PITTSBURGH, Feb 01, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- GNC Corporation has launched Women's Ultra Mega(R) Bone Density, the first supplement available in the U.S. that contains MBP(R), a clinically studied protein complex that supports the body's natural ability to build and maintain bone mass.
 
"Osteoporosis is a well-documented disease condition, with an estimated 10 million Americans over age 50 already suffering from it and another 34 million at risk," said Susan L. Trimbo, GNC's Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs. "According to the Surgeon General, by 2020, half of all Americans over 50 will have weak bones unless we start making changes to our diet and lifestyle."

The FDA says in its health claim on calcium that an inadequate calcium intake contributes to low peak bone mass and has been identified as one of many risk factors in the development of osteoporosis. Women's Ultra Mega Bone Density contains 1000 mg of calcium. Adequate calcium in a healthy diet may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life, especially for teen and young adult women.

Maintaining healthy bone density should be a goal for women of all ages. During childhood and teenage years, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed because the activity of bone-building cells is high. As a result, bones can grow and bone density steadily increases. Bone mass continues to increase until women are in their mid-20s, when bone mass peaks. At this point, bone formation equals bone removal. From then on, women must be vigilant about proper nutrition and regular exercise to ensure that bone breakdown doesn't start to happen faster than bone formation. If it does, then bone density can decline and bones become weak.

GNC addresses the needs of women for supporting healthy bone density at all ages with Women's Ultra Mega(R) Bone Density. Women's Ultra Mega(R) Bone Density contains MBP, which supports the body's bone-building cells that use other bone-strengthening ingredients, including calcium and Vitamin D, to support healthy bone matrix.

In addition to calcium, vitamin D and MBP(R), Women's Ultra Mega(R) Bone Density also contains the essential bone supporting nutrients magnesium and vitamin K. Magnesium is important because it helps build bones and maintain teeth. Vitamin K may play a role in bone health because it helps the body transport calcium and plays a role in bone matrix formation. Women's Ultra Mega(R) Bone Density is available exclusively at GNC stores.

GNC, based in Pittsburgh, PA, is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, which includes vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, sports nutrition products, diet and energy products and specialty supplements.