VIT∆MIN CODE
Grow Bone System
FAQs – July 2009
 1.
What is Osteoporosis?
A: Osteoporosis (porous bones), is a disease that
causes bones to become fragile and brittle and very susceptible to
fractures, which occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. The
National Institute of Health consensus conference defined osteoporosis
as a disease of increased skeletal fragility, accompanied by low bone
density (a T-score for bone mineral density below -2.5) and micro-
architecture deterioration.
2. Why is bone health important?
A: Bone Health means a lot more than simply preventing
osteoporosis. Healthy bones manufacture
red blood cells, immune cells, secrete hormones and much more. Bone loss
is associated with increased inflammation, which then accelerates more
bone loss and becomes a vicious cycle. There is an Osteo-Immune
relationship, as well as a link between bone loss and obesity. Because
osteoporosis is often the first sign of degenerating bone health (often
in the form of a fracture due to weak bone) we consider good bone health
to be one of the most overlooked components of extraordinary health -
everyone needs to think about their bone health.
3. What can I do to reduce my risk of
Osteoporosis?††
A: It is never too late, or too early to improve bone
health. Building strong bones when you are young is the best defense
against getting osteoporosis later on in life. The best way to do this
is to get adequate
amounts of calcium and vitamins D3 in your diet. We recommend getting as
much calcium from foods as possible, and taking a whole food calcium
supplement with the proper bone-building ingredients included.† Regular
exercise is also crucial to bone health.
4. Why should I question if my calcium supplement
is effective?
A: Calcium supplements taken in the absence of other
vitamins and minerals and without proper diet and exercise, have not
been proven in clinical studies to help strengthen bones. The best that
can be said is that calcium supplementation helps slow down or stop bone
loss.†† While slowing bone loss is good, increasing bone mineral density
should be the goal. The majority of calcium supplements are made from
ground-up rock and most of them are in tablet form and have solubility
problems. The USA is the country that purchases the most calcium
supplements, but it is also one of the countries with higher incidence
of osteoporosis.
5. What is VIT∆MIN CODE Grow Bone System?
A: Garden of Life is proud to introduce the VIT∆MIN
CODE Grow Bone System, a combination of Vitamin Code RAW Calcium and
Growth Factor S, two comprehensive bone-building† formulas clinically
studied to Stimulate Bone Growth, Reduce Osteoporosis Risk,†† Increase
Bone Strength, and Increase Bone Mineral Density.† The Grow Bone System
contains the first raw, vegan, organic whole food plant source of
Calcium with naturally occurring bone-building Code-Factors, such as
vitamin D3, vitamin K2, magnesium, boron, strontium, silica and
vanadium. We feel so confident about the efficacy of this clinically
studied formula that we invite you to take the Grow Bone Challenge for
Stronger, Healthier Bones† with the VIT∆MIN CODE Grow Bone System or
We’ll Give Double Your Money Back!**
6. Why did Garden of Life formulate the Grow Bone
System?
A: The U.S. Surgeon General issued a report on Bone
Health in 2004, in which Dr. Carmona warned that by the year 2020, half
of all American citizens older than 50 will be at risk for fractures
from osteopo rosis andlow bone mass if no immediate action is taken.
Garden of Life designed the Grow Bone System as a response to the U.S.
Surgeon General’s "call to action" to the nutritional and healthcare
industry for the development of bone-health programs that incorporate
the three basic components of an effective program:
- Improved Nutrition
- Increased Physical Activity
- Improved Health Literacy
7. What does the VIT∆MIN CODE Grow Bone System
include?
A: The Grow Bone System is a kit composed of a bottle
of RAW Calcium 150ct, a bottle of Growth Factor S (strontium) 90ct, in
addition to the Grow Bone Booklet describing the Bone Health Program.
8. What is the Grow Bone System Health Program?
A: We recommend that you use the Grow Bone System as
part of a holistic bone health program as follows:
- Eat a healthy diet including good sources of
calcium, vitamins D and K, and other minerals.
- Use the Grow Bone System consistently for 6
consecutive months according to suggested use.
- Exercise regularly with your doctor’s approval.
9. What kind of Exercise is recommended in the Grow
Bone System Health Program?
