Title of Invention	FORMULAS COMPRISING CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, ZINC, AND VITAMIN D3 FOR THE PREVENTION AND AMELIORATION OF OSTEOPOROSIS
Abstract	A composition for preventing and treating osteoporosis is provided The composition comprises the acetate salts of calcium, magnesium and zinc as well as vitamin D3 The acetate salts could be extracted from natural sources such as pearls, corals, and oysters or compounded by using synthetic materials The weight ratio of calcium to magnesium is 0.5: l to 4: 1.

Full Text

FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT 1970 (39 of 1970) AND The Patents Rules, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10 and rule 13) 1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION "FORMULAS COMPRISING CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, ZINC, AND VITAMIN D3 FOR THE PREVENTION AND AMELIORATION OF OSTEOPOROSIS" 2. APPLICANT(S): _ (a) NAME: BEAUTY PEARL GROUP LIMITED (b)NATIONALITY: Chinese Company (c) ADDRESS: Shop 3, G/F, Tak Cheong Court 19 Tak Cheong Lane Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon Hong Kong, SAR China. 3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION: ~ The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. FORMULAS COMPRISING CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, ZINC, AMD VITAMIN D3 FOR THE PREVENTION AND AMELIORATION OF OSTEOPOROSIS 5 [0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/023,997, filed January 28, 2008. The entire contents and disclosures of the preceding application are incorporated by reference into this application. 10 [0002] Throughout this application, various references are referred to and disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. 15 FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] This invention relates to compositions for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The present invention 20 provides formulas of elemental compositions encompassing acetate salts of calcium, magnesium and zinc along with vitamin D3. The acetate salts can be extracted from natural sources such as pearls, coral, and oyster or compounded using synthetic materials. 25 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] Calcium is the major element in bones. Over 99% of the body's calcium resides in bones. Approximately 80-90% of bone mineral content is comprised of calcium and phosphorus. Adequate 30 intake of calcium from the diet is necessary for bone growth and maintenance. Osteoporosis is a disease caused by a significant loss of bone mass which leads to increased susceptibility to fracture. This condition often occurs in women age 35 or above. More frequently, it occurs in postmenopausal women {Ilich and 35 Kerstetter, 2000; Ilich et al., 2003). [0005] Dietary supplementation with calcium was thought to be the prime factor in the maintenance of bone health in the past 50 years (Seelig et al.r 2004). However, the benefit of increased 40 calcium consumption has not been clearly demonstrated for bone health. Instead, high calcium intake may be linked to higher incidence of cardiovascular disease (Seelig et al., 2004). Increased risk of cardiovascular disease was also attributed to a continued increase in calcium to magnesium ratio (Ca/Mg) in the 5 diet. The ratio of Ca/Mg increased from 2/1 from 1900 to 1940 to >3/l in the 1960s, to >6/l in 2000. The daily recommended intake (DRI) in 2000 was >3/l to >4/l. [0006] There are conflicting reports in the literature 10 concerning the importance of dietary calcium on bone health. Heaney (1993b; Heaney, 1993a) reviewed 43 studies of calcium published between 1988 and 1993. Although 16 studies showed that calcium had no effect on bone loss, 16 of the 19 placebo-controlled studies in which calcium intake was controlled did 15 show that the mineral prevented or slowed bone loss. [0007] In the 12 studies that excluded women who were within 5 years of menopause, a period when estrogen deficiency overwhelms the effect of calcium supplementation {Riis et al., 1987), all 20 showed that calcium had a significantly beneficial effect. [0008] In elderly women, it was shown that there was a significant relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and several critical nutritional parameters: caloric intake provided 25 by macronutrients, protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin C (Ilich et al., 2003). [0009] in the early 2000s, daily calcium intake reached a new high of 2,500 mg (Seelig et al., 2004). it should be noted that 30 the increase in Ca/Mg is mainly due to the increase in calcium intake, not a change in magnesium. The daily requirement of calcium was recently re-evaluated (Hunt and Johnson, 2007). It was found that an average intake of 749 mg of calcium is required, an estimate lower than previously estimated. 35 [0010] In one clinical trial, 43 early postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups: percutaneous estradiol, oral calcium (2000 mg/day) or placebo. Bone mineral content in the forearm, the entire body and spine remained the same in the estradiol group; however, there was a decline in the calcium and placebo groups. Calcium did not show any significant effect and calcium supplementation may have a 5 minor effect on the loss of cortical bone, but it had no effect on the trabecular bone. (Riis et al., 1987) [0011] In a National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 1988 to 1994, predictive models were 10 established to evaluate parameters such as race, body composition, exercise, alcohol intake, smoking status and nutritional intake (Bass et al., 2006). Nutritional intake includes elements such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium and potassium. Among the 7,532 women, 20 years or older, elemental 15 intake was not a predictor of osteoporosis. This observation may not be surprising because the average calcium intake was 659 mg and magnesium was 241 mg. These values were lower than that of RDA of 1000 and 310 mg, respectively. 20 [0012] Physical activity was associated with increase in vertebral bone mineral density (Kanders et al. , 1988). When activity was removed, vertebral bone mineral density was dependent on calcium intake. However, when calcium intake exceeded 800 to 1000 mg/day vertebral bone mineral density was 25 not dependent on calcium intake in the absence of exercise. Bone mineral density reached a plateau when calcium intake was 800 to 1000 mg/day with no additional benefit accruing to the additional consumption of calcium. Such a ceiling effect of calcium was also observed by Celotti and Bignamini (1999). They reported 30 that calcium supplementation is important for maintaining bone health. However, excessive amount of calcium may be useless and it could cause hypercalciuria and kidney stones. Supplementation with a small amount of magnesium was suggested. 35 [0013] Mutlu et al. (2007) showed that magnesium and zinc levels are the lowest in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis as compared to postmenopausal women with osteopenia, or postmenopausal women with normal bone density. Calcium supplementation may reduce zinc absorption, and magnesium and zinc retention. These conditions further aggravate the severity of osteoporosis (Ilich and Kerstetter, 2000; Lowe et al., 2002; Abrams and Atkinson, 2003). Besides calcium, magnesium, zinc, 5 manganese and copper deficiencies are linked to osteoporosis (Saltman and Strause, 1993). [0014] To determine the influence of diet on bone mass in the proximal femur, Angus et al. (1988) measured 14 nutrients in 159 10 Caucasian women aged 23-75 and bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip, spine and forearm. No significant correlation was found between calcium intake and bone mass at any site, iron, zinc and magnesium were positively correlated with forearm BMD in premenopausal women. Iron and magnesium were significant 15 predictors of forearm BMD in premenopausal and postmenopausal women respectively by multiple regression analysis. [0015] A study emphasizing the benefit of magnesium on postmenopausal women found that a Mg/Ca ratio of 1.2/1 was more 20 effective than that of a ratio of 0.4/1 (Abraham and Grewal, 1990) . The study used 500 mg of calcium in the form of calcium citrate and 200 mg of magnesium in the form of magnesium oxide for the 0.4/1 group and 600 mg of magnesium in the form of magnesium oxide in the 1.2/1 group. The study showed that women 25 on the 1.2/1 diet for 6 to 12 months had an average of 11% increase in bone mineral density, whereas, the other group had a non-significant increase of 0.7%. [0016] Magnesium supplementation (250 mg/day) in young women 30 has been shown to have no effects on calcium resorption (Basso et al., 2000). This study was a short term study. Therefore, the validity of the results is yet to be confirmed. [0017] Ilich (2000) wrote, "Osteoporosis is a complex, multi-35 factorial condition characterized by reduced bone mass and impaired micro-architectural structure, leading to an increased susceptibility to fractures. Although most of the bone strength (including bone mass and quality) is genetically determined, many other factors (nutritional, environmental and life-style) also influence bone. Nutrition is an important modifiable factor in the development and maintenance of bone mass and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Approximately 80-90% of bone 5 mineral content is comprised of calcium and phosphorus. Other dietary components, such as protein, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, fluoride, vitamins D, A, C, and K are required for normal bone metabolism, while other ingested compounds not usually categorized as nutrients (e.g. caffeine, alcohol, phytoestrogens) 10 ' may also impact on bone health. Unraveling the interaction between different factors; nutritional, environmental, life style, and heredity help us to understand the complexity of the development of osteoporosis and subsequent fractures. This paper reviews the role of dietary components on bone health throughout 15 different stages of life. Each nutrient is discussed separately; however the fact that many nutrients are co-dependent and simultaneously interact with genetic and environmental factors should not be neglected. The complexity of the interactions is probably the reason why there are controversial or inconsistent 20 findings regarding the contribution of a single or a group of nutrients in bone health." [0018] Although bone health is dependent on a variety of factors, there is enough evidence to show that, in the area of 25 elemental requirements, apart from calcium, other elements such as magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, etc. are also important for maintaining or improving bone health. [0019] Despite the values cited in the Recommended Daily 30 Allowance (RDA), Allowable Intake (AI) or Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for elemental intake, there was not much attention paid to the form of elements consumed. It is not clear whether calcium salts can be used interchangeably. It is understandable that not all calcium salts are created alike; there are 35 differences in solubility and absorption. If there are differences in bioavailability, absorbability of elements from salts should be measured more accurately. [0020] These issues have not received appropriate attention because there are reports showing solubility of calcium salts is not related to the element's bioavailability. The absorption of calcium salt, soluble or insoluble, is not affected by gastric 5 acid secretion (Bo-Linn et al., 1984). The hypothesis that calcium carbonate can be converted to a more soluble calcium salt, calcium chloride in the stomach, which enhances calcium absorption has been tested. The results showed that calcium carbonate absorption is not influenced by gastric acid (Bo-Linn 10 et al., 1984). [0021] The bioavailability of calcium carbonate, D-calcium lactate, L-calciurn lactate and oyster shell calcium was found to be independent of the salt's solubility (Tsuigawa et al., 1995). 15 This study used a method which was different from that of the balance study. It measured changes in the pituitary thyroid hormone (PTH), etc. instead of actual calcium absorption. Accurate comparison of calcium bioavailability cannot be achieved using an indirect method such as PTH. 20 [0022] Heaney (2001) reported that rates of urinary excretion for three marketed calcium products {marketed calcium carbonate, encapsulated calcium carbonate and marketed calcium citrate) were identical. Using Ca45 as a tracer, fractional absorption values 25 of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate were found to be insignificantly different from each other at a low dose (300 mg calcium); however, calcium absorption from calcium carbonate was slightly but significantly better than calcium citrate (Heaney et al., 1999). 30 [0023] Magnesium absorption from 10 organic and inorganic salts was tested in rats (Coudray et al., 2005). The bioavailability of magnesium ranged from 50 to 66%. Magnesium gluconate provided the highest value. Solubility of these salts in the small and 35 large intestine and cecum was measured. Solubility of these salts is actually quite high at the proximal section of the intestine; it dropped off very quickly as pH increased along the intestinal tract. Differences in these magnesium salts' absorption may not be important considering the variability among individuals. [0024] Bioavailability of elements in fortified foods has been 5 measured using dual isotope techniques (Abrams et al., 2002). There was no difference in the bioavailability of zinc oxide and zinc sulfate; both are at approximately 24%. The bioavailability of iron was 15.9 %. However, zinc sulfate tended to reduce the bioavailability of iron to 11.5 % and this number is significant. 10 The absorption of calcium in fortified cereal was 28.9%; in unfortified cereal was 30.8 %. [0025] Despite these observations, there are reports showing that not all calcium salts have the same bioavailability. 15 Bioavailability of calcium ascorbate is higher than that of calcium carbonate and calcium chloride (Tsugawa et al., 1999). The bioavailability was measured using 45Ca. Solubility, of these salts under different pH conditions was also measured. 