LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr. 30, 2009– May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and with 206 bones and 230 joints in the body, a great time to consider bone health.

The skeleton seems so hard and durable that it’s difficult to believe that bones are really rigid organs that undergo metabolic processes, just as other organs do. Throughout our lives, bone is built up where it is needed – and removed where it is not required – in response to growth, injury and other factors.

Bones are in a growing stage up until about 30 years of age, a time when this tug-of-war favors bone buildup. When bone is being built and strengthened, calcium, the primary mineral that is stored in bone, is pulled from the bloodstream to form new bone. This is one reason why taking in enough calcium is key during this period of bone growth. Vitamin D, which helps the body to absorb calcium, also plays a critical role in ensuring good bone health.

Physical changes and changes in diet and lifestyle as we age can impact skeletal health and tip the balance between bone-buildup and breakdown unfavorably. Calcium and vitamin D deficits, inactivity, smoking and hormonal changes that occur with aging can all affect bone mineral density.

Joints are affected as we age, too. The cartilage that covers the ends of the bones smoothly, creating a natural cushion between bones as we move our joints and limbs, gets thinner. Production of glucosamine sulfate, a natural compound made by the body that contributes to the formation of the cartilage ‘cushion’, also decreases with age.

“Keeping bones healthy is important for all ages,” notes Luigi Gratton, M.D., vice president of medical affairs at Herbalife. But, he adds, “adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D are important throughout life, and many adults don’t consume nearly enough of these nutrients on a regular basis to meet needs.”

To keep bones and joints strong and moving freely:

• Make sure you consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Dairy products are rich sources of both these nutrients
• If you are unable to meet calcium and vitamin D needs from the diet, supplements are in order. Be sure to take a supplement that contains both nutrients to optimize calcium absorption.*
• Stay active, and include activities that put some weight on bones and joints. Weight-bearing activities, like walking or jogging, help to build strong bones.
• Keeping muscles strong helps, too, since they can help absorb some of the stresses that we put on our joints. Weight lifting builds strong muscles and strong bones.
• Excess weight puts extra pressure on joints, so weight loss can help to improve joint health if you are carrying too much.

To help maintain healthy bones, Herbalife introduced newly formulated Joint Support Advanced with the herb scutelleria for its antioxidant benefits; and Xtra-Cal® Advanced, with rose hips as a natural source of Vitamin C and turmeric for antioxidant support.

All products are sold exclusively through Herbalife independent distributors.
Joint Support Advanced, 90 tablets, suggested retail price, $21.95
Xtra-Cal® Advanced, 90 tablets, suggested retail price, $11.25

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About Herbalife Ltd.

Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE:HLF) is a global network marketing company that sells weight-management, nutrition, and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife(R) products are sold in 70 countries through a network of 1.9 million independent distributors. The company supports the Herbalife Family Foundation and its Casa Herbalife program to bring good nutrition to children. Please visit Herbalife Investor Relations for additional financial information.

Source: Herbalife Ltd.

Herbalife Ltd.
George Fischer, 213-745-0519
georgef@herbalife.com