A: Regardless of age, exercise and physical activity
are an important part of building and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
A good all-around program that incorporates weight-bearing, strength and
balance training exercises is most desirable. Weight-bearing and
strength exercises are very useful for increasing or maintaining bone
mass, while balance training may help with coordination and maintaining
muscle mass which can help prevent falls and resulting bone fractures.
Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise regime.
10. Who can benefit from taking the Grow Bone
System?
A: Adults seeking to build better, stronger bones by
increasing bone density;† anyone at high risk of
osteoporosis particularly women with family history of osteoporosis††;
women over 40 in Pre, Peri, or Postmenopause; anyone advised by their
doctor to take regular calcium; men and women taking prescription
medications that are known to increase bone loss significantly, e.g.
corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone, or anti-depressant drugs.
Always check with your doctor, particularly if you are taking
medications.
11. What is a DEXA scan?
A: DEXA stands for Dual Energy Bone Densitometry and
is the current gold standard test for bone density through a full body
scan. It uses very low doses of x-rays to measure bone density both in
the spine and in the hips. The results of this test provides a T-score
that is then compared with that of an average healthy young adult of the
same sex.
12. What is the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for
calcium?
A: According to the Institute of Medicine (2003), the
Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for desirable calcium retention and
balance in people between the ages of 19 and 50 is 1000mg per day; for
people aged 51 and above, the DRI increases to 1200mg per day for
desirable calcium retention and balance as well as improving changes in
bone mineral density.†
13. What is VIT∆MIN CODE RAW Calcium?
A: VIT∆MIN CODE RAW Calcium is the first raw, vegan
calcium formula, composed of AlgaeCal RAW, a certified organic plant
source of calcium derived from the marine algae Algas calcareas rich in
73 naturally occurring minerals and trace minerals. The RAW Calcium
formula provides all the necessary co-factors such as 100mcg of Vitamin
K2 in the form of MK-7, 1,600 IU of RAW Food-Created vitamin D3 and
other bone-building† Code Factors, magnesium, boron, silica and
vanadium. RAW Calcium is completely free of commonly-used limestone
rock, chalk or animal bone sources of calcium and is suitable for even
the most dedicated raw food vegan. RAW Calcium May Reduce the Risk of
Osteoporosis,†† Increase Bone Strength, Increase Bone Mineral Density
and Slow Bone Loss.†
14. How much calcium does RAW Calcium in the Grow
Bone System provide and what is the source?
A: RAW Calcium delivers 756mg (76% DV) of plant-based
calcium from AlgaeCal RAW.
15. What is AlgaeCal RAW?
A: AlgaeCal RAW is the first raw, vegan, certified
organic whole food plant source of Calcium. As opposed to single element
calcium supplements, AlgaeCal RAW is powdered Marine Algae (Algas
calcareas) containing an entire spectrum of plant nutrients, large
quantities of Calcium and Magnesium and naturally rich in 73 trace
mineral bone-building Code Factors such as Boron, Strontium, Vanadium,
Silica as well as other naturally-occurring trace minerals. Your body
was designed to accept plant minerals better than rock because plants
pre-digest the minerals for us. AlgaeCal RAW washes up on the pristine
shores of South America where it is harvested live, just like vegetables
from a garden, then cold processed to retain nutritional value. The
porous nature of AlgaeCal RAW dramatically increases surface area which
lends itself to better dissolution.
16. Is AlgaeCal RAW USDA certified organic?
A: We are very proud to say that Algas calcareas, the
plant source calcium mineral complex that is
AlgaeCal has been certified organic by the USDA, IBD (Organic
Certification for Brazil and other Latin
American Countries) and IFOAM (International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements). However, the RAW Calcium formula as a whole is
not certified organic.