20 [0026] Bioavailability of calcium acetate was measured using i5Ca. (Cai et al., 2004). Compared to calcium ascorbate, bioavailability of calcium acetate was significantly lower (70% vs. 45% at 25 mg calcium load). A kinetic model comprising 8 compartments was used to fit the plasma calcium vs. time data. 25 The difference between bioavailability of calcium ascorbate and bioavailability of calcium acetate was attributed to a difference via a saturable process. It is also reasoned that the solubility of calcium acetate may be reduced in the intestine because calcium from the acetate salt may precipitate phosphate or 30 chloride ions in the intestine. Therefore, it is not surprising that the bioavailability of calcium acetate is not different from that of calcium chloride and calcium phosphate. [0027] Ten mg of zinc per day is the recommended intake (Record 35 et al./ 1985). The recommended daily allowance of zinc was 6 mg (Smith et al., 1983). The authors warned that recommended daily allowance should not be confused with that of recommended daily intake. [0028] Zinc absorption occurs throughout the small intestine and it is dose dependent in humans (Lee et al., 1989). [0029] A patent was filed in 1999 for a calcium dietary 5 supplement comprising calcium, magnesium, zinc, etc. (Ellenbogen and Buono, 1999). The range of calcium used was 1000 to 2500 mg and the range of magnesium used was between 50 to 150 mg. The salt for calcium is calcium carbonate. The quantity of calcium and magnesium used and the type of salts employed are different 10 from the present invention. Furthermore, the calcium to magnesium ratios are high (6.7 to 25:1) compared to the range described in this invention. [0030] Meigant and Stenger (2004} filed a U.S. patent citing 15 the a composition which consists of calcium and a vitamin D mixture The patent describes preparation of galenic formulations of calcium and vitamin D using combinations of excipients; therefore, the thrust of the present application shares no common ground with the application of Meigant and Stenger (2004) . 20 [0031] Hendricks (2004) was awarded a patent on a dietary supplement containing calcium and phosphorus. Vitamins including vitamin D could also be included in the supplement. Hendricks emphasized the effects of phosphorus, and perhaps vitamin D, 25 vitamin Be and vitamin B12. The present application, however, does net include phosphorus. [0032] Mazer et al. (1997) was granted a patent on a calcium supplement in solid form which contains calcium glycerophosphate, 30 vitamin D and vitamin C. Again, the present invention does not contain calcium salt of this kind. [0033] In another patent, the synthesis of dicalcium citrate- lactate was described by mixing stoichiometric mixtures of 35 citrate and lactate salts to produce the calcium salt (Walsdorf et al., 1991) . [0034] Krumhar and Johnson (2006) designed a diet supplement for bone health consisting of microcrystalline calcium hydroxyapatite, protein (mostly collagen), phosphorus, fat, and other minerals. It also contains vitamin D3 from 5 cholecalciferol, and a preferred osteoblast stimulant, ipriflavone. in addition to these basic ingredients, the composition can further include various other minerals known to occur in bone, vitamin C, and glucosamine sulfate, all of which have been claimed to have beneficial effects on the growth and 10 maintenance of healthy bone. A method for benefiting human bone health involves administering a daily regimen of the dietary supplement. [0035] There is another daily vitamin and mineral supplement 15 for women comprising vitamin A, beta-carotene, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, biotin, para-aminobenzoic acid, inositol, choline, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, boron, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc and 20 bioflavonoid. For women up to 40 years of age, iron is included. For women over 40 years of age, iron is optionally included (Sultenfuss, 1995). Ca/Mg ratio is 1000-1500/400-600. [0036] A dietary supplement for supplementing dietary needs of 25 women and preventing or reducing life stage associated health risks during each of their principal adult life stages (pre- perimenopausal, perimenopasue and menopause, or post-menopause) consisting of an extensive list of minerals and vitamins was described in a patent (Jackson and Blumberg, 1997). This list of 30 nutrients was derived from various sources and there were no data to support individual claims. Although there were, specific amounts of elements cited for osteoporosis support, the forms of salt were not specified. If different forms of elements such as carbonate, oxide, acetate, etc. were used, the performance of 35 these nutrients could be drastically different because their bioavailability varies. [0037] Much attention has been focused on calcium as the element for bone health. However, not all calciums are the same and their relative bioavailability determines the fractional amount that reaches the systemic circulation. As for maintenance 5 of bone healthy other essential elements are required. There are hints in the literature suggesting that potential interactions between these elements exist. The impact on absorption, calcium utilization and consequently, bone health has not been systematically investigated. Furthermore, vitamins such as D3 10 and K2 have been implicated in calcium absorption and increase in bone mineral density (BMD); however, the interplay between bioavailable elements, such as calcium, magnesium and zinc, with vitamins has not been illustrated. The complicated environment in the gastrointestinal tract plays a dominant role in 15 determining the absorbability of elements. In particular, cations and anions may play a significant role in altering the solubility of an elemental salt in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) . The importance of these factors in determining the bioavailability of elements has never been thoroughly addressed. 20 In this invention, a calcium supplement, comprising optimum amounts of acetate salts of calcium, magnesium and zinc, and vitamin D3, is described. The daily dosage of calcium is significantly lower than that of regular calcium supplement. This product was designed using in vitro and in vivo models which 25 are key to determining elemental balance. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0038] The present invention provides a dietary supplement 30 comprising acetate salts of calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D3. This preparation is highly soluble in water, gastric and intestinal fluids. It is also shown that elemental absorption is high and the calcium dosage required for bone health maintenance is approximately a quarter to a third of that of the conventional 35 calcium dose. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0039] Figure 1 shows the average cumulative net amount of calcium retained (±S.E.M.) in rats receiving a calcium free diet over a four day period. The seven groups of animals which 5 participated in this study were named after the treatment formulations. The dosage of calcium for animals in each group was 53 mg/kg. Each animal received 1 mL of treatment daily. Animals in the Caltrate™ group received a suspension, while animals in the other groups received a solution. The elemental 10 composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7.51% Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. The dosage of vitamin D3 was 0.8 IU/mg calcium. 15 [0040] Figure 2 shows the average cumulative net amount of magnesium retained (±S.E.M.) in rats receiving calcium free diet over a four day period. The seven groups of animals which participated in this study were named after the treatment formulations. The dosage of calcium for animals in each group 20 was 53 mg/kg. Each animal received 1 mL of treatment daily. Animals in the Caltrate™ group received a suspension, while animals in the other groups received a solution. Calcium acetate (CaACE) contained 23.3% Calcium. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7.51% 25 Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. The dosage of vitamin D3 was 0.8 IU/mg calcium. [0041] Figure 3 shows the average cumulative net amount of zinc 30 retained (±S.E.M.) in rats receiving calcium free diet over a four day period. The seven groups of animals which participated in this study were named after the treatment formulations. The dosage of calcium for animals in each group was 53 mg/kg. Each animal received 1 mL of treatment daily. Animals in the 35 Caltrate™ group received a suspension, while animals in the other groups received a solution. Calcium acetate (CaACE) contained 23.3% Calcium. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7.51% Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. The dosage of vitamin D3 was 0-8 IU/mg calcium. [0042] Figure 4 shows the plasma calcium (A), magnesium (B) and 5 zinc (C) levels sampled from rats at the end of the treatment period while receiving a calcium free diet. Seven groups of animals participated in this study; the groups were named after the treatment formulations. The dosage of calcium for animals in each group was 53 mg/kg. Each animal received 1 mL of treatment 10 daily. Animals in the Caltrate™ group received a suspension, while animals in the other groups received a solution. Calcium acetate (CaACE) contained 23.3% Calcium. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7.51% Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 15 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% zinc for A5. The dosage of vitamin D3 was 0.8 IU/mg calcium. [0043] Figure 5 shows the average cumulative net amount of 20 calcium retained (+S.E.M.) in rats receiving normal diet over a four day period. The five groups of animals which participated in this study were named after the treatment formulations. The dosage of calcium for animals in each group was 53 mg/kg. Each animal received 1 mL of treatment daily. Animals in the 25 Caltrate™ group received a suspension, while animals in the other groups received a solution. Calcium acetate (CaACE) contained 23.3% Calcium. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7.51% Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% 30 Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. [0044] Figure 6 shows the average cumulative net amount of magnesium retained (+S.E.M.) in rats receiving normal calcium 35 diet, as described on Table 34, over a four day period. • The five groups of animals which participated in this study were named after the treatment formulations. The dosage of calcium for animals in each group was 53 mg/kg. Each animal received 1 mL of treatment daily. Animals in the Caltrate™ group received a suspension, while animals in the other groups received a solution. Calcium acetate (CaACE) contained 23.3% Calcium. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7.51% Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 5 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. [0045] Figure 7 shows the average cumulative net amount of zinc retained (±S.E.M.) in rats receiving normal calcium diet, as described on Table 3 4, over a four day period. The five groups 10 of animals which participated in this study were named after the treatment formulations. The dosage of calcium for animals in each group was 53 mg/kg. Each animal received 1 mL of treatment daily. Animals in the Caltrate™ group received a suspension, while animals in the other groups received a solution. Calcium 15 acetate (CaACE) contained 23.3% Calcium. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7.51% Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0,57% Zinc for A5. 20 [0046] Figure 8 shows the average plasma calcium (A), magnesium (B) and zinc (C) levels sampled from rats on Day 5, the end of the treatment period, while receiving normal calcium diet. Blood samples were taken 1.5 hours after the last treatment. The five groups of animals which participated in this study were named 25 after the treatment formulations. The dosage of calcium for animals in each group was 53 mg/kg. Each animal received 1 mL of treatment daily. Animals in the Caltrate™ group received a suspension, while animals in the other groups received a solution. Calcium acetate (CaACE) contained 23.3% Calcium. The elemental 30 composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7.51% Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. [0047] Figure 9 shows the average cumulative net amount of 35 calcium retained (±S.E.M.) in rats receiving calcium free diet plus a daily consumed dose of calcium over a four day period. There were three groups of animals participated in this .study. Each animal received treatment once a day. The average dosage of calcium for each treatment group was 625 mg/kg/day. Animals in the DI group received a normal calcium diet (Table 34), while Al and A5 group received a calcium free diet (Table 34) . One mL of distilled water (DI) was administered to each member of the DI 5 group by gavage and one mL of treatment solution was administered to the other group members by gavage. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. 10 [0048] Figure 10 shows average the cumulative net amount of magnesium retained (±S.E.M.) in rats receiving calcium free diet plus a daily consumed dose of calcium over a four day period. There were three groups of animals participated in this study. Each animal received treatment once a day. The average dosage of 15 calcium for each treatment group was 625 mg/kg/day. Animals in the DI group received a normal calcium diet (Table 34}, while Al and A5 group received a calcium free diet (Table 34). One mL of distilled water (DI) was administered to each member of the DI group by gavage and one mL of treatment solution was administered 20 to the other group members by gavage. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. [0049] Figure 11 shows the average cumulative net amount of 25 zinc retained (±S.E.M.) in rats receiving a calcium free diet plus a daily consumed dose of calcium over a four day period. There were three groups of animals participated in this study. Each animal received treatment once a day. The average dosage of calcium for each treatment group was 625 mg/kg/day. Animals in 30 the DI group received a normal calcium diet (Table 34), while Al and A5 group received a calcium free diet (Table 34). One mL of distilled water (DI) was administered to each member of the DI group by gavage and one mL of treatment solution was administered to the other group members by gavage. The elemental composition 35 was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. [0050] Figure 12 shows the plasma calcium (A) , magnesium (B) and zinc (C) levels sampled from rats at the end of the treatment period while receiving calcium free diet and a normal daily dose of calcium. There were three groups of animals participated in 5 this study. Each animal received treatment once a day. The average dosage of calcium for each treatment group was 6 25 mg/kg/day. Animals in the DI group received a normal calcium diet (Table 34), while Al and A5 group received a calcium free diet (Table 34). One mL of distilled water (DI) was administered 10 to each member of the DI group by gavage and one mL of treatment solution was administered to the other group members by gavage. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, and- 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. 