VISTA® Advanced Active Osteo Formula

Just like steel beams inside of a skyscraper, your bones are the scaffolding that provides structural integrity for your entire body. Quite literally, bones are the definition of inner strength. Ensuring you are getting the right balance of minerals and vitamins is a must for promoting solid bone health over your lifetime.

The Function of the Skeletal System

Our skeletal system, which is made up of 206 bones, performs many essential functions. It gives our bodies form and, in conjunction with muscle, allows for wide range of voluntary movements. Flat and irregular shaped bones, such as those of the cranium, vertebral column, and rib cage protect our delicate internal organs, such as the brain, spinal cord, heart, and lungs.

A less obvious function of bones is hematopoiesis (blood production). Everyday our bones produce approximately, 200 billion red blood cells, 10 billion white blood cells, along with 400 billion platelets! Red marrow, which is found mostly in the medullary cavity of flat bones, is responsible for producing these different cells. Red blood cells serve to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, while white blood cells of the immune system defend our bodies from viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders that can make us sick. Platelets aid in wound healing and clotting.

Yellow marrow, on the other hand, contains mesenchymal stem cells, which can be switched on to produce new fat, cartilage, or bone cells. Yellow bone marrow also stores fat, which can be used for energy.

Bones are made up of a flexible organic collogen (protein) matrix that has been mineralized with calcium phosphate crystals (hydroxyapatite) and small amounts of magnesium. This unique composition makes bones not only strong, but also flexible. Indeed, bones can absorb shock and deform to a degree, which allows them to undergo a surprising amount of stress without snapping.

While the minerals in bones give bones their strength, they can also be released into the bloodstream. For example, calcium is critical for muscle contraction and neural activity, and bones lend calcium when dietary intake is insufficient. Essentially, bones are mineral banks where calcium can be withdrawn when other parts of the body require it.

Bone Density

Bones may seem inert and static, however in reality, they are dynamic. Old and damaged bone tissue is reabsorbed (by osteoclast cells) and replaced with new material (by osteoblasts). This system allows our bodies to repair any fractures as well as adapt to the forces incurred during physical activity.³ Exercising, especially strength training, can increase bone density. Conversely, if we live a sedentary lifestyle our bones will reflect this. Astronauts that visit the space station for several months are well aware of this problem. Since they are in constant free fall around the earth, their muscles and skeletal system do not have to fight against the force of gravity. As a result, they not only lose muscle mass, but also bone density at a rate of 1.0–1.5% per month—primarily in the lower ⁹

Peak bone density occurs just after puberty. As we age, we can start to lose bone density can start to decrease. When bone reabsorption occurs at a faster rate than it is replaced, our skeletons gradually weaken. Just like debt, this disparity accumulates over the years, resulting in increasingly fragile bones.

Bone Health and You

Bones provide strength and support, but when they weaken, we become far more susceptible to fractures and breaks. This is especially true for people with osteoporosis—a chronic metabolic bone disease common in older adults. Worldwide, roughly 1 in 3 women over the age of 50 years and 1 in 5 men will experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime.¹ Risk factors include being female, over 50 years old, and European ethnicity. Health conditions and lifestyle factors also play a role, with alcoholism, smoking, eating disordered behavior, gastro-intestinal disorders, lactose intolerance, inactivity, and poor-quality diets further increasing one’s risk.^1,2

People are generally living longer, thus the prevalence of osteoporosis will likely continue to increase as the population ages. Most people are unaware that they have lost bone density until it is too late—i.e., when a fracture or break happens. Those with osteoporosis most often break bones in the wrist, spine, and hip. Such injuries can be severe and, in some cases, deadly.¹ Osteoporosis is sometimes called the silent disease since bone demineralization tends occur gradually and may go undetected. The fact is, bone loss is common as we age, even if a person does not fall into the typical risk categories.