17. Is the calcium in AlgaeCal RAW absorbable?
A: The body’s ability to absorb calcium depends on the
body’s need for calcium, the last calcium containing meal consumed, the
presence of co-factors, among many other factors. The body best
absorbs calcium when divided into multiple servings throughout the day
because studies suggest that the body can only utilize a limited amount
of calcium at once. AlgaeCal RAW besides being a plant sourced calcium,
has a unique porous nature, like a sponge so it has a lot more surface
area than an ordinary calcium carbonate. More surface area means more
opportunity for stomach acid to come in contact with the calcium and
dissolve it. Beyond solubility in the stomach, AlgaeCal RAW has been
shown to be bioavailable in the rest of the digestive process. The
calcium that actually goes into the bloodstream varies among
individuals, depending on need for calcium, calcium source, amount
taken, co-factors, etc. Another reason for low calcium absorption is the
poor dissolution of some tablet forms.
It has been found that some tablets are so
closely bound with glues that they could take hours to dissolve.
Capsules are a preferable delivery form to tablets for this reason. The
contents of vegetable capsules is a loose powder which has greater
dissolution potential than a tightly bound tablet. RAW Calcium delivers
AlgaeCal RAW, a whole food source of calcium, in a vegan UltraZorbe
capsule for rapid dissolution and better bioavailability.
According to the National Academy of Sciences, most
supplement forms of calcium such as calcium
carbonate and calcium citrate are absorbed typically in a range of 25%
to 35%. Foods however have
better absorption and values differ greatly from food to food, but are
usually higher. The key point is that
plant based calcium is absorbed better than calcium from rock. AlgaeCal
RAW is a whole food algae
naturally rich in calcium and other minerals which facilitate
absorption.
18. Why is vitamin D3 important to bone health?
A: To help the body absorb calcium it is also
important to get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D can be obtained through
sunlight exposure and foods. Recent studies show the need for much more
vitamin D than was previously recommended. Vitamin D functions as an
important hormone by sending a message to the intestines to increase the
absorption of calcium up to 80% depending on individual need. Vitamin D
is well known for maintaining normal calcium levels, but new research
shows it plays an important role in a host of other important functions
such as strengthening the immune system.† Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol
is the natural form of vitamin D and is much more effective at raising
serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D as opposed to the synthetic D2 or
ergocalciferol form. RAW Calcium delivers 1,600 IU of RAW Food-Created
vitamin D3.
19. What are the benefits of vitamin K2 in the form
of MK-7 in a calcium formula?
A: Strong scientific evidence now suggests that
vitamin K2 is an important piece of the bone health puzzle.† Vitamin K2
is derived from Natto, the richest natural source of vitamin K2. Natto
is an ancient Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, and
significant amounts of vitamin K2 are produced during the fermentation
process. Vitamin K2 is classified into MK-4 and MK-7 primarily. More
recently the attention of scientists is focused on the MK-7 version
which is natural and stays in the blood stream longer than MK-4 creating
bone health benefits. MK-7 stimulates protein synthesis in osteoblastic
cells and enhances osteocalcin production, a calcium-binding protein in
the cells, which stimulates the mineralization in bone tissues. MK-7 has
been found to have a stimulatory effect on calcification and an
inhibitory effect on bone resorption in bone tissue, thereby increasing
bone mass.† RAW Calcium provides 100mcg of RAW Food-Created vitamin K2
in the form of MK-7.
20. Why is magnesium important to bone health?
A: As the fourth most abundant mineral in the body,
magnesium is essential to good health. Approximately half of the total
body magnesium is found in bones and the other half is distributed
throughout cells of tissues and organs. This critical mineral is needed
for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps maintain normal muscle
and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune
system, and keeps bones strong.† Magnesium deficiency may be a risk
factor in cases of extensive bone loss because magnesium deficiency
alters calcium metabolism and the hormones that regulate calcium.
Several human studies have suggested that supplementing with magnesium
can improve bone mineral density.† Magnesium and calcium work together
to keep calcium in bones and out of soft tissues.† VIT∆MIN CODE RAW
Calcium includes 380mg of Magnesium from AlgaeCal RAW.
21. Are there other minerals crucial to bone
health?
A: The consumption of other trace minerals such as
silica, boron, vanadium and strontium have all been linked to healthy
bones.† All of these minerals and many others are naturally occurring in
the Algas calcareas included in RAW Calcium.
22. What other ingredients does RAW Calcium
include?