15 [0051] Figure 13 is the body mass record of 15 groups of rats which received individual elemental treatments. The treatment groups were named after their respective treatments. All animals received a normal calcium diet (Table 34) ad libitum and a once a 20 day dose of treatment containing 53 mg/kg of calcium. Formulations containing Caltrate™ were administered as suspensions; whereas the others solutions. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7.51% Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 25 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. The dosages of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 were 0.8 IU/mg calcium and 12.75 iU/kg/day, respectively. Bisphosphonate was given as alendronate and the dosage is: 14 |ag/kg/2-week. 30 [0052] Figure 14 shows trabecular BMD of Distal Femur Averaged from 3 pQCT Slices.. *: significantly different from OVX-control (p 35 calcium diet (Table 34) ad libitum and a once a day dose of treatment containing 53 mg/kg of calcium. Formulations containing Caltrate™ were administered as suspensions; whereas the others solutions. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, AW 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7,51% Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. The dosages of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 were 0.8 lU/mg calcium and 12.75 lU/kg/day, 5 ■ respectively. Bisphosphonate was given as alendronate and the dosage is: 14 μg/kg/2-week. [0053] Figure 15 shows trabecular BMD of Proximal Tibia Averaged from 3 pQCT Slices. *: significantly different from 10 OVX-control (p 15 containing Caltrate™ were administered as suspensions; whereas the others solutions. The elemental composition was 23.3% Calcium, 0.0012% Magnesium and 0.33% zinc for Al, 7.51% Calcium, 7.5% Magnesium and 0.38% Zinc for A4 and 11.5% Calcium, 5.64% Magnesium and 0.57% Zinc for A5. The dosages of vitamin D3 and 20 vitamin K2 were 0.8 IU/mg calcium and 12.75 lU/kg/day, respectively. Bisphosphonate was given as alendronate and the dosage is: 14 jj.g/kg/2-week. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 0054] Definitions: 5 [0055] "Bioavailable" is defined as the ability of a drug or a substance to be absorbed and used by the body [0056] "Bioavailability" is defined as the rate and extent of a substance reaching systemic circulation. 10 [0057] The present invention describes a supplement comprising acetate salts of calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D3. [0058] In one embodiment of the composition, there exists a 15 weight ratio of calcium, to magnesium of 0.5:1 to 4:1 For example, the composition of the present invention may comprise 220 mg of calcium and between 55 mg to 440 mg of magnesium. In a preferred embodiment of the composition, there exists a weight ratio of calcium to magnesium of 1:1 to 2:1. In another embodiment, the 20 composition of the present invention comprises a weight ratio of zinc to calcium ranging from about 0.05:1 to about 0.2:1. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises a weight ratio of zinc to calcium ranging from about 0.05:1 to about 0.1:1. 25 [0059] In another embodiment of the composition, there exists 40 to 1200 IU of vitamin D3 per 220 mg of calcium. [0060] In another embodiment, the daily dose of the elements to 30 be administered to an adult human patient comprises the following: 50 to 500 mg of calcium, 400 to 1200 IU of vitamin D3, and 5 to 40 mg of zinc. In another embodiment, such a daily dose may be administered only once daily or fractional portions of the daily dose can be administered in separate allotments throughout the 35 day. In another embodiment, an amount of the composition making up the daily dose can be dissolved in water or fruit juice for consumption. In another embodiment, an amount of the composition comprising the entire daily dose may be encapsulated and administered to an adult human patient. In another embodiment, a fractional portion of the daily dose can be encapsulated and administered in separate allotments throughout the day until the 5 entire daily dose is administered. [0061] The present invention also provides a method of alleviating symptoms of osteoporosis in humans or animals, comprising the step of administering the composition of the 10 present invention to humans or animals. In one embodiment, the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose administered to a human adult. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises 110 mg to 220 mg of calcium per daily dose administered to a human adult. 15 [0062] The present invention also provides a method of increasing bone mineral density in humans or animals, comprising the step of administering the composition of the present invention to humans or animals. In one embodiment, the 20 composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose administered to a human adult. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises 110 mg to 220 of calcium per daily dose administered to a human adult. 25 [0063] The present invention provides a composition comprising an initial composition of at least 22.75 percent calcium by weight extracted from calcium containing or synthetic calcium acetate-containing sources, wherein said initial composition is fortified with magnesium and zinc to provide a final composition 30 of at least 4 percent by weight of calcium, at least 5 percent by weight of magnesium, at least 0.2 percent by weight of zinc, and at least 400 IU of vitamin D3. [0064] The present invention provides a composition comprising 35 an initial composition of at least 22.75 percent calcium by weight extracted from calcium containing or synthetic calcium acetate-containing sources, wherein said initial composition is fortified with magnesium and zinc to provide a final composition 19 of at least 4 percent by weight of calcium, at least 5 percent by weight of magnesium, at least 0.2 percent by weight of zinc, and at least 400 IU of vitamin D3 and wherein the calcium containing sources are pearls, corals, oysters, or natural ores. 5 [0065] The present invention provides for compositions where the magnesium is in the form of acetate salt. [0066] The present invention provides for compositions where 10 the zinc is in the form of acetate salt. [0067] The present invention provides for compositions comprising a weight ratio of calcium to magnesium of 0.5:1 to 4:1. The present invention further provides for compositions 15 comprising a weight ratio of calcium to magnesium of 1:1 to 2:1. [0068] The present invention provides for compositions comprising a weight ratio of zinc to calcium ranging from 0.05:1 to 0.20:1. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention 20 further provides for compositions comprising a weight ratio of calcium to magnesium of 0.05:1 to 0.1:1. [0069] The present invention provides for compositions comprising 5-40 mg of zinc per daily dose to be administered to a 25 human adult. [0070] The present invention provides for compositions comprising 400 to 1200 IU of vitamin D3 per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 30 [0071] The present invention provides for compositions wherein the composition comprises 50 to 500 mg of calcium and 25 to 500 mg of magnesium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention also 35 provides for compositions wherein-the composition comprises 100 to 300 mg of calcium and 50 to 150 mg of magnesium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. [0072] The present invention provides for compositions wherein the composition comprises 400 to 1200 IU of vitamin D3 per 220 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 5 [0073] The present invention provides for compositions wherein said composition comprises more bioavailable calcium per unit weight than calcium carbonate. [0074] The present invention provides for a method of alleviating or preventing symptoms of osteoporosis in humans or animals, comprising the step of administering the recited compositions to said humans or animals. [0075] The present invention provides for a method of preventing or alleviating symptoms of osteoporosis in humans or animals wherein the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises between 100 to 300 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. [0076] The present invention provides for a method of increasing bone mineral density in humans or animals, comprising the step of administering the recited compositions to said humans or animals. [0077] The present invention provides for a method of increasing bone mineral density in humans or animals, wherein the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises between 100 to 300 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult - [0078] The present invention provides for the use of any of the 35 compositions recited to prevent or alleviate symptoms of osteoporosis. [0079] The present invention provides for the use of any of the compositions recited to alleviate symptoms of osteoporosis wherein the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises between 10 0 to 300 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. [0080] The present invention provides for the use of any of the compositions recited to increase bone density. [0081] The present invention provides for the use of any of the compositions recited to increase bone density, wherein the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises between 100 to 300 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. [0082] This invention provides for the use of any of the compositions recited to facilitate dietary calcium and magnesium absorption. [0083] This invention provides for the use of any of the compounds recited to facilitate dietary calcium and magnesium absorption, wherein the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium. in a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises between 100 to 300 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. [0084] The invention being generally described, will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples which are included merely for purposes of illustration of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the invention. EXAMPLE 1 Formulations of Pearl Extracts [0085] A pearl extract was prepared by adapting the patented method reported by Li and Li. Briefly, pearls are pulverized to a size between 80 to 120 mesh. The powder is soaked in a mixture of saturated sodium chloride solution with titrated amount of 5 acetic acid. Electrical current is applied to the mixture for several days. After dilution with water and magnetization, the mixture was filtered and precipitated. The precipitate, rich in calcium acetate, is dried and ready for consumption as a dietary supplement. A detailed list of elements present in the extract 10 is presented in Table 1: TABLE 1 Content of Pearl Extract Element Quantity, ppm Calcium 233,000 Magnesium 253 Zinc 3281 Potassium 1650 Manganese 1170 Sodium 680 Strontium 158 Molybdenum 55.4 Silicon 38.0 Selenium 27.9 [0086] This extract, Al, is fortified with acetate salts of magnesium to provide Ca/Mg ratios of 0.5/1 (A6), 1/1 (A4) and 2/1 (A5) . The major elemental content of the pearl extract and its fortified mixtures are listed on Table 2: 20 TABLE 2 The Content of Each Element in Each Formula (ns3) The content of three elements in each formula Formula Ca (%) Mg No. _ . . . Labeled „ . . , Labeled „ . , Labeled Determined ^ . Determined ,_ .„ Determined , ^, content content content . Al 23.30±1.26 23.4 0.0253±0.0013 0.0012*** 0.328+0.03 0.330 A4 7.65±0.62 7.51 7.56±0.32 7.50 0.372+0.029 0.375 A5 11.5±0.34 11.3 5.41±0.04 5.64 0.556±0.044 0.565 A6 4.58±0.09 4.50 8.29+0.15 8.99 0.256±0.012 0.225 Data are expressed as mean±S.D. *ln-house Data. ***p [0087] Besides Pearl, the method described in this example can also be used to extract multiple acetate salts of calcium, magnesium and zinc from natural sources such as corals, oysters, mineral mines, etc. The composition of formulas Al, A4 through A6 could also be achieved by mixing appropriate amounts of acetates salts of calcium, magnesium and zinc. EXAMPLE 2 Solubility of Calcium In Artificial Gastric and Intestinal Juice [0088] The objective of this study was to measure and compare the solubility of acetate formulas and Caltrate™ in artificial 20 gastric and artificial intestinal juice (United States Pharmacopoeia). [0089] Artificial gastric fluid was prepared by dissolving 2.0 g of sodium chloride in 1.0 L of de-ionized water containing 7.0 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Artificial intestinal fluid was prepared by dissolving 6.8 g of monobasic potassium phosphate {KH2HPO4) in 1.0 L of de-ionized water containing 77 mL of 0.2 N sodium hydroxide. [0090] Excess amount of each formula was added to a predetermined volume of artificial gastric or intestinal juice. The mixture was stirred at 37 °C for an hour. An aliquot of the saturated solution was sampled and diluted before measurement. [0091] The solubility of calcium in the four formulas in an artificial gastric (pH = 1) and intestinal fluid (pH =7) was tested using a method developed for ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer) (PerkinElmer Optima 4300DV). Two commercial samples, Caltrate"w and calcium acetate, were also tested in parallel for comparison. The results are shown in Table 3. [0092] Compared to Caltrate™, the solubility of calcium acetate is approximately 45 times higher in the artificial gastric juice and 26,000 times higher in the artificial intestinal juice. The solubility of the pearl extract, Al, comprising mostly calcium acetate, is similar to that of calcium acetate in the artificial gastric juice and intestinal juice (p>0.05). The solubility of calcium acetate is pH dependent; it is lower in the artificial intestinal fluid when compared to the artificial gastric juice. Magnesium has a tendency to lower the solubility of calcium. When the ratio of Ca/Mg decreases, the solubility of the extract decreases, A5 > A4 > A6. Nevertheless, A6, the least soluble pearl extract formula, is -12 times more soluble in artificial gastric juice and 8,500 times more soluble in artificial intestinal juice than that of Caltrate™. Therefore, unlike Caltrate™, solubility of acetate salts should not be an issue in GIT fluids. [0093] The solubility profile of magnesium salts is very similar to that of calcium (Table 4). In general, acetate salts of magnesium are highly soluble. They are more soluble in artificial gastric juice than artificial intestinal juice. The solubility of magnesium salt in Caltrate™ is low. The solubility of magnesium in Caltrate™ is also higher in artificial gastric juice. [0094] The solubility profile of zinc salts is also similar to 35 that of magnesium and calcium, except the magnitude of difference between salt forms and environmental conditions is less drastic (Table 5). TABLE 3 Saturated Solubility of Calcium in Artificial Gastric And Intestinal Fluid (n=3) Saturated solubility of calcium Formula No, Gastric fluid (q/L) Intestinal fluid (q/D Al 72.93±4.14 64.97±6.29 A4 33.60±1.18 29.90+2.14 A5 53.97+8.34 45.50+7.24 A6 19.87±3.11 20.9012.36 Calcium Acetate 77.73±8.13 68.43+2.55 Caltrate™ 1.10+0.24 0.00246+0.00015 Data are expressed as Mean+S.D. TABLE 4 Saturated Solubility Of Magnesium In Artificial Gastric Fluid And Intestinal Fluid Saturated solubility of magnesium. Formula No. Gastric fluid TT ~ , ,., . , , /T . , Intestinal fluid (q/L) (g/L) Al 0.13±0.006 0.13+0.04 A2 O.lllO.Ol 0.1010.03 A3 0.12±0.04 0.09±0.01 A4 40.7812.46 26.57+1.81*** A5 24.9712.95 19.03+2.73*** A6 49.30+2.61 38,67+4.33*** Calcium Acetate 0.50+0.07 0.42+0.10 Caltrate™ 0.17+0.17 0.09+0.02 Data are expressed as raeantS.D. (rv=3) . ***:P Table 5 Saturated Solubility Of zinc In Artificial Gastric Fluid And Intestinal Fluid Saturated solubility of zinc . Gastric fluid , ,, . Intestinal fluid (g/L) . Formula No. (g/L; Al 1.04±0.16 0.76±0.07* A2 3.72±0.68 2.14±0.14* A3 3.25±0.19 2.31±0.08** K4 2.22±0.17 1.19±0.11*** A5 2.64±0.38 1.64±0.07* A6 1.54±0.13 , 1.07±0.11** Calcium Acetate 0.60±0.17 0.53±0.14 Caltrate™ 0.33±0.10 0.23±0.08 Data are expressed as raeantS.D. (n-3). 