Enter Plant Calcium
Vitamin Code ® Grow Bone System
Following the Surgeon General’s report on the state of the nation’s
bone health, Garden of Life launched Vitamin Code Grow Bone
System back in 2009, which uses a plant-derived algae to deliver
whole-food calcium that is free from crushed rock, limestone,
chalk or animal bones!
Vitamin Code Grow Bone System is a two-part clinically studied
system. It consists of one bottle of Vitamin Code Raw Calcium,
the first Raw whole food plant calcium formula which includes
756mg of raw whole food plant calcium from algae with 1,600IU
vitamin D3, Raw MK-7, magnesium and boron. The System also
includes a bottle of Vitamin Code Growth Factor S—680mg of
elemental strontium, a critical bone-building trace mineral. †
Vitamin Code ® Grow Bone System Benefits:
• Stimulate Bone Growth †
• Increase Bone Mass and Strength †
• Increases Bone Mineral Density †
• Reduce Risk of Osteoporosis ††
In a six-month randomized, open label human clinical study,
176 healthy men and women aged 18 to 85 consumed the exact
ingredients in the Vitamin Code Grow Bone System, along with
a healthy eating plan and walking program, and experienced
Michalek et al. Nutrition Journal 2011, 10:32
http://www.nutritionj.com/content/10/1/32
RESEARCH
Open Access
Changes in total body bone mineral density
following a common bone health plan with two
versions of a unique bone health supplement: a
comparative effectiveness research study
Joel E Michalek 1 , Harry G Preuss 2 , Harry A Croft 3 , Patti L Keith 4 , Samuel C Keith 4 , Monika Dapilmoto 4 ,
Nicholas V Perricone 5 , Robert B Leckie 6 and Gilbert R Kaats 4*
Abstract
Background: The US Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health suggests America’s bone-health is in jeopardy and
issued a “call to action” to develop bone-health plans that: (1) improve nutrition, (2) increase health literacy and, (3)
increase physical activity. This study is a response to this call to action.
Methods: After signing an informed consent, 158 adults agreed to follow an open-label bone-health plan for six
months after taking a DXA test of bone density, a 43-chemistry blood test panel and a quality of life inventory
(AlgaeCal 1). Two weeks after the last subject completed, a second group of 58 was enrolled and followed the
identical plan, but with a different bone-health supplement (AlgaeCal 2).
Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline bone mineral density (BMD) or
in variables related to BMD (age, sex, weight, percent body fat, fat mass, or fat-free mass). In both groups, no
significant differences in BMD or related variables were found between volunteers and non-volunteers or between
those who completed per protocol and those who were lost to attrition.
Both groups experienced a significant positive mean annualized percent change (MAPC) in BMD compared to
expectation [AlgaeCal 1: 1.15%, p = 0.001; AlgaeCal 2: 2.79%, p = 0.001]. Both groups experienced a positive MAPC
compared to baseline, but only AlgaeCal 2 experienced a significant change [AlgaeCal 1: 0.48%, p = 0.14; AlgaeCal
2: 2.18%, p < 0.001]. The MAPC in AlgaeCal 2 was significantly greater than that in AlgaeCal 1 (p = 0.005). The
MAPC contrast between compliant and partially compliant subjects was significant for both plans (p = 0.001 and p
= 0.003 respectively). No clinically significant changes in a 43-panel blood chemistry test were found nor were
there any changes in self-reported quality of life in either group.
Conclusions: Following The Plan for six months with either version of the bone health supplement was associated
with significant increases in BMD as compared to expected and, in AlgaeCal 2, the increase from baseline was
significantly greater than the increase from baseline in AlgaeCal 1. Increased compliance was associated with
greater increases in BMD in both groups. No adverse effects were reported in either group.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01114685
a significant increase in bone mineral density as evidenced by
comparing their before and after DEXA scans. † By combining these
two formulations, the ingredients in the Grow Bone System have
been clinically studied and shown to stimulate bone growth. †
Following the successful launch of Raw Calcium, Grow Bone
and Grow Bone challenge, we received an incredible number
of testimonials from very happy customers reporting significant
increases in their bone mineral density from their DEXA readings.
Raw Calcium became and is still the top-selling calcium
supplement in the Natural Products Industry.
†
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.
† †
Adequate Calcium and Vitamin D as part of a healthful diet, along with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Extraordinary Health ™ • Vol 39 49