Building Up Your Bones

Preventing bone loss requires exercise—and critically proper nutrition. After all, bone mineralization can only occur if we supply our bodies with the necessary blocking blocks. Unfortunately, modern diets are often unbalanced. They feature highly processed, carbohydrate heavy foods while lacking vegetables and healthy fats. It is not always easy to meet the daily recommended values for all vitamins and minerals. This is true even for people who actively strive to eat healthy. For example, individuals following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle may not get adequate amounts of calcium. Exacerbating the problems, is the fact that not all nutrients are easily absorbed after consumption. Some nutrients are not bioavailable or readily used by the body. There are also individual differences in the ability to digest food. Older adults, people with gastrointestinal issues (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease), and those lacking a healthy microbiome may not process and absorb food as efficiently. As a result, ensuring that one is meeting their dietary demands is difficult. A high-quality supplement, with the right balance of minerals and vitamins, can help people to reach their daily nutritional goals.

VISTA® Advanced Active Osteo Formula

VISTA® Advanced Active Osteo Formula promotes strong, flexible bones in our powerful blend of bioactive nutrients. Our advanced formula was designed by science to support a healthy skeletal system so you can maintain an active lifestyle. The unique mixture is comprised of six vital nutrients that work synergistically to promote bone health.

• Calcium: Calcium is the first nutrient people think of when contemplating how to best fortify their bones—and for good reason. Calcium is the primarily mineral found in bones in the form of calcium hydroxyapatite and is responsible for their strength and durability. Roughly 99% of all bodily calcium is stored in the skeletal system.⁴ When we do not meet our dietary requirements for calcium, our bodies will leech it from our bones through a process known as bone reabsorption. Mineral depletion tends to accumulate gradually as we age, and commonly results in osteoporosis. The U.S. National Library of Medicine recognizes that calcium is key supporting bone health and maintenance. Taking additional calcium alone, however, is often not enough. When supplementing for osteo-support, a wider range of nutrients should also be considered.
• Vitamin D3: Calcium is only effective if it is properly absorbed from the digestive system and into the body. Evidence suggests Vitamin D3, and bioactive calcium hydroxyapatite works synergistically to enhance bone mineralization.* The MCHA Thickness Study showed that women who received 1,000 mg of calcium from MCHA along with Vitamin D showed a significant increase in bone thickness.* Vitamin D is especially crucial for individuals whose dietary intake of calcium is already low.⁴ Of course, not just any Vitamin D will do. Our skin naturally synthesizes Vitamin D3 when we are exposed to sunlight. Many people, however, understandably avoid the sun since too much UV radiation can result in skin damage, wrinkles, and melanoma. Very few natural foods, however, contain significant levels Vitamin D, and fortified foods, such as cereals or dairy products, generally contain Vitamin D2—which is a less bioactive active form different from what our bodies produce naturally. Subsequently, Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common, with as many as 42% of US adults affected.¹³ Vista Active Osteo Formula contains only the bioactive form of Vitamin D3, allowing you to get the most out of your daily supplement.
• Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite (MCHA): Calcium in bones mostly exists in the form of hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂)—a crystalline form of calcium that is gives bones their unique strength and durability. Our potent blend of microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHA) concentrate is drawn from whole bone and packs a nutritional punch. Bones are made up of a diverse complex of nutrients and accordingly, need more than just calcium to be healthy. MCHA contains not only calcium, but also magnesium, phosphorous, and collagenous and non-collagenous bone proteins. It truly is comprehensive bone nourishment. MCHA is a form of calcium that the body recognizes and thus, is more bioavailable than many other soluble forms of calcium, such as calcium carbonate or citrate.⁶ Research suggests that calcium in the form of MCHA may significantly affect bone health.⁶
• Strontium: Strontium may be a less familiar mineral, but its chemical properties are similar to calcium (since it sits underneath calcium in the periodic table). Strontium is found in seawater, and trace amounts can be obtained through seafood consumption. Much like its name implies, strontium is associate with strength. Studies indicate that supplementing with strontium may increase bone mineral density, reduce the risk of some fractures, while also helping to reduce bone pain.*
• Silica: Bones derive their strength from mineralization of the organic bone matrix. Silicon is a key mineral for improving the bone matrix quality and facilitating bone mineralization. Increased intake of bioavailable silicon has been associated with increased bone mineral density.*
• Magnesium: Many people associate magnesium with muscle functioning and relaxation, but helps your body build stronger bones*. Magnesium deficiency have been linked to lower bone mineral densities, and may contribute to osteoporosis directly¹². Animal studies reveal that magnesium deficiency cause bones to become more brittle and fragile, which results in microfractures.¹² In addition, magnesium helps to convert Vitamin D2 into the active form necessary for calcium absorption. The National Institutes of Health recognizes that people with higher intakes of magnesium have high bone mineral density. Consistent with this, a study using a sample of thousands of women found that lower dietary intake of magnesium was associated with lower bone mineral density of the hip and whole body.⁸ Magnesium is found in relatively few foods beyond trace amounts. To meet daily recommended allowances, supplementation can be beneficial.
• Vitamin K1 (Potassium): Bone density is determined by both the rate of bone reabsorption (loss) and bone production. As we age, reabsorption starts to outpace bone formation. Bone maintenance depends on balancing these two counteracting processes. Critically, Vitamin K1 plays a critical role in bone formation, thus helping with bone density.* In people with osteoporosis, studies suggest that Vitamin K supports bone mineral density and is related to reduced fracture rates.^10,11 Like many other nutrients and compounds, Vitamin K comes in multiple forms. Vitamin K1 appears to have salubrious effects even when given at lower doses (compared to Vitamin K2). Notably, it also works in tandem with Vitamin D3 to further support healthy bones.¹⁰