2.0 *:P gastric fluid. EXAMPLE 3 Effects Of pH On The Solubility Of Calcium In Different Formulations [0095] The gastrointestinal tract is a complex organ. There are a number of factors which could alter the solubility of elements including calcium, magnesium and zinc; subsequently, their rate of absorption and bioavailability. Examples 3-5 highlight some of the physiological factors which have been postulated to have a significant impact on the solubility of elements. in terms of solubility, the response of four test formulas (Al, A4, A5 and A6), Caltrate™ and calcium acetate to pH, anions and cations that are present in abundance in GIT fluids was evaluated. [0096] In this example, the effects of pH (ranging from 1 to 9) on the solubility of three elements of four pearl formulas (Al, A4, A5 and A6), a commercial product (CaltrateTM) and a synthetic compound (Calcium Acetate, Ca. ACE) were investigated. Solution pH was adjusted using appropriate amounts of acetic acid (AcOH), nitric acid (HNO3) or ammonium hydroxide (NH40H). Saturated solutions were prepared by dissolving each preparation in a solution with a final pH value ranging from 1 to 9. The resultant mixture was incubated in a water bath at 37°C for one hour. Each sample was then filtered (with or without centrifugation) immediately, and the filtrate was diluted to an appropriate concentration for elemental analysis. The concentration of calcium, magnesium, and zinc was measured using ICP-OES. The results are shown in Tables 6-8. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and P value was set at 0.05. [0097] Throughout the pH range tested, both Al and calcium acetate showed significantly higher calcium content in solution than the other preparations. Caltrate™ had the lowest calcium 35 content [0098] Magnesium has a negative effect on the content of calcium in solution; the rank order in terms of solubility is A5>A4>A6. Except for Caltrate™, calcium acetate and Al, which are more soluble at pH 1, pH has no effect on the solubility of magnesium in solution (Table 7). [0099] Similarly, the amount of zinc in solution correlated well with the zinc content in different formulations (A5>A4>A1>A6) {Table 8) . For all four acetate formulas tested, pH values higher than 5 were associated with higher solubility than that at pH 2 and 3. [00100] pH may become an issue for calcium absorption when Caltrate™ is administered because intestinal pH values are higher than 6. Under this condition, the solubility of calcium carbonate in Caltrate™ is really low. These results are consistent with that reported on Table 3. TABLE 6 Calcium Solubility (g/L) In Different pH Solutions (N = 3) pH Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 1 4.60± 0.28 99.0 ±19.2 101 ±12.9 37.6 ± 2.5 46.7 ± 2.1 23.3 ± 3, 2 2 4.04 ± 0.23 61.3 ±0.97 64.6± 5.1 29.4 ±2.1 43.5 + 5.3 22.6 ± 0.54 3 0.507 ±0.10 75.7 ±4.8 71.4 ±22.2 38.0 ± 4.7 48.6 ±0.98 19.5 ±2.5 4 0.237 ±0.03 85.4 ± 5.7 75.3 ±3.4 38.5 ± 2.9 48.3 ± 0.82 20.8+ 0.98 5 0.240 ±0.06 75.6 ± 5.5 65.4 ±11.8 39. 3 ± 4.4 47.4 ± 8.6 24.7± 2.5 6 0.317*0.10 76.0 ±5.9 83.8 ±12.7 41.2 ±1.3 52.3 ± 5.0 19.3 ±2.7 7 0.133 + 0.05 80.0 ±3.5 84.2±16.8 34.6 13.3 49.518.1 20.6 + 3.8 8 0.160 ±0.03 71.2 ±1.6 78.3 ±13.0 30.0 ±3.8 55.3 ± 7.9 19.8 ±2.0 9 0.227 ±0.13 74.5± 6.8 84.8 ± 9.2 35.8 ± 3.5 50.2 ± 1.5 19.6 ±4.2 TABLE 7 Magnesium Solubility (g/L) in Different pH Solutions (n = 3) pH Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 1 0.197 ±0.015 0.52710.121 0.173 ±0.015 34.697+4.836 23.927 ±1.747 41.797+5.622 2 0.100 ±0.000 0.360 ±0.010 0.133 ±0,006 29.117 ±2.204 20.020 + 2.174 39.957 + 1.050 3 0.133 + 0.006 0.413 ±0.035 0.143 ±0.021 32.640 + 41.65 21.880 + 0.843 34.100 + 5.169 4 0.123 ±0.012 0.490 ±0.010 0.173 ±0.015 33.560 ±2.606 21.733 ±0.248 34.153 ±1.560 5 0.107 ±0.012 0.500 ± 0.040 0.137 ±0.012 34.510+2.817 24.367 ±3.916 45.353 + 7.294 6 0.110±0.010 0.473 ± 0.076 0.177 ±0.040 35.747 ±1.738 24.997 ±0.817 34.477 ± 4.730 7 0.093 ± 0.006 0.460 ± 0.035 0.153 ±0.015 30.197 ±2.816 21.677 ±3.127 36.983 ± 7.234 8 0.097 ± 0.006 0.433 ±0.040 0.157 ±0.015 31.023 + 6.548 24.953 ±3.410 34.480 ±4.046 9 0.097 ±0.006 0.433 ± 0.045 0.160 ±0.010 33.473 + 7.169 23.607 ±1.055 34.410 ±6.836 TABLE 8 Zinc Solubility (q/L) in Different pH Solutions (n = 3) pH Caltrate™ Ca ACE A1 A4 A5 A6 1 0.007 ± 0.006 0.030 + 0.010 1.2B3± 0.220 1.980 ±0.256 2.63710.143 1.44010.140 2 0.003 ± 0.006 0.013 ±0.006 0.793 ± 0,093 1.457 ±0.032 2.220 ± 0.204 1.14310.025 3 0.000 + 0,000 0.017+0.006 0.843 + 0.315 1.593 ±0.216 2.103 ±0.134 0.81710.064 4 0.000 ± 0,000 0.017 ±0.006 1.137 ±0.092 1.857 ±0.078 2.383 ±0.071 0.933 ± 0.032 5 0.003 ± 0.006 0.017 ±0.006 0.993 ±0.195 1.930 ±0.164 2.790 ±0.305 1.250 ±0.193 6 0.000 ± 0.000 0.020 ± 0.000 1.227 ±0.133 2.063 ± 0.059 2.837 ±0.135 0.870 ± 0.096 7 0.007 ±0.012 0.023 ±0.006 1.237 ± 0.223 1.770 ±0.132 2.493 ± 0.372 0.990 ±0.157 8 0.003 ± 0.006 0.027 ±0.012 1.180 ±0.180 1.787 ±0.306 2.903 ±0.300 0.940 ± 0.082 9 0.007 ± 0.006 0.027 ± 0.006 1.260 ± 0.087 1.970 ± 0.364 2.753 ±0.133 0.917 ±0.152 EXAMPLE 4 Effects of Anions On The Solubility Of Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc In The Test Preparations [00101] In this example, the effects of bicarbonate and phosphate (HCO3" and PO43") on the solubility of calcium, magnesium, and zinc were studied at pH 7. Furthermore, the effects of chloride on the absorption of these three elements at pH 1 and pH 7 were also studied. The procedures described in Example 3 for pH adjustment and solubility measurements were used. ICP-OES was used to quantify calcium, magnesium and zinc. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and the level of significance was set at p A. Chloride Effects at pH 1 [00102] Tables 9-11 are the results of chloride effects at pH 1. This condition mimics that of the acidic environment in the 5 stomach. Chloride has the most intense effect on the solubility of calcium, magnesium and zinc in Caltrate™ at pH 1 (Tables 9-11). At a CI" concentration of 200 mM, the solubility of calcium was the highest. The maximum magnesium and zinc solubility was reached at CI" concentrations of 50 mM and 120 mM, respectively. 10 The fluctuations of calcium, magnesium and zinc solubility are minimal in all the acetate formulations: calcium acetate, Al, A4, A5 and A6. Significant differences are often obtained at the highest CI" concentration (p TABLE 9 The Effect of cI~ Concentration On The Solubility Of Calcium (g/L) In Different Formulations At pH 1 CI' Cone. Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 0 mM 4-597 ±0.276 98.950 ±19.224 101.353 ±12.947 37.637 ±2.509 48.670 ±2.102 23.337 ±3.162 50mM 6.160 ±0.497 80.857 ±10.277 73.950+0.987 29.950 + 6.933 42.413 + 12.931 22.290 ±4.543 100 mM 7.333 ±1.572 71.060 ±1.660 85.627 ±14.191 30.023 ± 4.042 43.353 + 2.264 24.690+0,746 120 mM 8.157 ±1.210 76.453 ±6.196 83.967 ±0.479 36.883 ±1.966 50.283 ± 2.977 24.850 ±1.077 150 mM 5.833 + 1.416 73.353 ±1.037 87,340 ±3.166 39.657+4,659 44.443 ± 5.495 24.647+0.775 130 mM 9.073+0.325 30.977 ±12.440 38.593*5.579 41.710+2,836 50.343 + 1.392 26.067 ±1.391 200 mM 12.123 ±1.178 77.257 ±12.364 97.840 ±12.364 42.313 ±6.119 63.027 ±3,406 29.387 ±4.062 TABLE 10 The Effect of CI" Concentration On The Solubility Of Magnesium _(g/L) In Different Formulations At pH 1 CI' Cone. Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 OmM 0.197 ±0.015 0.527 ±0.121 0.173 ±0.015 34.697 ± 4.836 23.927 ± 1.747 41.797 + 5.622 50 mM 0,357 ±0.471 0.440 ± 0.075 0.133 ±0.006 31.420 ±6.649 20.547 ±6.525 45.827 ±6.006 100 mM 0,113 ±0.012 0.380 + 0.020 0.157 ±0.012 35.853 ±4.215 22.697 ± 1.231 46.900+4.117 120 mM 0.243 ±0.163 0.420 ±0.036 0.140 ±0.017 33,363 ± 2.542 23.333 ±3.312 48.827 ±4.095 150 mM 0.220 ±0.132 0.403 ±0.012 0.163 ±0.015 36.037 ±4.510 21.967 ±1.260 45.653 ± 2.449 180 mM 0.227 ±0.134 0.420 ± 0.040 0.160 ±0.020 38.117 ±3.356 24.210 ±0.698 46.070 ±3.290 200 mM 0.207 ± 0.074 0.427 ± 0.080 0.163 ±0.006 43.203 ± 4.646 29.410 ±0.115 81.437 ±4.319 The Effect of Cl~ Concentration On The Solubility Of Zinc (g/I.) In Different Formulations At pH 1 CI" Cone. Cattrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 OmM 0.007+0.006 0.030 + 0.010 1.283 ±0.220 1.980 ±0.256 2.637 + 0.143 1.440 ±0.140 50 mM 0.030 +0.000 0.027 + 0.006 0.917 ±0.156 1.500 ±0.216 2.073 ±0.598 1.237 + 0.110 100 mM 0.130 ±0.026 0.067 ± 0.025 1.120 ±0.010 1.683 ± 0.100 2.353 ±0.057 1.293 ±0.025 120 rnM 0.217 + 0.047 0.103 + 0.031 1.113±0.112 1.687 ±0.196 2.487 ±0.273 1.363 ±0.095 150 mM 0.277+0.091 0.073+0.015 1.360 ±0.144 1.803 ±0.121 2.320 ±0.106 1.280 ± 0.046 180 mM 0.180 ±0.060 0.117 ±0.031 1.193 ±0.211 1.927 ±0.015 2.590 ±0.061 1.313 ±0.032 200 tnM 0.190 ± 0.056 0.123+0.040 1.413 ±0.187 2.230 ±0.265 3.173 ±0.248 2.033 ±0.112 B. Chloride Effects at pH 7 [00103] At pH 7, the solubility of calcium in Caltrate™ is dramatically lower than that at pH 1 in the presence of chloride (Compare values in Tables 9 and 12). As chloride concentration increased, the solubility of calcium in Caltrate™ increased. The pH and chloride effects are not pronounced for the acetate formulations. In general, maximum calcium solubility is reached at chloride concentrations between 50 to 100 mM. [00104] In the presence of chloride, pH has less cf an effect on magnesium solubility (compare values between Tables 10 and 13). In general, the solubility of magnesium at pH 7 is slightly lower for all formulas and the chloride effect is not pronounced. [00105] In the presence of chloride, the solubility of zinc in Caltrate™ at pH 7 is less than half of that at pH 1 (compare values between 11 and 14} . However, this difference is not pronounced in the acetate formulas. There is a tendency for zinc solubility to increase with the increase of chloride concentration. Maximum zinc solubility is reached at 120 mM chloride when Caltrate™ was evaluated. For the acetate formulas, maximum zinc solubility occurred when chloride concentration reached 200 mM. TABLE 12 The Effect of Cl~ Concentration On The Solubility Of Calcium in Different Formulations At pH 7 cr Cone. Caltrate™ [q/L] Ca ACE iq/L] A1 [q/L] A4 fq/L| A5 [q/L] A6 [q/L] OmM 0.133 ±0.051 80.017 ±3.505 84.170 ±16.834 34.640 ±3.268 49.497 + 8.097 20.627 ±3.821 50 mM 0.340 + 0.082 99.373 ±6.182 80.703 + 13.103 47.473+2.381 61.537 + 6.436 31.490+2.399 100 mM 0.557 ±0.040 87.263 ±13.934 77.660 ±19.779 47.867 ±7.511 66.743 ±13.191 29.053 ±6.684 120 rnM 0.370 + 0.165 71.440 + 5.851 61.437 + 8.616 35.400+0.864 45.060 + 6.166 22.353+2.351 150 mM 0.567 ± 0.075 70.923 ± 3.240 73.773 + 12.437 33.017+2.455 42.980 ±2.603 20.313 ±2.005 180 mM 0.560 ±0.165 77.823 ±12.314 59.720 ± 7.467 34.003 ± 0.846 42.890 ±5.516 17.490 ±0.916 200 mM 0.600 ±0.132 73.930 ±7.785 84.707 ±15.685 33.223 ±2.093 46.403 t 4.643 18.627 ± 2.238 TABLE 13 The Effect of Cl~ Concentration On The Solubility Of Magnesium In Different Formulations At pH 7 CI" Cone. CaitraiQ™ fq/L| Ca ACE |g/L] A1 fq/H A4 fq/LI A5 [q/L] AS [q/Ll 0 mM 0.093 ± 0.006 0.460 ± 0.035 0.153 ±0.015 30.197 ±2.818 21.677 ±3.127 36.983 ± 7.234 50 mM 0.280 ±0.202 0.503 ±0.031 0.140+0.020 43.190 ±2.792 29.203 ±1.107 56.003 + 3.989 100 mM 0.280 ±0.149 0.480 + 0.017 0.143+0.006 45.253 + 6.350 30.917 + 6.111 52.953 114.721 120 mM 0.110 ±0.026 0.390 ± 0.030 0.147+0.012 31.983 + 3.302 19.333 + 2.217 42.463 + 1.448 150 mM 0.227 + 0.096 1.750 + 2.382 0.167 ±0.015 29.087 ±0.957 19.383 + 1.482 42.643 + 0.446 180mM 0.253 ±0.129 0.430 ±0.046 0.167 ±0.006 32.633+2.372 19.733 ±2.149 36.160 ±10.009 200 mM 0.283 ± 0.107 0.427 ±0.065 0.203 + 0.025 32.923 ± 0.802 23.067 ±2.175 47.133 ±1.598 TABLE 14 The Effect of Cl~ Concentration On The Solubility Of Zinc In Different Formulations At pH 7 CI" Cone. Caltrate™ [q/L] Ca ACE fq/L] A1 fq/L] A4 [q/L] AS |q/L] A6 [q/L] OmM 0.007 ±0.012 0.023 ±0.006 1.237 ±0.223 1.770 ±0.132 2.493 ±0.372 0.990 ±0.157 50 mM 0.113 ±0.006 0.180 ±0.089 0.997 ±0.195 2.057 ±0.189 3.177 ±0.269 1.457 ± 0.244 100 mM 0.140 ±0.026 0.2(3+0)02 0.903+0.280 2,413 ±0.144 3.063 ±0.287 1.540 ±0.380 120mM 0.050 ±0.017 0.167 ±0.EO2 0.760 ±0.118 1.573 ±0.146 1.997 ±0,254 1.110 ±0.036 150 mM 0.087 ±0.025 0.177 ±0.085 0.987 ±0.110 2.030 ±0.615 2.010 ±0.165 1.177+0.072 ISOmM 0.093 + 0.015 0.143+0.071 0.780 + 0.151 1.637 + 0.127 2.090 ±0.167 1.077 ±0.163 200 mM 0.093 ±0.012 0.160 ±0.079 1.117±0.202 1.663 ±0.078 1.643 ±1.217 1.303 ±0.060 C. Bicarbonate Effects at pH 7. [00106] The solubility of calcium in Caltrate™ increased with the increase of bicarbonate concentration (Table 15) . However, the opposite is true for calcium acetate. The solubility was reduced at least 40%. The reduction for all the pearl extract formulas was less, approximately 20 to 25%. [00107] The solubility of magnesium in Caltrate™ increased with bicarbonate concentration (Table 16) . Bicarbonate effect was minimal for the acetate formulas. [00108] The solubility of 2inc in Caltrate™ increased in the presence of bicarbonate (Table 17). Maximum zinc solubility was reached at 70 mM. For calcium acetate, the trend is similar to that of Caltrate™. Bicarbonate has very little effect on the pearl extract formulas. TABLE 15 The Effect of HCQ3~ Concentration On The Solubility Of Calcium in Different Formulations At pH 7 HCOj" Caltrate'™ Cone. !q/U Ca ACE [q/L] A1 fg/L] A4 [q/LJ A5 [q/L] A6Jfl/LJ 0 mM 0.133 ±0.051 80.017 + 3.505 84.170 ±16.834 34.640+3.268 49.497 ± 8.097 20.627 ±3.821 50 mM 0.21710.214 50.243 ±3.312 72.030 ±7.103 36.007 ±3.307 42.577 ±0.775 21.737 ± 1.255 70 mM 0.313 ±0.093 62.090 + 5.524 70.933 + 4.812 33.420 + 5.263 42.130 + 4.734 22.343 ± 0.847 100 mM 0.360 ± 0.075 56.367 ±9.062 83.640 ± 10.870 34.997 16.049 46.167 + 4.546 25.260 ± 10.191 120 mM 0.440 ±0.167 46.023 ± 2.463 67.010±3.767 31.060 + 2.23 