Since magnesium works closely with calcium, it is important to have an appropriate ratio of both minerals in order for them to be effective. A good rule of thumb is a 2:1 calcium-to-magnesium ratio. For example, if you take 1000mg of calcium, you should also take 500mg of magnesium.
Magnesium and calcium in supplements should not be taken together because the absorption of the two minerals can cancel each other out. It is best if the minerals are taken at different times, for example, one mineral in the morning and one in the evening.
If you believe you might be deficient in magnesium, I suggest taking magnesium citrate alone (without any calcium) for one to three months. Some manufacturers are now producing these minerals together in a reverse ratio of two or three parts magnesium to one part calcium. I suggest this ratio for the longer term.
These findings suggest that calcium decreases magnesium absorption by a nonspecific reduction in membrane permeability to solutes that induce net water flow and are consistent with the concept that magnesium is transported by solvent "drag".
You can take vitamin D, calcium and magnesium together -- either in supplements or in food that contains all three nutrients (such as milk) -- but you don't have to. Adequate levels of vitamin D help your body absorb calcium, but the vitamin and mineral need not be taken at the same time.
Don't use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time. Also, these three minerals are easier on your tummy when you take them with food, so if your doctor recommends them, have them at different meals or snacks.
While you can take magnesium by itself (magnesium oil, for example), it is often manipulated into a chemical compound with other vitamins and minerals to make it able to absorbed more efficiently.
Phytates in the diet bind to magnesium and impair its absorption. However the quantities present in normal diet do not affect magnesium absorption. Other dietary factors that are thought to affect magnesium absorption are oxalate, phosphate, proteins, potassium and zinc.
Magnesium deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor may order the blood test if you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea and/or diarrhoea, or if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels.
To maximize your calcium and magnesium supplement benefits, aim to take them at least 2 hours apart.
Normally, the parathyroid glands release a hormone that increases blood calcium levels when they are low. Magnesium is required for the production and release of parathyroid hormone, so when magnesium is too low, insufficient parathyroid hormone is produced and blood calcium levels are also reduced (hypocalcemia).
Recommended Daily Intake of Magnesium And Calcium Tablets:
Adults and children over 12 years of age, three tablets daily, preferably with breakfast.
It is a good idea to take magnesium before bed because it can help you sleep. Because calcium and magnesium compete for absorption, they should not be consumed at the same time. Another reason that it is not good to take calcium at night is because vitamin D should be combined with complete meals.
For people who take calcium supplements and multivitamins, it's best to take them at different times of day. Calcium can affect how the body takes in the nutrients iron, zinc and magnesium. And don't take a calcium supplement at the same time as a meal that's high in iron.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with MAGNESIUM. Magnesium might slow blood clotting. Taking magnesium along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Magnesium will not help you lose belly fat. You can't spot reduce fat. However, magnesium has a positive correlation with weight loss.
Tips for improving magnesium absorption
reducing or avoiding calcium-rich foods two hours before or after eating magnesium-rich foods. avoiding high-dose zinc supplements. treating vitamin D deficiency. eating raw vegetables instead of cooking them.
Nassar says that taking a magnesium supplement every day likely isn't unsafe for most people. Just be sure you're not taking too much magnesium. The maximum dietary allowance for most adults is around 400 mg or less.
Magnesium for sleep
Some studies have found that magnesium supplements can: Make it easier to fall asleep. Improve sleep quality. Reduce symptoms of restless legs syndrome, which can interfere with a good night's sleep.
Magnesium glycinate -- Magnesium glycinate (magnesium bound with glycine, a non-essential amino acid) is one of the most bioavailable and absorbable forms of magnesium, and also the least likely to induce diarrhea. It is the safest option for correcting a long-term deficiency.