Glanbia TruCal Product Shown to Benefit Bone Health
These latest findings provide clinical evidence of the health benefits of this clean label ingredient and highlight its potential in the sports and mainstream nutrition markets.
19/06/08 A new report confirms that Glanbia Nutritionals’ TruCal milk mineral complex from a natural dairy source has an important impact on bone health. Researchers found that prior ingestion of TruCal before moderate-intensity exercise significantly reduced exercise-associated bone resorption which may lead to bone fragility. These latest findings provide clinical evidence of the health benefits of this clean label ingredient and highlight its potential in the sports and mainstream nutrition markets.
The study, conducted by the Human Science Research Unit at the University of Limerick (Ireland), was a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. Ten subjects were randomly assigned to one of four rotations, either with treatment (1,000mg of TruCal) or placebo and with or without exercise. Every subject underwent each of the four stages and each test day was separated by a seven day interval. Serum calcium absorption and retention levels were assessed both at rest and following a two-hour walk. The effects on levels of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) and type 1 collagen degradation product β-Ctx – two biomarkers of bone resorption – were also observed.
The results showed a faster rate of calcium absorption after consuming TruCal, with serum calcium reaching peak levels three hours. This peak level occurred at a faster rate than previously documented for other forms of calcium, where peak absorption levels were observed after five to six hours.
Positive effects of TruCal towards PTH and β-Ctx levels were also observed. TruCal ingestion caused PTH levels to decrease by 20 per cent during the rest stage and during / after exercise compared to the placebo. Serum β-Ctx levels at rest and prior / during / following exercise decreased by 20 per cent and 22 per cent respectively in response to TruCal compared to the placebo. These results demonstrate TruCal’s ability to reduce bone resorption, therefore potentially helping to maintain bone health.
TruCal is a source of natural milk minerals containing 24 per cent calcium and 13 per cent phosphorous. This innovative form of real calcium from milk provides the full range of minerals necessary for optimal bone growth and maintenance. Importantly, it is now clinically proven to improve bone density and bone tensile strength. TruCal can be easily used in a wide variety of nutritional solutions including foods, beverages and supplement systems. Unlike some calcium ingredients that can impart a chalky flavour, TruCal is flavourless, resulting in clean-tasting and appealing end products.