46.973 ±2.919 20.617 ±1.664 1S0mM 0.433 ±0.120 70.637 ±3.622 65.617 ±1.475 30.410 ±2.888 41.567 ± 4.620 19.163 + 1.568 180 mM 0.930 ±1.290 46.847 ±2.741 65.270 ±1.781 28.680 ± 1-362 38.073 + 3.465 18.870 ±1.679 TABLE 16 The Effect of HCO3~ Concentration On The Solubility Of Magnesium In Different Formulations At pH 7 HCOs' Cone. Caltrate™ [q/l_l Ca ACE [q/Ll A1 [g/Ll A4[q/Ll A5 [q/L] A6 [g/Ll OmM 0.093 ±0.006 0.460 ±0.035 0.153*0.015 30.197+2.818 21.677 ±3.127 36.983 + 7.234 50 mM 0.090 ± 0.035 0.297 ±0.055 0.190 ±0.056 34.600 ± 4 638 20.427 ±1.272 48.140 ±1.653 70 mM 0.093 ±0.012 0-347 ± 0.031 0.160 ±0.000 32.057 ± 4.407 22.000 ±0.141 42.767 ± 0.460 100 mM 0.223 ±0.111 0.343 ±0.101 0.167 ±0.065 41.580 ±12.984 26.393 ± 4.720 43.883 ± 1.288 120 mM 0.220 ± 0.059 0.303 ±0.015 0.463 ±0.551 30-960 + 2.164 22.877 ±1.082 46.990+5.278 150mM 0.227 + 0.072 0.410 ±0.061 0.150 ±0.017 28.950+2.262 18.850 ±2.169 42.877+7.608 180 mM 0.240 i 0.09S 0.293 ±0.049 0.163+0.015 30.787 ±1.021 19.607 + 1.529 36.957 + 0.839 TABLE 17 The Effect of HCQ3~ Concentration On The Solubility Of zinc In Different Formulations At pH 7 HCOs" Cone. Caltrate™ [g/L] Ca ACE [g/Ll A1[fl/L] A4 |q/L) A5 [9/L] A6 fg/L] 0 mM 0.007 10.012 0.023 ±0.006 1.237 + 0.223 1.770+0.132 2.493 ± 0.372 0.990 ±0.157 50 mM 0.057 ±0.015 0.050+0.010 0.953 ±0,101 1.663 ± 0.205 2010 + 0.142 1.260 ±0.017 70 mM 0.070 10.020 0.100 ±0.061 0.990 ±0.082 1.560 ± 0.236 2.237 ± 0.099 1.147 ±0.081 100 mM 0.070 ±0.017 0.157 ±0.055 1.190 ±0.101 2.067 ± 0.654 2.660 ± 0.442 1.193+0.023 120 mM 0.093 ± 0.025 0.210+0.096 0.907 ± 0.042 1.S13+0.127 2.290 + 0.115 1.317+0.182 150mM 0.087 ±0.021 0.137 ±0.083 0.863 ± 0.081 1-427 ±0.059 1.887 ±0.144 1.237 ±0.235 180 mM 0.070 ±0.017 0.160 ±0.078 0.933 + 0.072 1.517+0.119 1.997 + 0.157 1.023 + 0.042 D. Effects of Phosphates at pH 7 [00109] Phosphates have insignificant effects on the solubility of calcium in Caltrate™ (Table 18). As phosphate concentrations increased the solubility of calcium decreased in all acetate formulations. Maximum reduction (up to 40%) was observed in formulas containing higher percentage of magnesium (A4, A5 and A6) . Considering the range of phosphate concentration tested, 10,000-fold, the change of calcium solubility is not significant. [00110] Magnesium solubility decreased as phosphate concentration increased (Table 19). The reduction (80%) is most significant for the magnesium in Caltrate™. For the other formulas, the maximum reduction was approximately 50%. Again, the effect of phosphates was not that significant considering the range of concentration tested. [00111] Among the three elements, phosphates have the most intense effect on the solubility of zinc (Table 20). All formulas were affected to the same extent and the maximum reduction was approximately 70%. Considering the range of phosphate concentration tested, again, the effects of phosphates were net that significant. TABLE 18 The Effect of PO43- Concentration On The Solubility Of Calcium In Different Formulations At pH 7 P04"" Cone. Cattrate™ [q/L] Ca ACE \g/L) A1 |q/Ll A4 fq/LI AS [q/L] A6 [q/Ll 0.01 mW 0.587 ± 0.200 77.517 ±6.084 84.270+9.511 34.950 ± 6.725 47.823 ±3.080 22.287 ± 2.539 1 mM 0.510 = 0.252 68.220 ± 19.638 56.450+9.879 39.923 + 10.060 42.363 ±3.572 23.530+0.159 10 mM 0.430 = 0.046 78.417 ±7.046 64.697 ±9.058 25.703 + 7.033 41.287+3.584 21.687 + 1.156 100 mM 0.453 ±0.158 64.770 ±1.S4B 56.607+9.415 25.090 + 3.181 34.650 ±6.972 15.437 + 2.428 TABLE 19 The Effect of PO43" Concentration On The Solubility Of Magnesium In Different Formulations At pH 7 Cone. Caltrate™ fq/l] Ca ACE [tj/Ll A1 [q/L] A4 [g/L] A5 fq/L! A6 |q/L] 0.01 mM 0.2S0 ±0.070 0.493 + 0.025 0.2O3 ± 0.006 38.017 ±2.532 24.733 ±0.886 52.000 ± 5647 1 mM 0.317 ±0.087 0.450 ±0.095 0.217 ±0.031 35.647 ±10.790 18.583 ±1.676 48.967 + 1.486 10 mM 0.240 ± 0.050 0.477 ± 0.035 0.17310.012 20.837 ± 5.545 18.163 ±1.368 37.140 ±2.661 •100mM 0.073 ± 0.006 0.350 ±0.017 0.127 ±0.012 21.490 ±1.830 16.720 ±4.514 31.163 ±4.838 TABLE 20 The Effect of PO43" Concentration On The Solubility Of Zinc In Different Formulations At pH 7 POa"" Cone. Caltrate™ fq/L] CaACEfq/L) A1 [g/U A4 [g/L| A5 [q/L] A6 |q/L] 0.01 mM 0.117+0.042 0.190 ±0.070 1.193 + 0.097 1.950 ± 0.040 2.750 ±0.135 1.470 ±0.154 1 mM 0.100 ±0.044 0.197 ±0.110 0.780 ±0.151 1.800 ± 0.394 1.993 ± 0.093 1.380 ± 0.079 10 mM 0.070+0.010 0.180 ±0.089 0.767 ±0.137 0.937 ±0.253 1.740+0.173 1.023 ±0.060 100 mW 0.033 ±0.015 0.053 ± 0.023 0.527 + 0.119 0.623+0.087 1.013 ±0.345 0.510+0.131 EXAMPLE 5 Effects of Cations On The Solubility Of Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc In The Test Preparations A. Effects of Na+ at pH 1 [00112] The effects of Na* concentration on the solubility of the three elements in the four formulations (Al, A4, A5, and A6), Caltrate and CaACE were investigated at gastric pH (pH=l) and intestinal pH (pH=7), respectively. Tables 21 and 22 show the results tested at pH 1. No significant effects of Na+ concentration on calcium and magnesium solubility of all formulations were observed. Solubility of zinc in Caltrate™ and calcium acetate, which contained trace amounts of Zn, increased significantly with an increase in sodium concentrations; however, no significant differences were obtained for all the acetate formulations (Table 23). Effect Of Concentration Of Na+ On The Solubility Of Calcium Of Each Formula At pH 1 Na+ Solubility of calcium (g/L) Conc.(mM) Caftrate™ CaACE At A4 A5 A6 0 4.597 ±0.276 98.950 ±19.224 101.353 ±12.947 37.637 ±2.509 48.670 ±2.102 23.337+3.162 5 5.447 ±2.061 84.800 ± 13.912 72.233 + 1,501 36.467 ±5.173 46.100 ±0-721 22.000 ±1.323 10 4.340+0.035 66.967 ±17.377 80.000 + 1.852 40.033 + 4.623 49.833 ± 2.503 27.900+3.736 50 4.640 10.707 90.167 + 9.343 83.467 + 3.313 36.633 ±1.877 49.033+4.452 25.467*0.231 80 5.530 ± 0.946 87.167+3.630 83.067 + 6.813 37.033 + 1.069 55.733 ±5.372 30.600 + 1.709 100 5.360 ± 0.742 79.233 ±15.964 84.900 ±11.609 39.100 ±5.696 48.733 ±3.968 25.067 +0.153 Table 22 Effect Of Concentration Of Na+ On The Solubility Of Magnesium Of Each Formula At pH 1 Na+ iM) Solubility of magnesium (g/L) Conc,(m Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 0 0.197 ±0.015 0.527 ±0.121 0.173 ±0.015 34.697 ±4.836 23.927 + 1.747 41.797 + 5.622 5 0.223 ± 0.006 0.700 ±0.183 0.283+0.040 36.400+4.954 24.467 ±1.361 39.933 + 1.343 10 1.037 ±1.109 0.483+0.115 0.317 ±0.050 38.967 ±5.745 23.900+1.800 49.100 + 3,305 50 0.807 ± 0.889 0.620 ±0.115 0.237 ±0.031 35.733 ±1.909 22.667 ± 2.055 45.500 ±2.211 80 1.087 ± 1.264 0.580 + 0.061 0.960 + 1.031 35.033 + 3.625 27.767 + 3.700 50.900 ± 7.375 100 0.577 ± 0.525 0.497+0.025 0.223 ± 0.032 36.000 ±5.629 21.267 ±2.120 46.233 ±1.401 TABLE 23 A Effect Of Concentration Of Na+ On The Solubility Of Zinc Of Each Formula At pH 1 Na+ Solubility of zinc (g"-) Conc.(mM) Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 0 0.007 ± 0.006 O.O30 ±0.010 1.283 ±0.220 1.980 ± 0.256 2.637 ±0.143 1.440 ±0.140 5 0.087 i 0.006 0.123 ±0.006 0.660 ± 0.128 1.393 ±0.316 2.180 ±0.413 1.183±0.121 10 0.173 ±0.015 0.317 ±0.106 0.833 ± 0.080 1.767 ±0.280 2.0B0± 0,160 1.760 ±0.617 50 0.240 ±0.053 0.400 ±0.139 1,023 ± 0.075 1.727 + 0.060 2.250 ±0.114 1.410 ±0.125 80 0.210 ±0.026 0.397 ±0.163 0.907 ±0,211 1.730 ±0.479 2.613 ±0.270 1.747 ±0.015 100 0.223 ±0.031 0.363 ±0.095 0.947 + 0.188 1.490 + 0.105 2.207 ± 0.506 1.493+0.630 B. Effects of Na+ at pH 7 [00113] Tables 24-26 show the effects of sodium ion at pH 7. Na+ has no significant effects on calcium, magnesium and zinc solubility in general. It is interesting to note that all three elements in Caltrate™ could be not detected in the presence of Na+ at pH 7. TABLE 24 Effect Of Concentration Of Na+ On The Solubility Of Calcium Of Each Formula At pH 7 Na+ Solubility of calcium (g/L) Conc.(mM) Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 AS A6 0 0.133+0.051 98.950 ±19.224 101.353 ±12.947 37.637 ± 2.509 48.670+2.102 23.337 ±3.162 10 ... 83.300 ±26.469 67.433 ±4.460 37.433 ± 4.822 43.800 ± 4.703 39.367 ±16.110 50 ... 69.000 ±1.015 99.333 ± 21.548 35.533 ±0.814 48.367 ±4.359 23.833+2219 100 ~ 71.467 ±10.891 71.433 ±1.193 36.867 ±3.139 46.267 ±1.380 24.567+4.104 . 140 — 83.067 + 6.596 68.900 + 7.400 32.300 + 1.153 47.200 ±6.023 25.633 ±3.754 170 - 72.333 ±15.467 71.433 ±0.551 37.5671 10.473 43.133 ±4.876 25.867 ±3.175 TABLE 25 A Effect Of Concentration Of Na+ On The Solubility Of Magnesium Of Each Formula At pH 7 Na+ Conc.(mM) Solubility of magngsium (g/L) Caltrale™ CaACE A1 A4 AS A6 0 0.093 + 0.006 0.527 ±0.121 0.173 + 0.015 34.697 ±4.636 23.927+1.747 41.797 ±5.622 10 - 0.740 + 0.165 0.110+0.010 35.300 ± 3.579 19.500 ±1.769 75.167+34.360 50 ... 0.427 + 0.081 0.193 ±0.015 35.933 ±5.139 23.000 ± 4.327 52.167 ± 4.852 100 — 0.510 ± 0.066 0.157 ±0.006 33.267 ± 3.689 20.667 ± 0.493 45.667+3.329 140 ... 0.497 ± 0.099 0.157 ±0.021 28.867 + 2.255 20.567 ±2.610 51.000* 6.963 170 ... 0.530 ± 0.036 0.167 ±0.021 45.633 ±11.097 21.600 ±2.476 53.500 ± 3.650 TABLE 26 A Effect Of Concentration Of Na"+" On The Solubility Of Zinc Of Each Formula At pH 7 solubility of Zinc (g/L) Na+ Conc.(mlVl) Caltrate™ CaACE Al A4 A5 A6 0 0.007 ±0.012 0.030 ±0.010 1.283 ±0.220 1.980 ±0.256 2.637 ±0.143 1.440 ±0.140 10 - 0.213 ±0.102 0.600 ± 0.040 1.453+ 0.1B5 1.543 ±0.215 2.337 ± 1.351 50 . 0.280 4 0.118 0.963+0.280 1.700 ±0.779 2.317+0.798 1.687 ± 0.466 100 ... 0.293 ±0.129 0.707+0.107 1.243 + 0.211 1.790 ±0.087 1.667+0.275 140 ... 0.320 ± 0.165 0.690 ±0.137 1.113±0.144 1.770 ±0.056 1.643 ±0.402 170 - 0.223 ±0.102 0.730 + 0.079 2.230 + 0.397 1.933+0.838 1.577 ±0.529 C. Effects of K+ at pH 1 [00114] There is a tendency for the solubility of calcium to increase with an increase in potassium ion concentration (Table 27) . However, most of the differences are not statistically different (p 00115] Magnesium solubility profiles show a similar trend Table 28) to that of calcium. The most pronounced was that easured for Caltrate™, a three-fold increase (p [00116] Zinc solubility tended to increase with an increase in potassium concentration (Table 29). The most pronounced increase was obtained from the zinc in Caltrate™. A similar trend was observed for calcium acetate. The trend was insignificant for the pearl extract formulas (p>0.05). TABLE 27 A Effect Of Concentration Of K* On The Solubility Of Calcium Of Each Formula At pH 1 K* lM) Solubility of calcium (g/L) Conc.(rr Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 0 4.597 ± 0.276 98.950 ±19.224 101.353 ±12.947 37.637 + 2.509 48.670 ±2.102 23.337 ±3.162 2 4.300 ± 0.403 78.933 ±1.320 71.833 ±9.338 34.033 ±1.739 35.833 ±5.314 24.067 ±1.474 5 3.607 ±0.540 71.033 ±13.079 73.733 ±3.412 36.967 ±1.159 47.500 ±5.272 23.500 ±1.778 10 6.497 ±3.381 158.333 + 40.624 83.733 ±14.093 40.467 ± 7.623 66.567 ± 21.033 30.867 ±10,262 15 6.877 ±0.956 161.667 ±46.918 92.167 ±14.793 41.867 ±7.019 63.333 ± 7.651 26.667 ±0.473 20 3.567 ±0.501 100.B00 ±3.811 103.333 ± 15.822 42.633 ± 4.674 103.567164.463 29.300 ± 3.751 TABLE 28 A Effect Of Concentration Of K* On The Solubility Of Magnesium Of Each Formula At pH 1 KJ SoJublJJSy of magnesium (g/L) Conc.(mM) Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 0 0.197 ±0.015 0.527 ±0.121 0.173 ±0.015 34.697 ±4.836 23.927 ±1.747 41.797 + 5.622 2 0.223 ±0.087 0.693 ±0.233 0.203 ± 0.029 34.933 ±1.716 21.633 ± 4.300 49.700 ± 1.249 5 0.490 ±0.419 0.453 ±0.112 0.170 ±0.030 32.667 ±2.542 23.433 ± 3.408 43.000 ± 2.406 10 0.703 ± 0.846 0.820 ± 0.193 0.270 ±0.130 33.733 ± 5.552 30.067 ±8.429 55.400 ±18.137 15 0.730 ±0.912 0.687+0.215 0.327 ±0.185 41.467 ±8.617 31.067 ±4 050 54.800 + 3.897 20 0.660 + 0.764 0.650 ± 0.020 0.883 ±1.140 52.067 ± 2.859 55.733 ±34.208 54.233 ±14.632 TABLE 29 A Effect Of Concentration Of K* On The Solubility Of Zinc Of Each Formula At pH 1 K+ JM) Solubility of zinc (g/L) Conc.(rr Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 0 0.007 ± 0.006 0.030+0.010 1.283 ± 0.220 1.980+0.256 2.637 ±0.143 1.440 + 0.140 2 0.053 ±0.015 0.077 ± 0.006 0.607 ±0.108 1.377 ±0.221 1.937 ±0.591 1.360 ±0.122 5 0.173 ±0.035 0.240 ± 0.075 0.790 ±0.147 1.297 ±0.169 2.593 ±0.821 1.143 ±0.278 10 0.203 ±0.058 0.357 ±0.111 1.127±0.142 1.630 ±0.185 2.373 ±0.658 1.627 ±0,225 15 0.193 ±0.023 1.307 ±1.199 1.060 + 0.600 1.953 + 0.590 2.963+0,309 1.630 + 0.161 20 0.167 ±0.015 0.293 ± 0.093 1.100 ±0.140 2.500 + 0.236 5.450 ±3.159 2.540 ±1.424 C. K+ Effects at pH 7 [00117] There was a tendency for the solubility of calcium to increase with an increase in potassium concentration, however, the difference is not significant, p>0.05 (Table 30). No calcium could be detected in preparations using Caltrate™. [00118] Similar observations to that of calcium were obtained for the solubility of magnesium and zinc (p>0.05) in all formulas containing acetate salts (Tables 31-32). No measurable magnesium and zinc was reported for preparations using Caltrate™. TABLE 30 Effect Of Concentration Of K+ On The Solubility Of Calcium Of Each Formula At pH 7 K+ The solubility of calcium (g/L) Conc.(inM) Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 0 0.133 ±0.051 98.950 ±19.224 101.353 ±12.947 37.637 ±2.509 48.670 ±2.102 23.337+3.162 10 - 144.000 ±14,731 66.800 ± 1.539 32.100 ±0.361 64.033 + 8.892 17.100 ±0.173 50 ... 174.467 + 79.146 68.533 ± 3.259 33.933 ±2.515 64.867 ±17.244 19.033 ±3.630 100 ... 156.333 ±64.361 68.600 ± 5.356 30.500 ±3.672 82.000 ± 35.508 20.667 ±2.363 140 ... 130.033 ±32.461 60.400+25.999 56.767 ± 32.771 68.400+7.100 42.000 ±18.340 170 ... 134.567 ±55.043 126.133 ±72.997 68.433 ± 29.905 64.800 ± 26.352 30.900 ±14.912 TABLE 31 Effect Of Concentration Of K+ On The Solubility Of Magnesium Of Each Formula At pH 7 K+ The solubility of magnssiuin (g/L) Conc.(mM) Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 A5 A6 0 0.093 ±0.006 0.527+0.121 0.173 ±0.015 34.697 ± 4.836 23.927 ±1.747 41.797 ±5.622 10 ... 0.767 ±0.189 0.140 ±0.010 32.033 ± 2.B29 30.967 ±2.136 46.300 + 3.158 50 ... 1.027 ±0.587 0.347 ±0.316 33.533 ± 2.084 31.867 ±8.151 48.200 ± 1.253 100 ... 0.807 + 0.278 0.183 ±0.047 34.067 ± 3.465 39.233 + 16.350 54,000 ± 2.955 140 ... 0.817 ±0.303 0.160 ±0.035 57.833 ±34.279 32.833 ±5.541 90 467 ±42 518 170 - 0.760 ±0.310 0.230 ± 0.062 64.200 ±26.513 31.333 ±12.507 61.900+30.685 TABLE 32 A Effect Of Concentration Of K* On The Solubility Of Zinc Of Each Formula At pH 7 K* The solubility ol fzinc (g/L) Conc.