Calcium AEP is 10% calcium bound to 90% Amino Ethanol Phosphate (AEP, also known as colamine phosphate). It is the AEP part that gives this product its unique characteristics. AEP is attracted to cell membranes, giving rise to its nickname "membrane integrity factor."* It was discovered in 1941 by biochemist Erwin Chargaff. Hans Nieper, a German physician, popularized its use beginning in the 1960s.

Cell membranes are made of these phosphalipid substances. For example, the phosphatidylethanolamine in our PS product is very similar in structure to AEP. Our Calcium AEP supplement provides 900 mg of AEP per capsule, an excellent level of natural dietary support.*

Thus, AEP is a natural component of the cell membrane and is involved in maintaining the proper electrical charges on the surface of cell membranes as well as supporting the cell's structural integrity.* Properly energized cell membranes help protect the cell from toxins or other foreign substances.* At the same time, the transport systems of nutrition into the cell and waste products out of the cell are supported.*

In a properly nourished state, cell membranes retain the electrical charges of calcium, magnesium, and potassium ions.* From a cell's point of view, this is like having a charged car battery. Because Calcium AEP is highly attracted to the phospholipid-rich structure of nerve membranes (like the myelin sheathing), this helps boost nerve cell integrity and support the energy needed for normal electrical nerve conduction.* Calcium itself is also important for normal nerve transmission.*

Stress and various forms of wear and tear take their toll on nerves.* Calcium AEP is a stellar nerve support nutrient.* We do not normally use Calcium AEP by itself for daily bone support, as there is only 100 mg of calcium per capsule. However, it does count towards the daily intake of calcium and is typically combined with other products like Daily Bone Xcel or Daily Builder.*

Extra calcium may also help reduce food cravings and perk up your metabolism. This is because calcium can help lower a powerful appetite signal called neuropeptide Y (NPY). Calcium actually regulates Agouti gene, which tells NPY what to do. If calcium is too low then the Agouti gene signal is too high, in turn ramping up NPY, and consequent food cravings (and consequent hot flashes in menopausal women). By increasing calcium intake the Agouti signal is turned down, NPY levels are lowered, and cravings are reduced. While any type of high quality calcium supplementation may help (ranging as a total intake from 2,000 4,000 mg a day), there is no question in my mind that Calcium AEP is the best product I know of that does the job quite well for this specific issue. You may need anywhere from 4 a day to 20 a day. When you have enough your cravings go away and your head stays awake between meals. Once you tame your NPY for a few weeks or months and get on a good track, then you may not need as much calcium to maintain your newly discovered improved metabolism especially as you approach or achieve your goal weight.*