References:

1. NIH: Sözen, T., Özışık, L., & Başaran, N.Ç. (2017). An overview and management of osteoporosis. European journal of rheumatology, 4(1), 46–56. https://doi.org/10.5152/eurjrheum.2016.048
2. NIH (2018). Bone Health for Life: Health Information Basics for You and Your Family. Retrieved from: https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/bone-health-life-health-information-basics-you-and-your-family#a
3. Rowe P, Koller A, Sharma S. Physiology, Bone Remodeling. [Updated 2021 Feb 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499863/
4. NIH: Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1997. 4, Calcium. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK109827/
5. Adatorwovor R, Roggenkamp K, Anderson JJ. Intakes of Calcium and Phosphorus and Calculated Calcium-to-Phosphorus Ratios of Older Adults: NHANES 2005-2006 Data. Nutrients. 2015 Nov 19;7(11):9633-9. doi: 10.3390/nu7115492. PMID: 26610559; PMCID: PMC4663620.
6. Stellon, A., Davies, A., Webb, A., & Williams, R. (1985). Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite compound in prevention of bone loss in corticosteroid-treated patients with chronic active hepatitis. Postgraduate medical journal, 61(719), 791–796. https://doi.org/10.1136/pgmj.61.719.791
7. Holick MF, Chen TC. Vitamin D deficiency: a worldwide problem with health consequences. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Apr;87(4):1080S-6S. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/87.4.1080S. PMID: 18400738.
8. Orchard TS, Larson JC, Alghothani N, Bout-Tabaku S, Cauley JA, Chen Z, LaCroix AZ, Wactawski-Wende J, Jackson RD. Magnesium intake, bone mineral density, and fractures: results from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Apr;99(4):926-33. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.067488. Epub 2014 Feb 5. PMID: 24500155; PMCID: PMC3953885.
9. Stavnichuk, M., Mikolajewicz, N., Corlett, T. et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of bone loss in space travelers. npj Microgravity 6, 13 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-020-0103-2
10. Weber P. Vitamin K and bone health. Nutrition. 2001 Oct;17(10):880-7. doi: 10.1016/s0899-9007(01)00709-2. Erratum in: Nutrition 2001 Nov-Dec;17(11-12):1024. PMID: 11684396.
11. Zittermann A. Effects of vitamin K on calcium and bone metabolism. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2001 Nov;4(6):483-7. doi: 10.1097/00075197-200111000-00003. PMID: 11706280.
12. Castiglioni, S., Cazzaniga, A., Albisetti, W., & Maier, J. A. (2013). Magnesium and osteoporosis: current state of knowledge and future research directions. Nutrients, 5(8), 3022–3033. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5083022
13. Forrest KY, Stuhldreher WL. Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults. Nutr Res. 2011 Jan;31(1):48-54. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2010.12.001. PMID: 21310306