(mM) Caltrate™ CaACE A1 A4 AS A6 0 0.007 ±0.012 0.030 ±0.010 1.263 ±0.220 1.980 ±0.256 2.637+0.143 1.440 + 0.140 10 — 0.293 + 0.110 0.727+0.064 1.173 + 0.163 3.243 + 0.725 1.090 + 0.070 50 — 0.627 ± 0.437 1.140 ±0.036 1.447 ±0.135 3.127 ±0.720 1.247 ±0.045 100 — 0.257 ±0.110 1.197 ±0.068 1.587 + 0.106 3.417 + 1.252 1.460±0.122 140 - 0.387 + 0.186 0.827+0.506 2.583 ±0.755 2.747 + 1.432 2.607 + 1.301 170 — 0.287+0.142 1.223 ±0.541 2.437 ±0.618 2.873 ± 0.771 1.720 + 0.624 TABLE 33 Concentration Of Ions In Human Gastric And Intestinal Fluids Ions Concentration of ion (mM) In Stomach / Gastric Fluid3 In Intestine / Intestinal Fluid* Na* 0-100(0-80) (155) K+ 0-10(0-15) (70-150) H* 1-140(20-120) (pH 7.7 -6.2) CI Phosphate ions 100-170(120-160) (30 - 90) Up to 100" HCOg (70-130) EXAMPLE 6 In Vivo Evaluation of Calcium, Magnesium And Zinc Balance [00119] The objectives of the balance studies were to evaluate the effects of dietary conditions and formulations on calcium, magnesium and zinc balance. A. Dietary Conditions [00120] Two diets, one with normal calcium and the other is calcium free, were used for the studies. The nutrient composition of the diets are listed on Table 34: TABLE 34 Composition Of Normal And Calcium Free Diet Normal Calcium Free Protein, % 24.0 19.0 Fat, % 4.5 (ether extract) 6.0 (acid hydrolysis) 10.0 Cholesterol, ppm 101 48 Fiber, % 5.3 5.4 Carbohydrates, % 21.5 (starch) 0.2 (Glucose) 0.2 (Fructose) 3.4 (Sucrose) 0.6 (Lactose) 60.6 Potassium, % 1.20 0.62 Sodium, % 0.40 0.27 Chlorine, % 0.70 0.27 Calcium, % 0.95 0.0 Magnesium, % 0.25 0,07 Zinc, % 0.011 0.0031 Iron, ppm 290 60 Manganese, ppm 110 65 Copper, ppm 17 23.9 Vitamin K, ppm 3.2 10.4 Riboflavin, ppm 12 20.0 Pyridoxine, ppm B.O 16.5 B. Materials and Methods [00121] Male Sprague-Dawley rats (about 6-7 weeks), with an initial weight between 220g to 250g, were randomly divided into different treatment groups. All the rats were housed in individual metabolic cages in a temperature-controlled room. Each rat received free access to the normal diet (Table 3 4) before the experiment began. Both normal and calcium free diets (Table 34) were used in this set of studies. De-ionized water was provided ad libitum. All the rats were weighed before treatment. C. Treatments [00122] There were two set of studies performed: a. normal diet and calcium free diet, in each study, there were seven treatment groups. Thirty five animals were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups: Caltrate™, Calcium Acetate (Ca ACE}, Al, A4, A5, A4 plus vitamin D3 and A5 plus vitamin D3 (n = 5 per group). Rats participated in the normal diet study received normal diet ad libitum throughout. Rats participated in the group of calcium free diet received the calcium free food ad libitum starting five days before and throughout treatment. In both study groups, animals received one dose a day for five days. Contents of calcium, magnesium and zinc in individual formulation and in each diet were determined using ICP-OES. Values of dosage and dietary intake were measured for the calculation of elemental balance. Average daily dietary intake of calcium, magnesium and zinc was 625, 155 and 10 mg/kg/day, respectively. Daily elemental dosages are 53.14 mg/kg for calcium, 0.38 to 55 mg/kg/day for magnesium and 0.017 to 2.5 mg/kg/day for zinc. Vitamin D3, 1.06 pg/kg/day (42.512 IU/kg/day? 1IU=0.025 ug) , was added to each dosage preparation prior to administration. The vehicle for preparing each dose was de-ionized water. The concentration of calcium in all dosage preparations was 15.9 4 mg/mL. One mL of each preparation was administered by gavage. Body weight, elemental dosage and diet consumption were recorded daily. D. Sample Collection, Handling and Analysis [00123] Animals were housed individually in a metabolic cage five days before the study. Food consumption was evaluated daily. Urine and feces were collected daily for four days and the content of calcium, magnesium and zinc was determined. On Day 5, each animal received its treatment. Each animal was anesthetized shortly before peak blood collection with a heparinized syringe via cardiac puncture. Immediately after blood collection, the animal was then sacrificed with an over dose of isoflourane. Each blood sample was centrifuged at 1900 rpm at room temperature; plasma was harvested and stored at -20 °C until analysis. Urine was collected from the metabolism cage and volume measured daily; it was diluted with de-ionized water, filtered and an aliquot was stored at -20 °C until analysis. Daily fecal output was collected and lyophilized. Each sample was weighed and digested using a mixture of three volume of nitric acid and one volume of perchloric acid. For every gram of dried feces, 10 mL of acid mixture was added. Each sample was digested for three days. The volume of the digested sample was measured and an aliquot of the digest was stored at -20 °C until analysis. The content of calcium, magnesium and zinc in plasma, feces and urine were determined using ICP-OES. [00124] Daily calcium balance was calculated using equation 1: Ca Balance = total Ca intake (dose and dietary intake) - Ca excreted in urine- Ca excreted in feces (1) While, percentage of Ca balance was determined using equation 2: % Ca balance = Ca balance / {total Ca intake) x 100% (2) Cumulated calcium balance and % cumulated net calcium balance were calculated using equations (1) and (2), except, the sum of daily intake and excretion was used for calculation. The balance for magnesium and zinc was also calculated using the concept of equations (1) and (2). Cumulated elemental balance and % cumulated net elemental balance were calculated in a similar fashion as described above. In general, urinary excretion accounted for less than 5% of fecal excretion. Therefore, fecal excretion practically determines the quantity of elemental balance. E. Statistical Analysis [00125] All results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. P F. Results: Calcium free diet [00126] Table 35 shows the body weight of rats during the study. Stools from study animals were soft and this observation could be related to low elemental intake. Insufficient elements from the diet and dosage may have also caused the lack of weight gain for this set of animals. TABLE 35 Body Weight Of Rats In Each Treatment Group With Calcium Free Diet (n=5) Treatment Body weight of rals (g) group Dayl Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day5 Caltrate™ 184.6 ±7.7 178.6 ±9.9 177.2 + 3.3 179.2 + 13.7 175.4 + 14.2 CaACE 202.4 ± 9.3 194.B+.9.3* 196.8 ±10.9 193.4 ± 11.9s 188.0 ± 12.2s A1 190.4 4 11,9 185.6 ±14.0' 187.6 + 10.9 186.6 ±11.3* 182.8 ± 15.4' A4 188.4 ± \2.9V* 184.2 ± 13.2$'4 184.0 ±12.7 182.4 ±13.5V* 183.2 ±14.0' A5 187.8 i 8.8s* 184.0 ± 6.0M* 184.2+5.6*'* 185.4 te.O5''" 182.4 ±9.2'* A4 + Vit D 207.6 ± 11.9*'*a 200.0 ±5.2** 198.6 ±4.5SV1 204.2 ±4.4**® 199.8 ± 6.4V* A5 + Vit D 204.8 ±14.4*'*a1b 195.6 ± 8.3S*% 196.4 ±7.7t4% 201.0 + 5.0M% 196.8 ±8.2** [00127] The addition of magnesium and zinc to a formula promotes the retention of calcium. Al, a composition with miniscule amounts of magnesium and zinc, has a lower calcium retention (17%, Table 36); whereas the retention of calcium is significantly higher when the ratio of Ca/Mg was increased to 2/1 (A5) , the calcium retention is 49% (Table 36) . A higher proportion of magnesium, such as that present in A4, does not produce more changes in calcium retention (49%, Table 36). From the calcium retention standpoint, it appears a 2/1 Ca/Mg ratio is optimal. [00128] The addition of vitamin D3 increases calcium retention significantly (Figure 1 and Table 36}. Calcium retention increased to 62% when vitamin D3 was added to A5 (Table 36) . TABLE 36 Cumulative Net Percentage Of Calcium In Rats Treated With Elemental Supplements While Receiving Calcium Free Diet (n=5 per group) Treatment Cumulative net percentage of calcium {%) group Dayl Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Caltrate™ 23.8 ± 15.9' 22.3 ± 16.8 -2.27 ± 40.0 0.734 ± 35.7 CaACE -30.6+51.3 -9.88 + 26.5 4.88 ±24.0 11.1 ±20.0 A1 37.5 + 18.7' 20.9 ±15.5 20.8 ±15.0 17.2 + 12. 1 A4 40.9 + 19.V 48.6 + 13.1 49.1 ± 10.2s' 49.1 +7.7*' A5 36.4 ±24. 1' 46.8 + 19.5" 48.7 ± 18.4*' 48.6 + 19.1*' A4 + Vit D 46.6 ± 22.3' 50.3 ± 10.9 47.9 ±14.8$' 50.S±11.2V A5 + VrtD 43.7 ±19.2' 52.7 ±11.8' 59.2 ± 7.6s'4 62.0 ± 5.25'" [00129] Magnesium appears to be required in order to maintain magnesium balance (Table 37). Formulas (Caltrate™, CaACE and Al) that have miniscule amounts of magnesium caused a net loss of magnesium (Figure 2 and Table 37). [00130] The addition of vitamin D3 has no significant effect on the retention of magnesium. The cumulative net percentage of magnesium did not change significantly after vitamin D3 was added to A4 and A5 (Figure 2 and Table 37). TABLE 37 Cumulative Net Percentage Of Magnesium in Rats Treated with Elemental Supplements While Receiving Calcium Free Diet (n=5 per group) Treatment group Cumulative net percentage of magnesium (%) Day 1 Day 2 Days Day 4 Caltrate™ -191.9 ±139.1 -125.6 ±51.0 -111.8 ±39.1 -116.5+37.7 CaACE -197.2 ±105.2 -150.4 ±88.9 -115.3+62.7 -93.6 ± 37.2 A1 -47.3 ± 22.4*' -67.9 ± 33.3' -55.2 ±13.4 -64.4 ± 24.6 A4 66.5±8.7r* 68.1 ±6.4*'* 65.6 + 5.9s'* 60.9 ±4.7*'* A5 23.7 146. 3*' 37.6 ±37,1s'* 41.1 ±34.2*'* 39.6 ± 33.3*'* A4 + Vit D 46.3 ± 27.5s'* 49.3 ± 18.8r* 49.3 ± 15.3s"** 48.9 ±15.5*'* A5 + Vit D 16.0 ±20.0*' 23.9 ±21.5*"* 28.9+ 17.9r* 27.2 ± 23.0$'* [00131] The retention of zinc is highly variable; it is particularly true with formulas such as Caltrate™, calcium acetate and Al that contain minute amount of zinc (Table 3§). The results also show that zinc balance became negative when the amount of zinc is low. [00132] The addition of zinc to formulas such as A4 and A5 did not significantly improve zinc balance (Table 38). The addition of magnesium to the formulas may have caused zinc balance to stay negative (Figure 3). [00133] However, the addition of vitamin D3 to A4 and A5 made zinc balance positive (Figure 3 and Table 38). The importance of vitamin D3 on zinc is clearly demonstrated in this set of study. [00134] Figure 4 shows plasma elemental profiles after each treatment. There were no significant differences observed after elemental treatments. TABLE 38 Cumulative Net Percentage Of Zinc In Rats Treated With Elemental Supplements While Receiving Calcium Free Diet (n=5 per group) ■ Treatment Cumulative not percentage of zinc group Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Caltrate™ -50, 6 ± 50.0 -38.7 ±23.8 -36.9 ±26.4 -39.5+23.7 Ca ACE -107.1 ±85.5 -77.7 ±59.0 -65.7+66.7 -50.5 ± 46.4 A1 10.1 ±8.75 •0.348 ± 22.2* 4.22 i 7.3* -2.79 ± 6.4 A4 -61,0 ±38.8* -S5.3± 29.3s -58,3 ± 24.5* -33,8 ± 23.9* AS -8.05 ± 45.3M 9.737 ± 39.5*** 9.96 ± 40.3*'" 8.76+40.1*" A4 + Vit D 27.2 ± 40.7*'* 43.7 + 18.8!'& 51.2 ±15.1*'* 54.2 ±11.2'* A5 + Vit D 22.8 ±17.9'* 35.8 + 17.8'* 42.9 ± 12.9'a 44.6 + 10.1'* G. Results: Normal diet [00135] Rats that received normal diet gained weight (Table 39). Elemental treatments have no significant effect on weight gain (p>0.05). TABLE 39 Body Weight Of Rats Receiving Normal Calcium Diet (n=5) Body weight of rats (g) Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Caltrate™ 228.Q ± 4.6 232.8 + 2.6 233.8+3,5 243.6 ± 8.9 243.8 ±5.1 CaACE 242.0 ± 7.4 237.0 ±12.5 239.2+ 13.9 238.6 ±13.9 244.0 + 12.8 At 230.0± 4.5 233.8 ±3.0 238.2 ±6.1 244.6 + 7.2 244.6 ±3.5 A4 234.8 ± 7.7 238.6 ±5.1 233.2 + 5.9 239.0 + 5.1 245.8 + 4.9 A5 239.6 ±10.3 243.0 ± 13.9 245.4 + 13.6 245.4 ±13.4 248.6 + 14.4 [00136] The pattern of calcium retention appears to be similar to that obtained from rats that received calcium free diet (compare Tables 36 and 40); suggesting calcium balance is dependent upon elemental treatments, despite the fact that the amount of calcium administered was approximately 10% of the animal's daily dietary intake (~130 to 140 mg of calcium per day). This observation strongly suggests that dietary calcium, present in the least absorbable carbonate form, was enhanced by elemental treatments. The treatment with Caltrate™ has minimal effect. It is not surprising because Caltrate™ contains only calcium carbonate. The treatment with A5 has the most pronounced effect (Figure 5 and Table 40) . TABLE 40 Cumulative Net Percentage Of Calcium In Rats Treated With Elemental Supplements while Receiving Normal Diet (n=5 per group) Treatment Cumulative nel percentage of calcium (%) group Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Caltrate™ -6.9 ± 24.6 17.3 ±7.5 21.3 ±10.0 17.5 + 10.2 CaACE 14.4±24.0 26.9 ±9.0 30.3 + 4.9 31.873 ±3.0 Al 31.4 ± 33.5s 49.2 ± 38.8s 39.2 ±27,3 31.306 ±21.9 A4 19.3 ± 1Z6 23.719.4 26.2 ±9.6 22.7 ±7.3 A5 52.1 ± 21.7s'* 49.0 ± 19.8* 48.9 + 20.4 45.3 + 22.7 [00137] Average dietary intake of magnesium by the study animals was approximately 35 mg. Magnesium balance for all study groups was positive (Figure 6 and Table 41) . This observation is consistent with the observation obtained from animals receiving calcium free diet, which contained very low quantity of magnesium (Tables 37 and 41} . The calcium free diet study showed that magnesium intake was required for positive magnesium balance (Table 37). The presence of magnesium in the elemental formulas did not significantly alter magnesium balance (Table 41). However, the day to day trend showed that animals treated with acetate formulas (CaACE, Al, A4 and A5 vs. Caltrate™) has consistently higher net percentage of magnesium. TABLE 41 Cumulative Net Percentage Of Magnesium In Rats Treated With Elemental Supplements While Receiving Normal Diet (n=5 per group) Net accumulative percentage of magnesium (%) Da/1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Caltrate™ -2.82 + 19.6% 23,3+8.1'* 27.3 + 10.0 24.6 + 6.9 CaACE 16.7±17.2% 29.9 ±3.8 34.3 + 2.5 37.7+2.7 A1 11.7 ±11.7* 44.1 +30.7 38.9+22.9 31.5 + 17.0 A4 28. 