Calcium & Magnesium

The calcium myth
by Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD
Calcium and magnesium
Overall, and through many mechanisms, magnesium is needed for calcium absorption and bone formation. Magnesium is an essential cofactor in 80% of all cellular enzymes including the thyroid hormone calcitonin, which regulates bone turnover. Magnesium is also needed by the liver enzymes that convert vitamin D into its active form, known as calcitriol. Recall that vitamin D is needed for proper calcium absorption and magnesium deficiency can lead to a syndrome known as vitamin D resistance. The activity of another critical enzyme for bone formation, alkaline phosphatase, also depends on magnesium. This enzyme is needed to solidify calcium and other soluble factors into bone. In fact, much of the body's magnesium is stored in the bone, and it is released into the blood when it is needed by other tissues. Magnesium deficiency is known to impair parathyroid hormone secretion and action, and contributes to the development of osteopenia and bone fragility.
While it is extremely important to maintain an adequate magnesium intake, most US adults consume less than 68% of the daily requirement of this mineral. With all the roles magnesium plays in bone formation, it is not surprising that even a mild deficiency is considered to be a leading risk factor for osteoporosis.

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