Calcium, as an essential mineral for maintaining bone health, is under constant study. It seeks to find the ideal way to be ingested, absorbed, and thus kept in the body to supply all its necessary functions. Recommended amounts may vary according to the individual´s age, sex, eating style, nutritional status, among others. It´s already known that the mineral needs to be balanced with adequate concentrations of other nutrients for a good metabolism. Vitamin D, phosphorus and magnesium are examples. Therefore, it is often necessary to assess both the individual needs of each person and prioritize an intake rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, without focusing on just one of them.
In the study by Ward (2014), people, compared to supplements containing only one nutrient, had better tolerate multivitamin supplements. Furthermore, they proved to be safe and possibly beneficial to be ingested by the elderly. In the US, more than half of adults use multivitamin products to maintain good health, according to Bailey et al. (2013). It is concluded that, nowadays, there is a search for synergy between nutrients, and not just a bet on a type of vitamin or mineral to maintain health.
Lithothamnion seaweed
The vegetable is a kind of red seaweed, known as calcareous, which has a nutritional profile with more than 70 types of nutrients. From a 100% natural source, it offers a safe (and vegan) way to consume, with a rich nutritional composition. In 100g of the product are mainly:
Macrominerals |
|
Calcium |
34,50 g |
Magnesium |
3,60 g |
Sodium |
347 mg |
Phosphor |
34,10 mg |
Potassium |
38 mg |
Microminerals |
|
Copper |
72 mcg |
Iron |
77,60 mg |
Fluorine |
0,24 mg |
Manganese |
1,47 mg |
Selenium |
50 mcg |
Zinc |
0,18 mg |
In the supplementation market, calcium from this origin has been gaining prominence for being another alternative not only to meet calcium needs, but also because it naturally contains several minerals, vitamins and amino acids.
The High Absorption Rate of Marine Seaweed Minerals
According to Buzinaro et al. (2006), cow´s milk and derivatives (a highly known source) are losing consumption preference by people, due to the growing change in the eating habits of populations (example of veganism or diets exclusive vegetarians), in addition to the increase in the number of diagnoses of lactose intolerance and allergy to milk protein, making it impossible to maintain the consumption of these products and creating a tendency to search for vegetable sources.
On the other hand, these foods are widely variable in terms of bioavailability (absorption capacity), even though they have good amounts of calcium. Some overlay milk – like broccoli and kale – and others doesn´t have as much capacity, like some beans. This is most often due to the presence of substances present in some plants, such as phytic acid and oxalic acid. These two components, depending on the amount present in plant foods, can interfere with calcium absorption.
Lithothamnion marine algae gains an advantage in this aspect, with greater bioavailability and calcium content. Check the table below:
Food |
Amount of calcium in 100 |
Absorption |
Lithothamnion |
34500 mg |
87% |
Milks |
240 mg |
32% |
Dry Beans |
177 mg |
15% |
Broccoli |
71 mg |
61% |
Cabbage |
65 mg |
58% |
Therefore, the Lithothamnion seaweed source can be considered as a way to obtain not only calcium, but also other nutrients that are combined. Below, check out a little about the function and importance of the main minerals that Lithothamnion naturally includes:
Calcium
It participates in several functions in the body, and is present in all our cells, especially in tissues such as bones and blood.
Main Functions |
Disability Symptoms |
Cell Stimulus |
Mood swings |
Bone mineralization |
Insomnia |
Formation of digestive enzymes (for fats and proteins) |
Memory Drop |
Participates in hormone signaling |
PMS symptom increases |
Muscle contraction (muscles and heart) |
Convulsions |
|
Cramps |
|
Numbness/Tingling |
|
Eczema |
|
Dry Skin and Weak Hair |
|
Vomiting |
|
Tachycardia |
|
Weakness |
|
Bone loss |
Magnesium
Essential for cell function, it pumps sodium out of the cell and allows potassium to enter, in addition to being involved in the action of various hormones. Main functions:
Main Functions |
Disability Symptoms |
Muscle relaxant |
Headaches |
Modulates calcium metabolism by hormonal action |
Impairment of cardiovascular health |
Important for bone density and health |
Low glucose tolerance |
Serotonin precursor (good mood hormone) |
Lower cell health, with higher incidence of cancer |
Helps in the feeling of satiety |
Anxiety/Irritability |
Promotes physical disposition |
Depression |
Acts on vitamin D activation |
Insomnia |
Balances the pH of the blood, making it more alkaline |
Lack of memory |
Strengthens nails and hair |
Convulsions |
Promotes good quality sleep |
Muscle Weakness and Cramps |
Relieves symptoms of premenstrual tension |
Tingling |
|
Ringing of the Ear |
|
Dizziness |
|
Nausea or vomiting |
|
Difficulty to evacuate |
Phosphor
Present in cell membranes, it is also essential for bone health, along with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.
Main Functions |
Disability Symptoms |
Bone structure formation |
Bones deficiencies |
Skeleton maintenance |
Arthritis and Arthrosis |
It acts on the pH balance in the body |
Lower tissue oxygenation |
Participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats |
Blood cell abnormalities |
Participates in the composition of the DNA of cells |
Changes in immunity |
Required for vitamin D activation |
Weakness and muscle pain |
|
Loss of appetite |
|
Numbness or tremors |
|
Tachycardia |
Potassium
Important regulator of fluid within cells, it also influences cardiovascular and muscle health.
Main Functions |
Disability Symptoms |
Maintenance of intracellular fluid along with magnesium and sodium |
Tiredness |
Muscular contraction |
Fatigue |
Conduction of nerve signals |
Weakness and muscle pain |
Heart rate maintenance |
Low pressure |
Formation of important proteins for the body´s functioning |
Nausea and vomiting |
|
Dilation of the heart |
|
Deficiency in renal metabolism |
Copper
Nutrient that influences the health of various tissues and iron metabolism.
