Magnesium Calcium Supplements
Is Less Calcium Better?

Magnesium calcium supplements can help with calcium absorption. According to a 2007 study done by Canyon Ranch, getting more than 2500mg calcium per day can lead to the formation of stones in the kidneys and even to failure of the kidneys.

There are studies that report that too much calcium can cause gall stones, heal spurs, the forming of plaque inside a person's arteries, and joint problems.

Excessive calcium makes it harder to absorb some minerals that are equally important, like iron, zinc and magnesium. An excessive amount of calcium can cause flatulence, fatigue, nausea, abdominal cramps, and decreased appetite. A study has even linked excessive calcium to an increased risk of cancer of the prostate.

Calcium contained in foods

There is calcium in the foods they eat. Foods like nuts, dark green vegetables and dairy are all high in calcium. Before taking a supplement, first we should try to get an idea of how much calcium we are getting in our food.

In order to help meet calcium needs, many foods, like orange juice and other fruit juices, soy milk and breakfast cereals are fortified with calcium.

If a person is getting 800 mg. of calcium a day found naturally in their food, and an additional 400 mg. in calcium fortified foods, takes 2 Tums or Rolaids a day and 1,200 mg. in supplemental calcium, they are getting a total of 2,800 to 3,200 mg. of calcium each day.

This is calcium overload, and dangerous.

Poorly absorbed calcium

Some forms of calcium are not well absorbed by the body. In many cases the calcium used to fortify foods is poorly absorbed.

Calcium carbonate is not well absorbed. Three common problems created by poorly absorbed calcium are constipation, heart disease and arthritis.

Adding magnesium to the diet helps to balance out excess calcium. Some researchers are now saying that the ratio needs to be at least 1 to 1 magnesium to calcium.

The need to balance calcium with magnesium

Calcium causes muscles to contract, magnesium causes them to relax

Calcium tends to make muscles contract, magnesium tends to relax them. These two minerals need to be balanced for our muscles to work right. Nuts, seeds, whole grains and beans are all excellent sources of magnesium.

This explains why magnesium calcium supplements are so beneficial. Numerous doctors now recommend their patients take a magnesium supplement. This is especially important for those who eat dairy, and for those who take extra calcium.

Balance is needed for healthy teeth and bones

Every one knows that calcium is needed for strong teeth and strong bones. What few know is that teeth and bones can’t absorb calcium without the help of magnesium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K2.

When a person takes a calcium supplement without adding magnesium, they are defeating their purpose. We can only prevent osteoporosis when calcium is absorbed.

For stronger bones, some people could decrease their total calcium intake while increasing magnesium, and making sure to get adequate Vitamin D and Vitamin K2. Some magnesium/calcium supplements also contain Vitamin D, and some Vitamin K2 as well.

Balance is important to prevent constipation

The colon is a giant muscle that uses a contracting, relaxing rhythm to move feces along.

When a person’s diet has more calcium than magnesium, it tends to tighten the colon. When the colon can’t relax, stool takes longer to move through the colon.

One of the colon’s functions is to take a watery stool and turn it into solid stool. The longer stool is in the bowel, the more water it pulls out. Being in the colon too long makes stools hard and dry, and more difficult to expel. Another word for this is constipation.

Once again, for those taking too much calcium, wisdom advises you to decrease their calcium intake while increasing magnesium. So when you are searching for the best calcium supplement, look for magnesium calcium supplements containing Vitamins D3 and K2.

(Return from Magnesium Calcium Supplements to Calcium and Constipation)