First of all, Life Extension is typically not a good brand, as many formulas have antinutrients like this one. One of the first places I look and encourage others to look when viewing ingredient lists is the “other ingredients” section, since this is where most antinutrients are found listed. In this case, you will note the “Maltodextrin” listed. This is a sugar, which means most of the minerals in the formula will never be absorbed, as sugar hinders mineral absorption (also vitamin C by 75% for up to six hours). This ingredient also destroys the gut microbiome, so it’s something you need to avoid always, even in organic products. That makes the whole product close to worthless. Most people who do not ask questions on products like this before they see articles such as “Antinutrients” or “Bone Support Products“, etc., which would steer you away from such products and formulas.
First of all, Life Extension is typically not a good brand, as many formulas have antinutrients like this one. One of the first places I look and encourage others to look when viewing ingredient lists is the “other ingredients” section, since this is where most antinutrients are found listed. In this case, you will note the “Maltodextrin” listed. This is a sugar, which means most of the minerals in the formula will never be absorbed, as sugar hinders mineral absorption (also vitamin C by 75% for up to six hours). This ingredient also destroys the gut microbiome, so it’s something you need to avoid always, even in organic products. That makes the whole product close to worthless. Most people do not ask questions on products like this before they see articles such as “Antinutrients” or “Bone Support Products“, etc., which would steer them away from such products and formulas.
The first ingredient is synthetic hormone Vitamin D3, likely from lanolin. The dose is too high for daily intake for most, as it is over the RDI of 600 I.U. /800 I.U. > age 70. It is best to get your D3 from the sun first, then food, then food-based supplements (see Vitamin D page of “Opening the Doors to Reversing and Healing Osteoporosis” from the website. D3 should not be supplemented unless deficient or very low (<12 – 20 ng/ml), and then it is best to stay within the RDI range.
The second ingredient is vitamin K2, which I believe is from soy or natto (fermented soy), which is a food you should always avoid in any form, even fermented or organic. Legume-based K2 has presented many with issues such as heart palpitations and histamine reactions. These sources are high in antinutrients that hinder nutrient absorption, as well as some that destroy the gut lining. It does have sufficient K2 MK7 for the dose of vitamin D3; however, it has no MK4. Both are important. While MK4 lasts only an hour or two, it helps move calcium in soft tissue like the heart, blood vessels, joints, etc., into the bloodstream, where MK7 can move it into the bones, teeth, and nails.
The third is calcium. I suggest reading the calcium page from the book pages in “Opening The Doors. . . .” on this one as well. Supplementing calcium unless you are deficient is not wise, safe, or necessarily healthy. Then, and only then, should you supplement, and it should be Hydroxyapatite (the same form in your body). A Harvard study showed one needs only 500 to 700 mg, as this is all that is needed of calcium daily. As a nutritionist, I allow an extra 100 mg, mostly because antinutrients will hinder some of that.
Magnesium is next, and is insufficient for the amount of calcium in the formula. Old school was calcium should be twice that of magnesium (see calcium and magnesium pages of “Opening The Doors . . .”). Some have said Magnesium should be twice that of Calcium; however, more experts agree a 1:1 ratio is ideal. This falls severely short. Osteoporosis is not a calcium deficiency, so the main focus should be on other nutrients than calcium. Even though chelated, it is calcium carbonate bonded with the amino acids mentioned. It is more bioavailable because of the amino acids, but it is not the best form, and still best not to be supplemented unless deficient, since it’s more than possible to get enough from food.
The zinc, manganese, and silicon (silica) are fine. But notice the boron is not even boron, but more calcium, or is mixed, so you’re not getting as much actual boron as stated.
Then we have the “other ingredients” mentioned before. In addition to the maltodextrin, it has corn starch. Corn starch, unless listed as organic and non-GMO verified, will have two primary issues and secondary ones. First, it will be GMO corn. GMOs have shown to turn pigs’ stomachs to mush (see antinutrients) and lead to cancers according to some experts. It will also have been sprayed with Glyphosate, proven in 3court cases to cause cancer. Corn is also a grain and therefore will have phytates and oxalates, which hinder mineral absorption. Also, trypsin inhibitors, lectins that destroy the gut lining, leading to Leaky Gut which in turn leads to nutrient loss and compromised immunity (the gut is 70% of the immune system). Corn also has gluten (Zein), which can damage the gut lining almost as much as wheat gluten and other gluten-proteins.
Overall, the formula does not have all you need in each of the “essential” (Golden Dozen – see “Opening The Doors . . .”) nutrients that you need to address the full health of your bones.
My findings on this product are much the same as all other “bone support products.” Antinutrients, disproportionate dosages, and inferior quality ingredients make this no better than the rest. It could likely do more harm than good.
Some variations are also found with this product, with some showing citric acid and/or Citrate (see Antinutrients article), rice flour (arsenic), modified starch (unknown source), and Carbonate Calcium.
Opinion by Douglas K. Johnson – Life, Health and Wellness Coach, Herbalist, Nutritionist, and Author.
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