CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand—StimuCal™ by Waitaki Biosciences offers consumers a natural source of calcium without the usual “spike" in blood calcium levels resulting from supplementation, according to the company’s independent research.

In the randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 100 postmenopausal women conducted by the department of medicine at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, StimuCal was found to produce lower peak blood calcium levels than calcium carbonate or calcium citrate, while also maintaining an identical effect on markers of bone turn-over.

The women received 1000 mg/d of calcium as either StimuCal, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate or placebo. Acute changes in blood calcium levels were monitored for eight hours, and key biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured at baseline and at three months as a measure of efficacy. Peak blood calcium levels after ingestion of StimuCal were 45 to 49 percent lower than peak blood calcium levels after ingestion of the same amount of calcium from either calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.

Researchers have previously identified a link between calcium supplementation and an increased risk of heart attack, which is thought to be related to the rapid spiking of blood calcium levels following ingestion of the supplement. However, recent studies released on calcium safety are helping to rebuild consumer confidence that the mineral will not cause cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Learn more about StimuCal by stopping by booth 32136 at SupplySide West.