Super Spinach Lemon Iced Tea By InnovaPharm Essentials Overview & Drug Interactions

Calcium is a vital nutrient found in various foods such as dairy products, certain vegetables, and many fortified items. Over 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, predominantly as hydroxyapatite. The remaining calcium circulates in the blood, extracellular fluid, muscles, and other tissues, where it is essential for processes like nerve signaling, muscle contraction, vascular activities, glandular secretion, and maintaining cell membrane and capillary permeability. It also plays critical roles in enzyme reactions, respiration, kidney function, and blood clotting, and is involved in neurotransmitter and hormone release, amino acid uptake, vitamin B12 absorption, and gastrin secretion. Calcium balance changes with age: it is positive during periods of growth, stable in adulthood, and tends to become negative in older age. Calcium loss occurs through feces, urine, sweat, and shedding skin cells. In women, reduced estrogen levels decrease calcium absorption and retention, increase bone turnover, and lead to lower bone mass. Calcium supplements come in various forms, including citrate and carbonate, which differ mainly in their calcium content and absorption rates. Calcium citrate is easily absorbed and can be taken without food, making it suitable for older adults or those with low stomach acid. In contrast, calcium carbonate, which contains a higher percentage of calcium, is best absorbed when taken with meals.

Amaranth is a diverse group of plants found in lowlands, wastelands, and gardens, with some species yielding seeds used as pseudocereals or for oil. Others, like Amaranthus dubius and Amaranthus tricolor, have large leaves used as vegetables. Common medicinal varieties include Amaranthus roxburghianus and Amaranthus spinosus. The whole amaranth plant is used medicinally. Its leaves contain some vitamin C and beta-carotene, with Amaranthus tricolor leaves also providing calcium, iron, and zinc. Amaranth seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), including linoleic, alpha-linolenic, and oleic acids, along with saturated fatty acids (SFAs) like palmitic and stearic acids, in a 1:3 SFA to UFA ratio, and also contains squalene, tocopherols, and sterols. Amaranth seeds, used as pseudocereals, are high in protein, vitamin E, antioxidant phenols, and minerals like iron. Amaranthus hypochondriacus seeds contain bioactive peptides like lunasin, vicilin, and 11S globulin. Amaranthus roxburghianus roots contain eugenol, benzene derivatives, and 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydropyran-4-one, while Amaranthus spinosus bark contains betacyanins, quercetin, kaempferol, and amaranthoside.