Bio-availability

For a mineral to be utilized by the body, it must first be absorbed. Since absorption occurs in the small intestine, minerals must be soluble in the luminal fluid of the small intestine and present itself as a singular molecule or an ionic entity ready to be absorbed. Inorganic metal ions, most mineral supplements, are soluble in the acidic medium, such as that found in the stomach (pH 1~2). However, they become insoluble in a medium with pH value greater than 7.0 (Figure 1). Thus, when the inorganic metal ions travel from the stomach with the pH rising (pH 4~7) as it travels through for absorption and ultimately reaches the small intestine (pH 7.0~7.2), the inorganic minerals precipitate and form insoluble hydroxides that can not be readily absorbed.

The precipitation (hydroxides) resembles gelatinous magma…similar to algae, which causes problems.  Because the precipitation attaches itself to the mucous membrane (Figure 2) of the small intestine, it alters the permeability of the membrane, resulting in poor absorption of nutrients.  So this not only affects the absorption of the mineral itself, this keeps the intestine from absorbing other nutrients as well.  Moreover, precipitation often results in gastrointestinal (G.I.) distress, namely diarrhea and constipation (Figure 3).

Oxidization

The mineral hydroxide precipitation will also cause other problems in the addition to disturbances mentioned above.  The mineral, once precipitated, also acts as an efficient oxidation catalyst.  Unfortunately, this means that the precipitation will quickly oxidize any antioxidants that may be present in the small intestine.  Thus, antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C, E, grape seed extract, and etc will swiftly sacrifice themselves.  The outcome is antioxidants that are rendered useless and are unable to serve their intended purposes.

Solubility and absorption is the key.  The answer is to prepare the metal ion, or mineral, in such a way that it does not precipitate at the higher pH, such as that found in the small intestine.  Osteoform contains a unique chelated mineral formula that protects the minerals from precipitation by binding or protecting it with amino acid molecules.  Thus, preventing the negative side effects mentioned above and providing a highly absorbable form of the minerals.