The Plant-Based Origin of AlgaeCal's Calcium
Unlike most conventional calcium supplements that are derived from ground-up rock sources like limestone (calcium carbonate) or processed salts (calcium citrate), the calcium in AlgaeCal comes from a plant-based, whole-food source. It is derived from a rare species of marine red algae, Mesophyllum superpositum (also known as Algas calcareas), found off the coast of South America. This living algae absorbs and predigests minerals from the ocean, creating a porous, honeycomb-like mineral structure that is similar to human bone. The algae naturally detaches and is sustainably hand-harvested, then sun-dried and milled into a fine, mineral-rich powder. This natural process makes AlgaeCal's calcium gentle on the digestive system and highly bioavailable.
A Multi-Mineral Matrix, Not Just Calcium
A significant factor that distinguishes AlgaeCal is its comprehensive mineral matrix. While many supplements provide only one form of calcium, the red algae in AlgaeCal naturally provides a broad spectrum of bone-supporting minerals. As stated in one of the search results, AlgaeCal naturally contains different forms of calcium, which vary between calcium hydroxide, sulphate, chloride, phosphate, and carbonate. This diversity, combined with the presence of other trace minerals, is thought to enhance its absorption and effectiveness. In addition to calcium, a serving of AlgaeCal Plus contains 13 naturally occurring trace minerals essential for bone health, such as:
- Magnesium: Crucial for proper bone mineralization and works synergistically with calcium.
- Strontium: This trace mineral stimulates bone formation and slows down bone breakdown.
- Boron: Assists the body in metabolizing and retaining calcium and magnesium.
- Zinc: An essential mineral playing a role in bone metabolism and development.
- Manganese: Important for the formation of the organic bone matrix.
- Other trace elements: Including copper, silicon, nickel, selenium, and vanadium, which are all vital cofactors supporting various aspects of bone formation and renewal.
Comparison: AlgaeCal vs. Traditional Calcium Supplements
The table below highlights the key differences between AlgaeCal's plant-based calcium and the more common rock-based forms like calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.
| Feature | AlgaeCal (Algae-Based) | Traditional Calcium (Rock-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Sustainably harvested marine red algae (Mesophyllum superpositum). | Mined rock, such as limestone (calcium carbonate) or processed acid salts. |
| Mineral Profile | A comprehensive matrix of calcium plus 13 trace minerals. | Typically contains only calcium, often requiring separate supplementation for other minerals. |
| Chemical Forms | Naturally includes calcium hydroxide, sulfate, chloride, phosphate, and carbonate. | Predominantly one form, such as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. |
| Digestion | Gentle on the stomach due to its whole-food nature; often avoids constipation, gas, or bloating associated with rock-based versions. | May cause digestive issues for some people, especially calcium carbonate, which requires more stomach acid for absorption. |
| Effect on Bone Density | Clinical studies have shown support for increasing bone mineral density in adults. | Only shown to slow the rate of annual bone loss. |
| Absorption | Enhanced bioavailability due to its natural, predigested form. | Absorption can be less efficient, particularly for calcium carbonate without food. |
| Environmental Impact | Sourced sustainably with minimal environmental impact. | Extraction involves mining, which can have greater environmental consequences. |
Why a Multi-Nutrient Formula is Better
AlgaeCal's formula goes beyond just providing calcium by including other essential vitamins that are crucial for proper bone mineralization. The AlgaeCal Plus formula, for example, includes vitamins D3, K2, and C.
- Vitamin D3: Is vital for enabling the body to effectively absorb the calcium it consumes.
- Vitamin K2 (MK-7): This vitamin is critical for directing calcium to the bones and teeth, preventing it from depositing in soft tissues like arteries and kidneys.
- Vitamin C: Supports the synthesis of collagen, which is the main protein framework that gives bone its flexibility.
This multi-nutrient approach is the reason AlgaeCal is cited as being more effective than single-ingredient calcium supplements. A 2010 study published in PubMed compared a novel plant-based calcium with calcium carbonate and calcium citrate and found superior bone-building activity and reduced oxidative stress in the algae-based group.
Conclusion
The kind of calcium in AlgaeCal is a plant-based, multi-mineral complex sourced from red marine algae, a fundamental difference from single-compound, rock-based supplements. Its natural origin provides a broad spectrum of minerals that mimic the composition of human bone. When combined with essential vitamins like D3 and K2, this whole-food source offers a highly absorbable and effective approach to supporting and even increasing bone mineral density. For those seeking a natural and comprehensive solution for bone health, understanding the source of AlgaeCal's calcium is key to appreciating its potential benefits.
Additional Resource
For more information on the study comparing algae-based calcium with other forms, you can review this research via the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.
