Originally published September 14 2005
Dietary fiber and insulin can enhance calcium absorption in young adults
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Given that only a quarter of teenagers on average get the recommended amount of calcium per day, scientists are finding ways to enhance calcium absorption by increasing the amount of insulin-type complex sugars that support the absorption of nutrients.
Research published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" suggests nutrients that support gastrointestinal health may also help maintain healthy bones.
These findings suggest that nutritional supplements containing a specialized type of dietary fiber called inulin can significantly enhance calcium absorption in young adults.
Only 14% of teenage girls and 35% of teenage boys meet the 1989 USDA recommendations for calcium intake despite public campaigns promoting consumption of calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, broccoli and spinach.
The basic assumption of such public health education efforts is that teenagers do not embrace proper nutrition.
Another consideration is that poor absorption of nutrients in the gut may contribute to widespread calcium deficiencies in teenagers.
A healthy balance of intestinal bacteria helps the body absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins.
Emerging medical evidence suggests the inulin-type complex sugars nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut and support their growth.
Nutritional supplements are an economical and convenient source of inulin, a naturally occurring fiber derived from chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes.
"Inuflora contains inulin which is good for overall health because malabsorption, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and weight problems can all be related to the health of the gut," said Joe Lehmann, CEO of Naturally Vitamins, the Phoenix-based nutraceutical firm.
Unlike supplements with inulin chemically extracted from chicory root, Inuflora is produced exclusively from organically grown artichokes in Germany.
The complex sugar chains from the Jerusalem artichoke are longer than those obtained from chicory root, and thus provide longer lasting support for healthful intestinal microflora.
Naturally Vitamins, a division of Marlyn Nutraceuticals, manufactures and distributes scientifically formulated supplements that harness wellness from nature to promote and defend consumer health.
Naturally Vitamins specializes in oral systemic enzymes, notably Wobenzym�N, an inflammation and immune support formula developed over 50 years ago and supported by hundreds of clinical trials.
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