2+9.1s 34.0 ± 7.8 36.8 + 7.2 35.0 + 4.4 A5 48.9 ±25.3 48.9 ± 20.9 50.6 ±20.1 43.6 ±21.0 [00138] There were no statistical differences among elemental treatments in terms of zinc balance (Figure 7 and Table 42). The quantity of zinc administered via elemental formulas was no more than 30% of the daily dietary intake. It was noted that the addition of a high quantity of magnesium tended to lower zinc balance, a trend observed with A4 treatment (Figure 7 and Table 42) . This observation is similar to that observed in the calcium free diet study (Table 38). [00139] Contrary to the calcium free diet study (Table 38), zinc balance was positive in this study (Table 42). This was achieved without vitamin D3 (Figures 4 and 8, Tables 38 and 42) . This apparent discrepancy may be due to the quantity of total zinc intake and/or the rate at which zinc was consumed. Elemental consumption, along with other nutrients, occurred throughout the feeding period which may last up to 12 hours; whereas elemental treatments were given as a bolus. Concentration and ratio of nutrients presented to the intestinal wall may have a huge difference between bolus administration and dietary consumption. These differences could account for the difference in zinc balance. [00140] Figure 8 shows plasma concentration of calcium, magnesium and zinc after individual elemental treatments. There were no statistical differences in the concentration of these elements in plasma after elemental treatments (P>0.05). TABLE 42 Cumulative Net Percentage Of Zinc In Rats Treated With Elemental Supplements While Receiving Normal Diet (n=5 per group) Treatment group Cumulative net percentage of zinc (%) Day 1 Day 2 Day3 Day 4 Caltrate™ 0.67 ±34,7* 29.5+ 7.5 33.8 ±10.2 32.0 t 7.8 CaACE 27.5 ± 16.0% 40.9 ±7.3 45.6 ± 5.9 48.4 ±4.4 A1 26.6±11.2% 50.8 ±26.8 46.3 + 20.4 38.7+ 18.8 A4 17.7 ±10.3* 24.9 ± 6.3* 27.6 ± 7.2 27.6+5.0 A5 54.7+21.9 52.6 + 21.7 53.8 ± 21.0 51.2 + 23.0 H. Results: Calcium Free Diet with Daily Consumed Doses of Calcium [00141] The objective of this study was to evaluate elemental balance when the daily intake of calcium, magnesium and zinc was replaced with elemental treatments. Animals, received de-ionized water ad libitum (DI Water group), were fed normal calcium diet. Animals, substituting their daily calcium intake by Al or A5, were fed calcium free diet. It is apparent that the gavage procedure did not have an effect on the body weight of the animals (Table 43) . Elemental treatments, however, induced a significant reduction in body weight. TABLE 43 Body Weight Of Rats Receiving Calcium Free Diet And Daily Consumed Doses Of Calcium (n=4) Treatment Body weight of rats 0) group Day 1 Day2 Day3 Day4 0ay5 Dl Water 200.8 ±2.50 207.0 ±3.9 209.0 ±8.7 209.5 ± 9.9 215.5±11.7 A1 198.0+9.1 183.5 ±7.7 178.3 ±8.1 180.8 + 10.2 186.0 ±8.0 A5 194.0 + 8.2 182.3 ±7.1 179.8 + 7.2 179.0 ±7.7 181.5 +6.8 Note: There is no statistical significant difference between Al and A5 . There is statistical difference between Al and DI [00142] Consistent with the resuits obtained from the normal and calcium free diet studies, magnesium has a minor effect in enhancing calcium retention (Figure 9 and Table 44). The administration of a soluble form of calcium, calcium acetate, significantly enhanced calcium balance (Figure 9 and Table 44). Table 44 Cumulative Net Percentage Of Calcium In Rats Treated With A Daily Consumed Dose Of Calcium while Receiving Calcium Free Diet (n=4 per group) Treatment Net accumulative percentage of Ca (%) group Day1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 01 Water 2.87 ± S.4 3.89 ± 7.6 5.72 ±4.3 5.41 ± 5.2 Al 46.3 ±14.7' 37.7+8.9' 37.4 + 1.3' 42.7+3.1' A5 54.9 ±12. 7 56.7+ 10.3'@ 50.4 ± 7.5' 47.4 ± 8 0' [00143] Consistent with the calcium free diet study described above, magnesium was required to maintain a positive magnesium balance (Figure 10 and Table 45). Table 45 Cumulative Net Percentage Of Magnesium In Rats Treated With A Daily Consumed Dose Qf Calcium while Receiving Calcium Free Diet (n=4 per group) Treatment Net accumulative percentage of Mg (%) group Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 DI Water -32.2 ±12.4 -17.0 ±10.4 -7.9 ± 10.0 -2.59 + 10.4 Al -75.9 £ 50.0* -27.6+27.7 -6.54 ±19.4 3.6 ±18.0 AS 18,3 ± 12.7'e 14.4 ±8.6^ 7.0 ±5.2 4.4 + 8.4 [00144] Despite a higher amount of zinc administered with A5, zinc balance was significantly lower than that of the DI Water group, providing further support that high calcium and magnesium concentration in the intestine could have diminished zinc absorption. (Figure 11 and Table 46) . The amounts of zinc administered between the DI Water and Al groups were similar. However, similar to that of A5, zinc balance was significantly lower than that of DI Water (Figure 11 and Table 46); suggesting high solution concentration of calcium in the intestine may interfere with zinc absorption. [00145] Figure 12 shows plasma concentrations of calcium, magnesium and zinc after each elemental treatment. No statistical differences were found in these profiles (P>0.05). TABLE 46 Cumulative Net Percentage, Of zinc in Rats Treated with A Daily Consumed Dose Of Calcium While Receiving Calcium Free Diet (n=4 per group) Treatment Net accumulative percentage of Zn (%) group Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Dl Water -26.5 ± 37.7 -10.8 + 22 9 -4.45 ±17 3 -1.80 + 12.2 A1 -42.9 ± 25.9 -67.3 + 16.3* -69.5 ± 7.3* -58.5 + 6.2* A5 23.7 ±16.2"® -9.CT3± 19.3® -45.1 ±11.8* -63.2 + 16.2" EXAMPLE 7 [00146] The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of salt, mineral composition and vitamins on the rate of bone loss in an ovariectomized rat model. [00147] One hundred 4.5-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were used and housed at the Laboratory Animal Services Center at the Chinese University of Hong Kong with 12-h light-night cycle. Free cage movement was allowed with access to the normal calcium pellets and tap water. Daily consumption of calcium was approximately 140 mgf similar to that recorded in animals who participated in the balance studies. Ovariectomy (OVX), the removal of ovaries from the female rats, was performed on all rats at 6-month of age with the exception of the sham control. [00148] Three weeks after OVX, all the rats recovered from the trauma of the surgery. The rats were randomly divided into different treatment groups or control groups and each group contained six rats. Four calcium formulas (Al, A4, A5 and A6) and Caltrate™ were investigated in the present study. The Caltrate™ group served as an elemental treatment control. All formulas were dissolved in distilled water, while CaltrateIM was in suspension in distilled water. The solution or suspension was given to the rats daily for 8 weeks by gavages. The dose of all formulas was calculated based on a calcium dose of 53.14 mg/kg/day. Dose of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 was 12.75 IU/kg/day {equivalent to 800 IU/70 kg man/day) and 1.71 ng/kg/day (equivalent to 120 μq/ 70 kg man/day), respectively. All the treated rats were weighed daily and the mass data were recorded. The rats in two control groups (sham control and normal control) were given the equivalent volume of distilled water in parallel. For the groups with the treatment of bisphosphonate, alendronate (14 Hg/kg/2-week) was injected subcutaneously on the back of the rats once every two weeks. [00149] At the end of 8 weeks, the rats were anesthetized using isoflourane. Blood sample was then taken via heart puncture. The rats were then euthanized under anesthesia by neck dislocation, and right hip, right femur and right tibia of each rat were collected for analysis. Plasma was collected from blood samples centrifuged at 1500 g for 15 min. Plasma concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and zinc were measured using ICP-OES. [00150] Results show that plasma calcium levels were not statistically different from that of the sham control (p>0.05) and the values are all within normal levels (90-110 mg/L) . All plasma concentrations of Mg were within the normal range (18-36 mg/L). No significant difference in magnesium plasma concentrations was observed except normal control (without surgery) has a mean value higher than that of A4+Vit D+Vit K (p [00151] Body weight changes for different treatment groups are shown in Figure 13 and Table 47. As expected, weight gains in the OVX rats were significantly greater than the normal rats (p Table 47 Body Weight On The First Day And The Last Day Of Treatment Day1 Day 57 CONTROL-SHAM 317+14 344+13 CONTROL-NO OVX 278±24 294123 A1 339+32 371134 Caltrate 317+22 338+32 A1+VD 340+43 372+49 A4+VD 337131 371134 AS+VD 322+26 342+35 A6+VD 337129 371139 A4+VD+K 328+19 36319 A5+VD+K 298131 331138 Catrate+VD+ K 270+25 301+36 BIS+A1+VD 336120 358127 BIS+A4+VD 338114 371128 BIS+A5+VD 321134 351+43 BIS+Cal+VD 340+48 368+58 [00152] The effects of test substances on bone mineral density (BMD) are shown on Figures 15 and 16. Trabecular BMD of Distal Femur BMD values of groups Al, A5+Vit D, Sis+Al+Vit D, Bis+A4+Vit D, Bis+A5+Vit D and Bis+Caltrate+vit D are significantly higher than that of the OVX control (Figure 14), suggesting these treatments significantly slow down the rate of loss of bone mass. The addition of vitamin K did not have any significant effect on reducing the rate of bone loss. Similar observations were obtained for the average values of trabecular BMD of Proximal Tibia, except the value of Caltrate™ was high enough to become statistically different (p did not have any significant contribution. The treatment with A5+Vit D provided consistently higher BMD at distal femur and proximal tibia, suggesting this formula may have an advantage over the other elemental formulas. Although, the addition of bisphosphonate provides consistently better results, the difference, when compared to A5+Vit D and other elemental formula, such as Al, was not significant (Figures 15 and 16). [00153] The BMD results of Al are similar to that of A5 + vit D. This is not surprising because Al animals were fed normal calcium diet which contains a significant amount of magnesium. [00154] The OVX rat model used in this study did not permit evaluation of maximum bending force and failure energy after each treatment because the values obtained from the OVX control and that of the Sham were insignificantly different from each other (P>0.05) . EXAMPLE 8 Optimization of Elemental Formula [00155] The objective of this example is to design an elemental formula which would provide an optimal mix of vitamin D3 and acetate salts of calcium, magnesium and zinc. [00156] In the study reported by Seelig et al., a high Ca/Mg ratio in a diet is associated with osteoporosis and unwanted cardiovascular events. The high dietary calcium intake in the last 50 years may be undesirable. Other investigators have shown that dietary calcium intake may not be a significant factor in determining bone density and therefore, osteoporosis in older men and women. Magnesium has been identified to be an important element in bone metabolism because it is essential for a number of enzymes which are involved in bone metabolism. Furthermore, when patients are diagnosed with osteoporosis, they invariably have low serum levels of magnesium. In addition, when dietary calcium is shown to improve bone density, magnesium is always present in a significant quantity. [00157] The question is: What is the optimal ratio of calcium to magnesium? Are the ratios important? Seelig et al. found that a Ca/Mg ratio of 2/1, a dietary composition in the early 1900s, was associated with the least cardiovascular diseases. However, the optimal ratio of calcium to magnesium has not been carefully evaluated. An issue that needs to be addressed is the variability in solubility of calcium and magnesium salts. As shown in Table 3, difference in calcium solubility in artificial intestinal fluid could amount to over 25,000 fold. The relationship between solubility and bioavailability of calcium is generally considered to be unimportant, as it was demonstrated by several research groups. However, the number of calcium salts used was limited. In a study reported by Hanzlik et al., the solubility of calcium in the intestine plays a significant role in the bioavailability of calcium. Our animal results support the notion that calcium absorption is highly dependent on the salt form. The difference in bioavailability between calcium carbonate and calcium acetate could amount to 3-fold. [00158] Interestingly, the story with magnesium is very similar. The reported range of magnesium bioavailability ranged from 50 to 67%. [00159] The only study that evaluated the effect of calcium and Ca/Mg ratio on bone density in postmenopausal women was performed by Abraham and Grewal (1990) . The finding was that a ratio of Ca/Mg of 1/1.2 was significantly better than that of 1/0.4. The amount of calcium used in the study was 500 mg. The calcium salt used was calcium citrate and the magnesium salt used was magnesium oxide. According to the literature, the bioavailability of calcium citrate is 30% and it was not different from that of calcium carbonate (Heaney et al., 1999) . The bioavailability of magnesium oxide is 50% (Coudray et al., 2005) . If Ca/Mg ratio was to be calculated using bioavailable doses of calcium and magnesium, the Ca/Mg ratio employed by Abraham and Grewal (1990) would have been 1/2. The Abraham and Grewai study (1990) has established that magnesium is important in preventing osteoporosis. However, there was no definitive ratio set for Ca/Mg. This could be due to: a. the dosage of calcium; b, the availability of individual calcium salts; and c. the actual absorbable quantity of calcium and magnesium. [00160] Our results show that there is a complex interplay between calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D3 and nutritional status on elemental balance (Examples 3 to 6). [00161] Factors such as pH, cation and anion concentrations have different impacts on the solubility of calcium salts (Examples 3 to 5) . The solubility of calcium in the form of calcium carbonate is extremely low under various experimental conditions, suggesting that the absorption of calcium will be low because the salt is not soluble along the entire GIT. The solubility of calcium in the form of calcium acetate is high and it is not affected significantly by pH, cations and anions. Cations tend to increase its solubility, but anions, such as bicarbonates, chloride and phosphate tend to reduce calcium solubility (Examples 3 to 5) . Since the concentrations of cations and anions tested were within the physiological range (Table 33) and since there are opposing effects contributed by cations and anions, it is anticipated that that calcium acetate will remain in solution along GIT. [00162] Magnesium is shown to enhance calcium absorption and balance (Example 6). Conversely, calcium and magnesium tend to diminish zinc balance. The intensity of the interplay is dependent on nutritional status of the animal. These complex interplays between the three elements can be nullified by the addition of vitamin D3. [00163] It has been suggested that dosage of calcium'used for the past decades is too high and it should be trimmed to 750 mg. Since calcium carbonate is the most common form of calcium administered, it is equivalent to 180 mg of absorbable calcium, assuming a 24% bioavailability (Bo-Linn et al., 1984). The daily magnesium. requirement is 310 mg and it is equivalent to 155 to 186 mg of bioavailable magnesium, assuming a 50 to 60 % bioavailability of organic magnesium (Coudray et al., 2005). [00164] Assuming a three-fold higher bioavailability of calcium acetate when compared to calcium carbonate (Examples 6), the daily requirement of calcium from calcium acetate would be one third of that reported by (Bo-Linn et al., 1984) which is 250 mg of calcium from calcium acetate. [00165] In this invention, magnesium was found to enhance calcium balance (Example 6). Therefore, it is necessary to have magnesium in the formula. If 250 mg of calcium in the form of calcium acetate is administered, a Ca/Mg ratio of 2/1 and 1/1 would provide 125 mg and 2 50 mg of magnesium, respectively. This would translate to 62.5 to 125 mg of absorbable magnesium, respectively, assuming a 50% bioavailability. [00166] A5 plus vitamin D3 has the best average in reducing the rate of bone loss in an OVX model (Figures 15 and 16) . These results are consistent with that obtained in the balance study (Example 6) . Calcium carbonate, as represented by Caltrate™ did not show any significant improvement over OVX control ' when the Distal Femur BMD was used for