A: RAW Calcium also includes the RAW Organic Fruit and
Vegetable Blend which is composed of 22 raw fruit and vegetable juices
that are certified organic (the product as a whole is not certified
organic). Additionally, it includes the RAW Probiotic and Enzyme Blend,
with the probiotic S. boulardii and the enzymes protease, phytase, beta-Gluacnase,
alpha-Galactosidase, hemicellulase and cellulase.
23. What is VIT∆MIN CODE Growth Factor S?
A: Vitamin Code Growth Factor S is an important part
of the Vitamin Code Grow Bone System. When used along with Vitamin Code
RAW Calcium, Growth Factor S grows bone by increasing mineral density.†
The 680mg of elemental Strontium in Growth Factor S along with Vitamin
Code RAW Calcium represents the protocol utilized in a recent human
clinical study. The results of this study demonstrated the following
benefits: Stimulates Bone Growth, Increases Bone Mass and Strength and
Increases Bone Mineral Density.†
24. What is Strontium?
A: Strontium is a clinically studied trace mineral
that has been shown to have an impact in bone health.† Strontium is in
the same mineral family as calcium and magnesium. They are all naturally
occurring minerals found in the soil, in foods, and in the body.
Strontium is an alkaline earth mineral and is also the most abundant
trace element in seawater. Like calcium, 99% of strontium in the body is
found primarily in bone. Because of its chemical similarity to calcium,
strontium can replace calcium to some extent in various biochemical
processes in the body, including replacing a small proportion of the
calcium in hydroxyapatite crystals of bones and teeth. Four landmark,
double blind, placebo-controlled studies have been conducted, uncovering
significant increases in bone mineral density with Strontium
supplementation.
25. What is Strontium’s mechanism of action?
A: Scientists have discovered Strontium has a unique
method of action which provides a dual activity in
your bones. Bone cells are continuously growing and being re-absorbed at
the same time; Strontium inhibits bone resorption while simultaneously
stimulating bone growth, an exciting double benefit.† No other natural
substance or drug is known to provide this dual effect. Unlike the drugs
Fosamax and Actonel, which work strictly by decreasing bone resorption
(by killing the osteoclasts), strontium stimulates bone remineralization.†
26. Is there safety data on Strontium?
A: Studies show that supplementation with Strontium in
its various forms is well tolerated and completely safe.
27. Are there any special guidelines to follow
while taking strontium supplementation?
A: Although strontium seems to be a remarkably safe
supplement, it is important to follow these guidelines:
- Strontium supplements need to be taken along with
adequate calcium consumption. Studies suggest
strontium is not effective and may even be counterproductive if
calcium intake is not normal.
- For best results, do NOT take strontium together
with calcium because these two are chemically similar minerals that
compete at the sites of absorption. As an example, strontium should be
taken on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, half an hour to
an hour before breakfast, or three hours after the last meal of the
day; calcium should be taken separately, with a meal.
- It should not be used as a treatment in children
since it may alter the architecture of rapidly growing
bones. No studies have been done using strontium on children.
- Strontium is not a "magic bullet" and a
comprehensive approach to regaining bone strength is needed.
Other natural modalities of bone support include calcium, vitamin D,
magnesium, vitamin K2, and weight bearing exercise. This why we are
only offering Growth Factor S as part of a kit.
28. What other ingredients does Growth Factor S
include?
A: Growth Factor S includes the RAW Probiotic and
Enzyme Blend, composed of the probiotics S. boulardii and L. plantarum
plus the enzymes protease, phytase, beta-Gluacnase, alpha-Galactosidase,
hemicellulase, cellulase, amylase, lactase, Glucoamylase, lipase,
Pectinase, peptidase, bromelain, papain, xylanase, diastase and
invertase. Additionally, it includes the RAW Organic Fruit and Vegetable
Blend which includes raw fruit and vegetable juices that are certified
organic (the product as a whole is not certified organic).
29. What are RAW Food-Created Nutrients?
A: The RAW Food-Created Nutrients in Vitamin Code
formulas are individually cultivated with their unique Code Factors
intact, enabling targeted delivery and natural recognition of nutrients
by the body. Imagine growing a plant in the garden, and adding extra
vitamin A to the soil to yield a plant rich in vitamin A. The yeast or
bacteria is cultivated in water and “fed” a vitamin to yield a
food-based yeast or probiotic matrix that is rich in that particular
vitamin. Raw Food-Created Nutrients are grown in both S. cerevisiae
(baker’s yeast) and the probiotic Lactobacillus bulgaricus to provide a
broader spectrum of Code Factors.