Main Functions |
Disability Symptoms |
Essential for iron metabolism and transport |
Hypochromic anemia |
Participates in the formation of tissues such as collagen, bones and blood vessels |
Osteoporosis |
Neutropenia |
|
Present in the central nervous system and in the formation of myelin |
|
|
|
Participates in the formation of serotonin and dopamine, well-being hormones |
|
|
|
Anti-inflammatory action |
|
Allows skin pigmentation |
|
Iron
Essential for our organism´s oxygenation and energy formation. A nutrient that depends on copper, selenium, magnesium, zinc and manganese for its proper metabolism in cells.
Main Functions |
Disability Symptoms |
Oxygen transport and storage |
Hemorrhages |
Essential for energy production regulation of the immune system |
Gastrointestinal tract problems |
More intense menstrual cycles |
|
Helps in detox |
Headache |
Participates in lipid metabolism |
Dizziness |
Important for the formation of serotonin and dopamine, well-being hormones |
Cold sensitivity |
Present in collagen formation |
Irritability |
|
Mental confusion |
|
Fatigue |
|
Fragile nails |
|
Swellings |
|
Appetite reduction |
|
Trapped intestine |
|
Tachycardia |
Manganese
Important for blood glucose regulation, detoxification and iron formation.
Main Functions |
Disability Symptoms |
Bone formation |
Change in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which can lead to cholesterol deficiency and changes in glucose |
Participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates, cholesterol and amino acids |
|
Participate in the detox process |
Less energy production by cells |
Antioxidant |
Dermatitis |
|
Capillary depigmentation |
Selenium
Excellent antioxidant, essential for thyroid health, good memory and immunity.
Main Functions |
Disability Symptoms |
Important for the body´s detoxification process |
Muscle aches |
Antioxidant activity |
Fatigue and muscle weakness |
Participates in the formation of thyroid hormones |
Ease of inflammatory conditions |
Helps prevent chronic diseases |
Memory impairment |
Improving the immune system |
Difficulty in the formation of thyroid hormones |
Cancer protection |
|
Aids in memory and learning |
|
Prevention against cognitive deficits such as Alzheimer´s |
|
It is important to emphasize that all vitamins and minerals have their functions and present losses in situations of deficiency as well as excess or toxicity. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the individual need, preferably with medical assistance or a professional nutritionist.
Finally, we have Lithothamnion seaweed as an alternative with a rich and varied nutritional composition, balanced by nature, with the combination of several important minerals for the maintenance of health. Being of a high absorption capacity, it is completely natural, organic and non-allergenic, and can be used by the vegan public. An option that can gain more space in the supplementation market.
References: AYDIN, H. Magnesium supplementation and bone. Nutr Health; 149-157, 2013. Bailey RL, Gahche JJ, Miller PE, Thomas PR, Dwyer JT: Why US adults use dietary supplements. JAMA Intern Med. 2013, 173: 355-361. BUZINARO, Elizabeth F.; ALMEIDA, Renata N. Alves de; MAZETO, Gláucia M.F.S.. Biodisponibilidade do cálcio dietético. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab, São Paulo , v. 50, n. 5, p. 852-861, Oct. 2006 . CHAKRABORTI S. CHAKRABORTI T. MANDAL M. et al. Protective role of magnesium in cardiovascular diseases: a review. Mol Cell Biochem; 238(1-2): 163-179, 2002. CHARIOT P. BIGNANI O. Skeletal muscle disorders associated with selenium deficiency in humans. Muscle Nerve; 27(6): 662-8, 2003 COZZOLINO SMF. Vitamina D. In: COZZOLINO SMF. Biodisponibilidade de Nutrientes. São Paulo, 2005. DAVIS, C.D. Selenium supplementation and cancer prevention. Curr Nutr DUNTAS, L.H. Horm Metab Res; 41(6): 443-7, 2009 Heaney RP, Weaver CM. Calcium absorption from kale. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;51:656-7. EMERIT, J. et al. Am Soc Photobiol; 80(3): 579-582, 2004. FINLEY JW. Manganese absorption and retention by young women is associated with serum ferritin concentration. Am J Clin Nutr; 70(1): 37-43, 1999 IANNELLO S. BELFIORE F. Hypomagnesemia. A review of pathophysiological, clinical and therapeutical aspects. Panminerva Med; 43(3): 177-209, 2001. ISHRAT, T.; PARVEEN, K.; KHAN, M.M. et al. Brain Res; 1281: 117-27, 2009. J M Letteri, K J Ellis, S N Asad, S H Cohn The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 31, Issue 10, October 1978, Pages 1937–1944. MCLAREN, DS. Manifestações clínicas de distúrbios humanos de minerais e vitaminas: um resumo. In: SHILS, ME. et al. Tratado de Nutrição Moderna na Saúde e na Doença. 9ed. São Paulo, 2003 RUDE, R.K.; GRUBER, H.E.; NORTON, H.J. et al. Osteoporosis Int;17(7): 1022-1032, 2006. Soriani MF, Teixeira MM. Avaliação in vitro da biodisponibilidade de cálcio. CMM produzido a partir de algas calcárias. 2012. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Belo Horizonte – MG Steinbrenner et al. J Clin Biochem Nutr; 48(11):40-45, 2011. VAN CAMPEN D. MITCHELL EA. J Nutr; 86: 120-4, 1965. WÄLTI MK. ZIMMERMANN MB. WALCZYK T. et al. Measurement of magnesium absorption and retention in type 2 diabetic patients Ward, E. Addressing nutritional gaps with multivitamin and mineral supplements. (BioMed Central)Nutr J. 2014; 13: 72
