Vitamin D is essential in bone health as it’s a fat-soluble vitamin that enhances the absorption of calcium by bones. (Photo: Shutterstock)
A combination of magnesium and Vitamin D boosts bone health, immune function, cardiovascular health, and many other physiological processes.
Given the ever-increasing work pressure and deadlines, many of us deal with nutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies affect the body’s function and can be dangerous in the long run if ignored. As a result, taking additional supplements has become a popular option for meeting our nutrient needs. However, random intake of supplements can be dangerous. When it comes to supplements, it is important to have the right knowledge regarding what combination and what dose of supplements you must choose.
While both nutrients are essential for the body, magnesium activates Vitamin D ensuring a better effect. A combination of magnesium and Vitamin D boosts bone health, immune function, cardiovascular health, and many other physiological processes.
Dr Qi Dai, MD, a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center said, “Getting enough magnesium may maximise the effect of vitamin D and reduce the potential adverse effects of vitamin D,” as quoted by a blog by Everyday Health. He further stated that magnesium helps in the synthesis, transport and metabolism of Vitamin D.
Magnesium and Vitamin D work together optimising bone health
Vitamin D is essential in bone health as it’s a fat-soluble vitamin that enhances the absorption of calcium by bones. Vitamin D is produced by absorbing morning sunlight. However, it needs to go through a process in the liver and kidneys to be activated. This is where magnesium comes in. Magnesium acts as a cofactor in the enzymes responsible for these reactions. A deficiency in Vitamin D or its malabsorption can cause bones to become brittle leading to disorders like Osteopororsis.
Apart from converting Vitamin D to its active form, it aids in regulating the body’s Vitamin D levels. Without adequate magnesium, the body may struggle to utilise Vitamin D properly, leading to potential health risks.
The vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium through the intestines but without enough magnesium, the calcium will deposit within the soft tissues rather than not on the bones. This causes an imbalance increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. While Vitamin D ensures that calcium is absorbed into the bloodstream, magnesium ensures that the calcium is properly deposited in the bones and teeth.
Magnesium and Vitamin D work together to “prevent the risk” of Immune disorders
Apart from that, Vitamin D and magnesium also have a role in keeping the immune system robust. Vitamin D modifies the immune response, hence minimising infections as well as autoimmune diseases. Magnesium, on the other hand, prevents inflammation from turning into chronic and that might cause various diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetic and neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, the two nutrients work together to ensure a healthy immune system.