30. What is a Code Factor?
A: Code Factors are the known, and yet to be
discovered, synergistic compounds found in food and
necessary for proper nutrient delivery. Providing these Code Factors
infuses the essential elements of
whole foods that the body thrives upon.
31. What are RAW Food-Chelated Minerals?
A: Chelation is a naturally occurring process in the
body for transporting minerals across the intestinal wall during
digestion. Common inorganic forms of trace minerals may interact with
lipids, proteins, fiber or other minerals, inhibiting absorption. When
minerals are bound to chelating agents such as amino acids, they become
more stable and are much less reactive in the digestive tract. RAW
Food-Chelated Minerals are minerals that have been bound to raw rice
amino acids making their structure more akin to food, designed to
enhance mineral absorption and improve bioavailability.
32. What is the difference between RAW
Food-Chelated Minerals and other mineral chelates?
A: The primary difference between RAW Food-Chelated
Minerals and regular amino acid chelates is that the amino acids we use
are derived from raw rice protein and not from a synthetic form. This
means they have a full spectrum of naturally occurring amino acids that
are found in proportions similar to what they would be in foods. All 20
amino acids are present and include both branch chain aminos as well as
all the essential aminos, which can’t be produced by the body. Other
amino acid chelated minerals most times only utilize a dipeptide or
tripeptide (two or three amino acids). Scientific data also shows RAW
Food-Chelated Minerals to have better bioavailability and shelf
stability.
33. Is there any clinical data supporting the Grow
Bone System?
A: Yes, the exact ingredients in the Grow Bone System
were included in a soon to be published (in a peer reviewed journal)
human clinical study from the University of Texas Medical School.
34. What were the results of the human clinical
study?
A: In a six month randomized, open-label human
clinical study, 176 women and men ages 18 to 85
consumed the ingredients in the Grow Bone System and followed a healthy
eating plan and walking
program. In just six months, participants experienced a significant
average increase in bone mineral density of 2.8% as evidence by before
and after DEXA scans. Those participants who were deemed highly
compliant experienced and increase in bone mineral density by 3.7%.
35. What health benefits does the Grow Bone System
provide?
A: The Grow Bone System includes calcium and strontium
at clinically validated amounts and has been shown in human clinical
data to: Stimulate Bone Growth, Reduce Osteoporosis Risk,†† Increase
Bone Strength and Increase Bone Mineral Density.†
36. Is the Grow Bone System Vegan, Gluten Free,
Dairy Free, and does it contain Soy?
A: The ingredients in Grow Bone System are vegan,
gluten free, dairy free and do not contain soy
allergens.
37. Does the Grow Bone System contain any binders
or fillers?
A: There are no fillers or binders in the Grow Bone
System.
38. Does the Grow Bone System contain any
artificial colors, flavors or preservatives?
A: No, there are no artificial ingredients in the Grow
Bone System.
39. What is the Grow Bone System capsule made of?
A: The capsule used is made of cellulose, the
structural component of the primary cell wall of plants.
Although the content of the capsule is entirely raw, the capsule itself
cannot be made raw. Raw foodist may open the capsule and pour the
contents into water or raw juices. The capsules are labeled Vegan.
40. Does the Grow Bone System require refrigeration?
A: No, the Grow Bone System should be stored in a cool
dry place both before and after opening.
41. What is the shelf life of the Grow Bone System?
A: The Grow Bone System has a shelf life of 3 years.
42. What is the suggested use for the Grow Bone
System?
A: Adults take 5 capsules of RAW Calcium daily. For
best results, take 3 capsules with breakfast and 2 capsules with lunch.
Take 3 capsules of Growth Factor S in the evening on an empty stomach.
Capsules may be opened and contents added to water or juice. Make sure
to take RAW Calcium and Growth Factor S at separate times of the day as
the two compete for absorption. Also eat a diet rich in Calcium and
Vitamin D.
43. Does the Grow Bone System have any Cautions or
Warnings?
