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.
Protein. Dietary protein intake may affect magnesium absorption. One study in adolescent boys found that magnesium absorption was directly related to protein intake, with magnesium absorption the lowest when protein intake was less than 30 g/day (5).
The use of chemicals, such as fluoride and chlorine, bind to magnesium, making the water supply low in the mineral, as well. Common substances — such as sugar and caffeine — deplete the body's magnesium levels.
Magnesium absorption increased linearly from 28-39 per cent intake with increasing dietary vitamin D. Urinary magnesium was not affected, thus magnesium retention also increased linearly as a function of vitamin D intake. Plasma calcium and magnesium were not altered by vitamin D.
Magnesium and calcium/multivitamin
But if you do take magnesium, Erin Stokes, ND, recommends not taking it at the same time as your multivitamin, as it may interfere with the absorption of smaller minerals found in the multivitamin, like iron and zinc.
Magnesium assists your body in regulating zinc levels, but high intakes of zinc can be detrimental to magnesium absorption – only abnormally high doses (around 142 mg of zinc per day) will reduce magnesium absorption.
How is magnesium deficiency diagnosed? 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.
Magnesium—just like calcium—is absorbed in the gut and stored in bone mineral, and excess magnesium is excreted by the kidneys and the faeces (Figure 4).
Regulation of magnesium homeostasis. Other nutrients can affect intestinal magnesium absorption. High levels of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and grains decrease fractional magnesium absorption [16].
Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and chronic diarrhea can impair the absorption of magnesium or result in increased magnesium loss.
Caffeine can interfere with the absorption of certain minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and iron, but the loss is minimal.
A high-saturated fat diet reduces magnesium absorption in the intestines. High sugar intake increases excretion of magnesium by the kidneys. Phosphates found in carbonated beverages such as dark-colored sodas bind magnesium, rendering it unusable by the body.
Although the functions of vitamin C and magnesium may not overlap like other nutrients, there's no harm in taking them simultaneously. With no known interactions, vitamin C and magnesium can safely be supplemented together.
Yes! You can and should take magnesium and vitamin D together. In fact, the bioavailability of vitamin D largely relies on magnesium. Also, many nutrients wouldn't work efficiently without magnesium, further highlighting the importance of this mineral!
Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia
Magnesium depletion typically occurs after diuretic use, sustained alcohol consumption, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Chronic magnesium deficiency is often associated with normal serum magnesium despite deficiency in cells and in bone; the response to oral supplementation is slow and may take up to 40 weeks to reach a steady state.
Taking high levels of zinc (142 milligrams a day and up) in supplement form may interfere with magnesium absorption. If you are taking zinc at extremely high doses due to medical issues, take the zinc several hours before or after taking a magnesium supplement.
They can work together, boosting and enhancing absorption, or sometimes work against each other, competing for absorption. Zinc and magnesium are synergistic minerals that work together when taken at the right dosages.
The relationship between calcium and magnesium
They are both dependent on each other for absorption and excretion. Magnesium plays a role in the transport of calcium (and potassium) ions across cell membranes. This is important for maintaining healthy processes related to nerves, muscles, and heart rhythm.
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.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. In addition, the magnesium in supplements can interact with some types of antibiotics and other medicines.
Magnesium and zinc
All minerals and vitamins need the proper conditions for your body to absorb them properly. When taken together, magnesium and zinc have mutual benefits. Magnesium helps your body regulate its zinc levels, while zinc does the job of allowing it to absorb magnesium more effectively.