A new study conducted at the University of Helsinki has proved Hartwall Novelle Calcium Citrus mineral water to be a good source of calcium. Clinical tests indicated that calcium is absorbed equally well from mineral water as from milk beverages and calcium supplements.
The calcium research team at the University of Helsinki’s Division of Nutrition, Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology conducted a scientific study to compare the effects of three products – Hartwall Novelle Calcium Citrus, a lactose- and fat-free milk beverage, and the dietary supplement MegaCalcium – on bone metabolism in healthy young women.
“The study showed that Hartwall Novelle Calcium Citrus is an equally good source of calcium as traditional milk beverages and calcium supplements. A serving of just 375 ml of Hartwall Novelle Calcium Citrus was enough to have a notable effect on calcium metabolism tracers, which indicate the level of calcium absorption,” says Christel Lamberg-Allardt, a docent of nutritional science at the University of Helsinki, who led the study.
“This study is a very important indication that, when it comes to bone health, Hartwall Novelle Calcium is a good alternative source of calcium,” says specialist Dr Olli Simonen, Chairman of The Finnish Osteoporosis Association.
Alongside exercise, sufficient calcium intake also has a major impact on bone strength and preventing osteoporosis (brittle bone disease).
“In order to maintain healthy bones, you should ensure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D, pursue an active lifestyle, and quit smoking. It’s never too late to start taking care of your bones,” Olli Simonen assures us.
Good reason to raise awareness of calcium intake recommendations
The Chairman of The Finnish Osteoporosis Association also reminds us that, although those suffering from osteoporosis are well aware of how much calcium and vitamin D are required for healthy bones, most people do not necessarily know how much calcium they should be getting from their diet. A survey conducted during the summer by the magazine Terve Potilas also showed that only one in three respondents knew how much calcium constituted a sufficient daily intake.
“We want to do our bit in raising people’s awareness of their calcium intake and the condition of their bones, so they’re able to evaluate their own risk of breaks. Developing a tasty mineral water that contains sufficient calcium has taken years of work. It’s great that Hartwall Novelle Calcium has now been scientifically proven to be a good source of calcium. We hope that this delicious, calcium-enriched mineral water will do its bit to encourage people to take care of their bones,” says Hartwall Novelle Brand Manager Karla Frisk.
Hartwall Novelle Calcium is a tasty, calorie- and lactose-free carbonated water that provides the calcium required by your bones and teeth. One 1.5-litre bottle contains 800 mg of calcium, which is equivalent to an adult’s required daily intake according to Finnish nutritional recommendations. It comes in two flavours: refreshing lemony Hartwall Novelle Calcium Citrus and Hartwall Novelle Calcium Hedelmäinen with its fruity taste of mango and peach.
Source: Studies conducted by the calcium research team at the University of Helsinki’s Division of Nutrition, Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, June 2009. Scientific studies compared the effect of three products – Hartwall Novelle Calcium Citrus, a lactose- and fat-free milk beverage, and the calcium supplement MegaCalcium – on calcium metabolism in healthy young women.
Did you know this about calcium?
- The human body contains an average of 1.2 kilos of calcium, mainly in the bones.
- When it comes to bone health, as well as maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle, it’s also important to ensure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D. Milk, cheese and other dairy products, calcium-enriched soya products and Hartwall Novelle Calcium mineral water have all been proven to be good sources of calcium.
- According to Finnish nutritional recommendations, an adult needs 800 mg of calcium per day.
- Dairy products and a balanced diet are the major sources of calcium. Calcium intake can be supplemented by, for example, drinking Hartwall Novelle Calcium.
- Calcium deficiency is one of the risk factors of osteoporosis (brittle bone disease). Osteoporosis weakens bones and sufferers are therefore more prone to breaks. About 400,000 people in Finland are estimated to be suffering from a significant reduction in bone mass.
For more information, contact:
Hartwall Ltd, Brand Manager Karla Frisk, karla.frisk@hartwall.fi, tel.
+358 20 717 2849 or Communications Manager Tuija Kleimola,
tuija.kleimola@hartwall.fi, tel. +358 20 717 2595