A: Caution: This dietary supplement is for normal age
related bone loss. Consult your healthcare
practitioner before using this product, especially if you are pregnant,
nursing or have or suspect you may have osteopenia or osteoporosis. Not
intended for children. Pregnant and nursing women should not take Growth
Factor S.
44. Can I take the Grow Bone System if I am
pregnant?
A: The Grow Bone System is not suggested while
pregnant because Growth Factor S is not recommended for pregnant and
nursing women. Children have rapidly growing bones and strontium usage
has not yet been studied in children, particularly growing fetuses,
therefore it is not recommended. The RAW Calcium formula alone may be
approved by your healthcare practitioner.
45. Do ingredients in the Grow Bone System interact
with medications?
A: It's important to discuss with a doctor possible
interactions between calcium supplements and over-the counter and
prescription medications. Any medication that needs to be taken on an
empty stomach should not be taken with calcium supplements. The Grow
Bone System recommended usage can be re-arranged to accommodate
medications. Please discuss the appropriate intake schedule with your
doctor. RAW Calcium also includes vitamin K2 which is usually not
recommended while taking blood thinners.
46. Can the Grow Bone System be taken with other
Garden of Life products?
A: Yes, the Grow Bone System can be taken in
conjunction with other Garden of Life products. It is
important that you discuss ALL supplement use with your health care
practitioner, particularly if you have any kind of medical condition.
47. How is VIT∆MIN CODE Grow Bone System different
from other calcium supplements?
A: The Grow Bone System includes the first ever RAW
vegan calcium from AlgaeCal RAW with 73
minerals and trace minerals, including the necessary bone-building† Code
Factors, vitamins D3 and K2, magnesium, boron, silica and vanadium.
Additionally it provides Growth Factor S (strontium), a
complementary product, delivering the clinically validated amount of
nutrients that have been shown in
human clinical data, along with a healthy diet and exercise program to
grow bone.† We are so confident in the efficacy of this product, that we
offer the Grow Bone Challenge - double your money back guarantee.**
VIT∆MIN CODE Grow Bone System also contains RAW
Food–Created Nutrients and follows all Vitamin Code quality
standards:
- RAW – uncooked, untreated, and unadulterated
- RAW – contains live enzymes and probiotics
- RAW – 100% Active Ingredients– No Binders or
Fillers
- Contains Nutrient Specific Peptides for Targeted
Delivery and Utilization
- Contains Code Factors for Extreme Nutrient Synergy
48. What is the Grow Bone challenge?
A: Take the Grow Bone Challenge for Stronger,
Healthier Bones† with the VIT∆MIN CODE Grow Bone System or We’ll Give
Double Your Money Back!**
- To take the Grow Bone Challenge you need to get a
baseline full body DEXA scan to assess your starting bone mineral
density (up to 30 days prior to taking the challenge).
- Then take the Grow Bone System (Vitamin Code RAW
Calcium along with Vitamin Code Growth Factor S) as directed for a
minimum of 180 consecutive days.
- Then have a second full body DEXA scan done to
measure your results from the Grow Bone Challenge.
- If your bones are not healthier, stronger and more
dense after at least 180 consecutive days as evidenced by a full body
DEXA scan, we will refund not one month, not two, but double all 6
months of your Grow Bone System purchases plus your out of pocket
costs for both DEXA scans. We make this amazing offer because we are
so confident in the Grow Bone System’s ability to build bone density.†
Click Here for more on the Grow
Bone Challenge
49. What is the Suggested Retail Price of VIT∆MIN
CODE Grow Bone System?
A: Grow Bone System has a Suggested Retail Price of
$54.95 providing a 30-day supply.
50. What does the Vitamin Angels logo on the Grow
Bone System carton mean?
A: For every Grow Bone System sold, a donation will be
made to Vitamin Angels and their Operation 20/20 program to eliminate
Vitamin A deficiency in the world by the year 2020.
Click here
to return to the Grow Bone System Information page.
** See booklet for details or visit
www.growbone.com
††Regular exercise and a healthy diet with enough Calcium and Vitamin D
helps maintain good bone health and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis
later in life.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or
prevent any disease. |
