HI Ianna- some sources report that TOO MUCH calcium taken at the same TIME- can interfere w/ magnesium absorption. They compete for absorption and calcium usually wins. Slow- mag the kind i take, does have a LITTLE calcium in it-- but not enough to interfere and enough ratio to help them work together. it is recommended to take calcium and magnesium at different times if you are to take more calcium in a day. I take my calcium supplement at a different time. for people with a deficiency, definately need to take their magnesium separately or in a combo ratio like Slow-mag. below is some literature from the web on the subject (different views on the absorption issue): (remember, regular blood serum tests will be innacurate- it does not show a deficiency or low "intracellular" amounts)
Magnesium
Type
Mineral
Source
Wheat germ, wheat bran, brewer's yeast, nuts whole grains, brown rice, green leafy vegetables, honey, fish, fruits, figs, almonds, beans, pistachio nuts, sunflower seeds.
Dosage
300-1600mg daily.
Discussion
Magnesium is needed for healthy nerve and muscle tissue. It is responsible for more biochemical reactions in the body than any other mineral. It acts with calcium and phosphorus to ensure proper metabolism and with potassium to modify sodium levels. Magnesium is needed by every cell for synthesis of protein, utilization of fats and carbohydrates, and production of energy. It is used with B6 in many enzyme systems and to produce energy. * Magnesium is lost with excess sugar and caffeine intake. * Alcohol and sodium deplete magnesium. * Too much calcium blocks magnesium absorption/utilization. * Saturated fat blocks magnesium absorption and utilization. * Magnesium consumption decreases as we age. * 1 soda drink contains about 30mg of phosphate. Every mg of phosphate eliminates 1mg of magnesium from your body. Magnesium glycinate is magnesium chelated with glycine, which is a great carrier for magnesium. Its low molecular weight gives higher absorption and it does not require stomach acid to be absorbed. A magnesium deficiency is associated with low levels of calcium and potassium. Excessive amounts of magnesium can prevent calcium from being absorbed so some doctors recommend taking calcium and magnesium at different times. Other sources say that calcium and magnesium are absorbed differently and do not interfere with each other. Magnesium and B6 work together. B6 assures proper magnesium in red blood cells and magnesium activates dozens of B6 enzymes. You cannot metabolize C, D, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium without sufficient magnesium.
Deficiency Symptoms
It is thought that 20-80% of the population of the United States is deficient in magnesium. It is implicated in ischemic heart disease, angina, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, stroke, vascular-spasm and diabetes-caused vision problems. Magnesium is used with B6 in many enzyme systems and to produce energy. Many B6 deficiency symptoms are the same as magnesium - convulsions, tremors, kidney stones, and insomnia. Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms: * Tremors, muscle twitches and cramps, muscle weakness and pain * Palpitations, breathlessness * Insomnia, sensitivity to loud noises * Migraine or tension headaches * Nervousness, irritability * Mental and physical fatigue * Fearfulness, confusion, disorientation, poor concentration * Psychiatric disturbances, depression, schizophrenia, autism * Glandular disturbances * Poor circulation, constriction of blood vessels, high blood pressure, high LDL * Calcium deposits * Heart disease, chest pain * Poor complexion * Menopause-associated insomnia, infertility, premature birth * Abdominal pain, constipation * Feeling like your skin is crawling
Caution
* Magnesium should be used cautiously by patients with an impaired kidney function. * Taking over 3000mg may have laxative effect. * Taking over 5000mg may cause nausea, calcium/phosphorus imbalance. * If you get muscle cramps that you didn't have before taking magnesium, you may need less magnesium or more calcium. * The correct ratio of calcium to magnesium must be maintained. Generally, it is 2 times as much calcium as magnesium. For example, take 200mg calcium with 100mg magnesium. Women need a higher magnesium percentage, often equal to that of calcium. For example 200mg calcium/200mg of magnesium.
See the original post:
Muscle Twitches All OVER - Neurology - MedHelp
Recommendation and review posted by G. Smith
