and tendons, and has antioxidant action.
