Joints & bones

Calcium is the buzziest mineral surrounding bone health—and for good reason. To understand why, just take a look at how bone tissue is made: First, your body lays down a framework of collagen, which is a flexible structural protein. Then, little crystals of calcium from your bloodstream are deposited and spread throughout this collagen framework, filling in all the nooks and crannies¹. Together, collagen and calcium make bones strong but flexible enough to absorb the shock of impact without shattering. Adequate calcium throughout life, as part of a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis¹⁰ . Ka’Chava provides 44-46% of your daily value of calcium from a combination of sources, including legumes, spinach, and whole grains.

Magnesium is another mineral that’s important for proper bone formation. Research has found that magnesium deficiency—which is quite common—contributes to osteoporosis by impairing bone crystal formation and interfering with bone cell functioning, and impacting the secretion of various hormones². Ka’Chava contains magnesium-rich foods such as chia seeds and sacha inchi, and it provides 48 to 60% of your daily value for this essential mineral in every serving.

Your digestive system is actually pretty bad at absorbing calcium. Most people only absorb 15% to 20% of the calcium they eat in their diet. That’s where vitamin D comes into play. Vitamin D is the nutrient (which really functions like a hormone) that helps your gut absorb and utilize more calcium³. Children who lack Vitamin D in their diets can develop a condition called rickets, which causes bone weakness, bowed legs, and other skeletal deformities⁴. Vitamin D can be hard to obtain if you consume a solely plant-based diet, but Ka’Chava contains 25% of your daily value in every serving. In addition to food, you can also boost vitamin D levels by spending 10-15 minutes outdoors in the sun daily.

Vitamin C is a key nutrient for both bones and joints. The reason: It plays a vital role in the production of collagen⁵—your body’s most abundant structural protein. As mentioned above, collagen provides the framework on which calcium crystals are deposited to create sturdy but flexible bones. Research reviews have shown that vitamin C appears to have a beneficial effect on bone growth and reabsorption (the process of breaking down old bone so new bone can replace it), which could help prevent osteoporosis⁶, and some studies show that people with the highest vitamin C intake have the lowest risk of bone fractures⁷. Additionally, collagen is a component of cartilage, a firm, flexible connective tissue on the surface of joints that keeps them gliding smoothly—so you can walk, run, and climb without pain. Vitamin C is often abundant in colorful fruits and veggies, and Ka’Chava provides 33% of your daily value per serving.

Phosphorus is a mineral that works in conjunction with other vitamins and minerals to keep your bones healthy and strong. Together, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium play a structural role in the formation of the hydroxyapatite crystals that comprise bone mineral content⁸. Phosphorus is readily available from a variety of foods such as fish, nuts, and beans, but in order to utilize it properly, your intake of other nutrients needs to be up to par as well. For example, your body absorbs less phosphorus when calcium levels are too high, and vice versa. Vitamin D is also necessary to adequately absorb phosphorus⁹. Ka’Chava contains 32 to 48% of your daily value of phosphorus per serving.