99% of the calcium in the body is stored in the bone. However, that remaining one percent of calcium used systemically is crucially important and easily depleted. Calcium is needed for the proper function of every cell in the body, but some systems are especially sensitive to calcium changes, including muscles, nerves, the immune system and lungs.
The new product in the Terry Naturally brand line is called Muscle Relax, which provides a lactated form of calcium in a 5 to 1 ratio with magnesium citrate, plus the added benefit of zinc gluconate. This combination helps replenish calcium lost from soft tissue due to exertion, stress, and excessive sun exposure.
“Muscle Relax contains calcium lactate as the star, along with magnesium and zinc as supportive players. It has an impact on proper muscle contraction and relaxation, which is useful for athletes, but also others with muscle cramp concerns
However, calcium lactate is aimed at everyone, which can be a bit confusing. Because it does so many things, it is not exclusive to one category,” Cheryl Myers, head of scientific affairs and education for EuroPharma told NutraIngredients-USA.
Additional benefits
EuroPharma says Muscle Relax supports many concerns such as occasional nighttime leg cramps, healthy respiratory function, restful sleep, and also helps the leg muscles relax at night.
But its also mentioned in another area where calcium supplements are not major players, and that is UV protection.
“Sun exposure depletes soft tissue calcium and skin is more easily damaged. Keeping levels in the optimal range can help protect the skin. This doesn’t mean you can go out in the tropical sun for 8 hours with no protection, but it does provide nutrient factors that help the skin resist the UV damaging effects,” Myers said.
Myers acknowledged that consumers’ long association of calcium exclusively with bone health is something that the company will have to combat to make the new product successful.
“Virtually all consumers think of calcium as a bone nutrient, so we are doing continuing educational outreach to help people understand the role of calcium outside the bone and how Muscle Relax can rapidly replenish soft tissue calcium. The lactate form of calcium was chosen because it is considered the best for addressing soft tissue calcium needs. Calcium lactate would not be the calcium of choice for bone support,” she said.
Muscle Relax is now available at health food stores and integrative pharmacies nationwide.