comparison (Figure 14). [00167] Zinc has been shown to be essential for bone formation and the recommended daily allowance is 20 mg. it is found that zinc balance is dependent on nutritional status (Example 6). However, a positive zinc balance can be maintained if vitamin D3 is incorporated into the formula. [00168] vitamin D3 has been reported to increase the absorption of calcium from the gut; it also assists distribution of calcium into bone (Wasserman, 2004). We also found that vitamin D3 is essential for calcium and zinc balance (Example 6). The recommended daily intake is 400 to 800 iu. This dosage is incorporated into the fortified extract. [00169] it is also found that administration of A5 plus vitamin D3 improved elemental balance of dietary calcium and magnesium (Example 6) . This observation is significant because the less available form of calcium and magnesium was improved. The implication is that if a subject does not have enough elements in his diet, the supplementation of a low dose of the optimized formula plus that from the dietary source will provide adequate elemental daily requirements. Therefore, a lower dosage of A5 and vitamin D3 can be used for maintaining bone health and possibly preventing osteoporosis. [00170] Taking into account the solubility of the elements, its taste and convenience of administration, a two gram once a day dose of A5 (-220 mg calcium) plus vitamin D3 will provide adequate amounts of elements and vitamin D3 for the maintenance of bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. References Abraham GE and Grewal H (1990) A total dietary program emphasizing magnesium instead of calcium. Effect on the mineral density of calcaneous bone in postmenopausal women on hormonal therapy. J Reprod Med 35:503-507. Abrams SA and Atkinson SA (2003) Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin I) fortification of complementary foods. J Nutr 133:2994S-2999S. Abrams SA, Griffin IJ and Herman S (2002) Using stable isotopes to assess the bioavailability of minerals in food fortification prog-rams. Food Nutr Bull 23:158-165. Angus RM, Sambrook PN, Pocock NA and Eisman JA (1988) Dietary intake and bon^ mineral density. Bone Miner 4:265-277. Bass M, Ford MA., Brown B, Mauromoustakos A and Keathley RS (2006) Variables for the prediction of femoral bone mineral status in American women, South Med J 99:115-122. Basso LE, Ubbink JB, Delport R, Spies J and Vermaak wj (2000) Effect of magnesium supplementation on the fractional intestinal absorption of 45CaC12 in women with a low erythrocyte magnesium concentration. Metabolism 49:1092-1096. Bo-Linn GW, Davis GR, Buddrus DJ, Morawski SG, Santa Ana C and Fordtran JS (1984) An evaluation of the importance of gastric acid secretion in the absorption of dietary calcium. J Clin Invest 73:640-647. Cai J, Zhang Q, Wastney ME and Weaver CM (2004) Calcium bioavailability and kinetics of calcium ascorbate and calcium acetate in rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 229:40-45. Celotti F and Bignamini A (1999) Dietary calcium and mineral/vitamin supplementation: a controversial problem. J int Med Res 27:1-14. Coudray C, Rambeau M, Feillet-Coudray C, Gueux E, Tressol JC, Mazur A and Rayssiguier Y (2005) Study of magnesium bioavailability from ten organic and inorganic Mg salts in Mg-depleted rats using a stable isotope approach. Magnes Res 18:215-223. Ellenbcgen L and Buono LC (1999) Calcium dietary supplement, in (Office USPaT ed, US Patent Number: 5,879,698), American Cyanamid Company (Madison, NJ) , United States of America. Hanzlik RP, Fowler SC and Fisher DH (2005) Relative bioavailability of calcium from calcium formate, calcium citrate, and calcium carbonate. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 313:1217-1222. Heaney RP (1993a) Nutritional factors in osteoporosis. Annu Rev Nutr 13:287-316. Heaney RP (1993b) Thinking straight about calcium. N Engl J Med 328:503-505. Heaney RP, Dowell MS and Barger-Lux MJ (1999) Absorption of calcium as the carbonate and citrate salts, with some observations on method. Osteoporos Int 9:19-23. Heaney RP, Dowell MS, Bierman J, Hale CA and Bendich A (2001) Absorbability and cost effectiveness in calcium supplementation. J Am Coll Nutr 20:239-246. Hendricks L (2004) Calcium dietary supplement, in (Office USPaT ed, US Patent Number: 6,790,462), Rhodia Inc. (Cranbury, NJ), United States of America. Hunt CD and Johnson LK (2007) Calcium requirements: new-estimations for men and women by cross-sectional statistical analyses of calcium balance data from metabolic studies. Am J Clin Nutr 86:1054-1063. Ilich JZ, Brownbill RA and Tamborini L (2003) Bone and nutrition in elderly women: protein, energy, and calcium as main determinants of bone mineral density. Eur J Clin Nutr 57:554-565. Ilich JZ and Kerstetter JE (2000) Nutrition in bone health revisited: a story beyond calcium. J" Am Coll Nutr 19:715-737. Jackson SD and Blumberg JB (1997) Dietary supplements, in (Office USPaT ed, US Patent Number: 5,654,011), Energetics, Inc. (New York, NY), United States of America. Kanders B, Dempster DW and Lindsay R (1988) Interaction of calcium nutrition and physical activity on bone mass in young women. J Bone Miner Res 3:145-149. Krumhar KC and Johnson HA (2006) Composition for promoting healthy bone structure, in (Office USPaT ed, US Patent Number: 7,029,703), Metagenics, Inc. (San Clemente, CA), United States of America. Lee HH, Prasad AS, Brewer GJ and Owyang C (1989) Zinc absorption in human small intestine. Am J Physiol 256:G87-91. Li J and Li X (1995) Producting method for mineralizing agent of active mineral food, in state Intellectual Property Office of The P.R.C. (P.R.C. SIPOoT ed), Peoples Republic of China. Lowe NM, Lowe NM, Fraser WD and Jackson MJ (2002) Is there a potential therapeutic value of copper and zinc for osteoporosis? Proc Nutr Soc 61:181-185. Mazer IB, DeWille NT, Chandler MA, Ragan RJ, Snowden GA, Geraghty ME, Johnson CD and Drayer LR (1997) Calcium supplement, in (Office USPaT ed, US Patent Number; 5,698,222), Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, IL), United States of America. Meignant C and Stenger E (2004) Therapeutic combination of vitamin and. calcium in unitary galenic tablet form, a method of obtaining it, and the use thereof, in (Office USPaT ed, US Patent Number: 6,716,454), Laboratorie Innothera, Societe Anonyme (Arcueil, FR), United States of America. Mutlu M, Argun M, Kilic E, Saraymen R and Yazar S (20C7) Magnesium, zinc and copper status in osteoporotic, osteopenic and. normal post-menopausal women. J in Med Res 35:692-695. Record IR, Record SJ, Dreosti IE and Rohan TE (1985) Dietary zinc intake of pre-menopausal women. Hum Nutr Appl Nutr 39:363-369. Riis B, Thomsen K and Christiansen C (1987) Does calcium supplementation prevent postmenopausal bone loss? A double-blind, controlled clinical study. N Engl J Med 316:173-177. Saltman PD and Strause LG (1993) The role of trace minerals in osteoporosis. J Am Coll Nutr 12:384-389. Seelig MS, Altura BM and Altura BT (2004) Benefits and risks of sex hormone replacement in postmenopausal women. J Am Coll Nutr 23:482S-496S. Smith JC, Jr., Morris ER and Ellis R (1983) Zinc: requirements, bioavailabilities and recommended dietary allowances. Prog Clin Biol Res 129:147-169. Sultenfuss S (1996) Daily vitamin and mineral supplement for women, in (Office USPaT ed, US Patent Number: 5,514,382), United States of America. Tsugawa N, Okano T, Higashino R, Kimura T, Oshio Y, Teraoka Y, igarashi c, Ezawa I and Kobayashi T (1995) Bioavailability of calcium from calcium carbonate, DL-calcium lactate, L-calcium lactate and powdered oyster shell calcium in vitamin D-deficient or -replete rats. Biol Pharm Bull 18:677-682. Tsugawa N, Yamabe T, Takeuchi A, Kamao M, Nakagawa K, Nishijima K and Okano T (1999) Intestinal absorption of calcium from calcium ascorbate in rats. J Bone Miner Metab 17:30-36. Walsdorf NB, Alexandrides G and Pak CYC (1991) Calcium supplementation by dicalcium citrate-lactate, in (Office USPaT ed, US Patent Number: 5,075,499), Board of Regents, The University of Texas System (Austin, TX) Mission Pharmacal Company (San Antonio, TX), United States of America. Wasserman RH (2004) Vitamin D and the dual processes of intestinal calcium absorption. J Nutr 134:3137-3139. What is claimed is: 1. A composition comprising an initial composition of at least 22.75 percent calcium by weight extracted from calcium containing or synthetic calcium acetate-containing sources, wherein said initial composition is fortified with magnesium and zinc to provide a final composition of at least 4 percent by weight of calcium, at least 5 percent by weight of magnesium, at least 0.2 percent by weight of zinc, and at least 400 IU of vitamin D3. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the calcium containing sources are pearls, corals, oysters, or natural mines. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the magnesium is in the form of acetate salt. 4. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the zinc is in the form of acetate salt. 5. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises a weight ratio of calcium to magnesium of 0.5:1 to 4:1. 6. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises a weight ratio of calcium to magnesium of 1:1 to 2:1. 7. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises a weight ratio of zinc to calcium ranging from 0.05:1 to 0.20:1. 8. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises a weight ratio of zinc to calcium ranging from 0.05:1 to 0.1:1. 9. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises 5-40 mg of zinc per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 10. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises 400 to 1200 IU of vitamin D3 per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 11. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises 50 to 500 mg of calcium and 25 to 500 mg of magnesium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 12. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises 100 to 300 mg of calcium and 50 to 150 mg of magnesium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 13. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises 400 to 1200 IU of vitamin D3 per 220 mg of calcium. 14. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein aaid composition comprises more bioavailable calcium per unit weight than calcium carbonate. 15. A method of alleviating or preventing symptoms of osteoporosis in humans or animals, comprising the step of administering the composition of any one of claims 1 through 14 to said humans or animals. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the composition comprises between 100 to 300 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 18. A method of increasing bone mineral density in humans or animals, comprising the step of administering the composition of any one of claims 1 through 14 to said humans or animals. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the composition comprises between 100 to 300 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 21. The use of any of the compositions recited in any one of claims 1 through 14 to alleviate symptoms of osteoporosis. 22. The use of claim 21, wherein the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 23. The use of claim 21, wherein the composition comprises between 100 to 300 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 24. The use of any of the compositions recited in any one of claims 1 through 14 to increase bone density. 25. The use of claim 24, wherein the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 26. The use of claim 24, wherein the composition comprises between 100 to 300 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 27. The use of any of the compositions recited in any one of claims 1 through 14 to facilitate dietary calcium and magnesium absorption. 28. The use of claim 27, wherein the composition comprises between 50 to 500 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult. 29. The use of claim 27, wherein the composition comprises between 100 to 300 mg of calcium per daily dose to be administered to a human adult.

Documents:

1767-mumnp-2010-abstract.doc

1767-mumnp-2010-abstract.pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-ANNEXURE A TO X(18-10-2012).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(18-10-2012).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(22-10-2013).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-CLAIMS(MARKED COPY)-(18-10-2012).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-CLAIMS(MARKED COPY)-(22-10-2013).pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-claims.doc

1767-mumnp-2010-claims.pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-CORRESPONDENCE(11-9-2013).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-CORRESPONDENCE(27-08-2010).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-CORRESPONDENCE(3-5-2013).pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-correspondence.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-description(complete).pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-drawing.pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-EXHIBIT A(18-10-2012).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-EXIBIT A(22-10-2013).pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form 1.pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-FORM 18(COPY)-(27-08-2010).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-FORM 18.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form 2(title page).pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form 2.doc

1767-mumnp-2010-form 2.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form 26.pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-FORM 3(18-10-2012).pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form 3.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form 5.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form pct-ib-304.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form pct-ib-306.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form pct-ib-373.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form pct-isa-210.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form pct-isa-237.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-form pct-ro-101.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-other document.pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-PETITION UNDER RULE-137(22-10-2013).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT(18-10-2012).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-REPLY TO HEARING(22-10-2013).pdf

1767-MUMNP-2010-WO INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION REPORT A2(3-5-2013).pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-wo international publication report a2.pdf

1767-mumnp-2010-wo international publication report a3.pdf

abstract1.jpg