Magnesium Oxide & Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition affecting the bones and joints that can develop as people age. Bone structure is constantly being renewed, but as people age their bones slowly lose the ability to renew as efficiently as before. Without the correct nutrients, bone structure can suffer and become weakened, leading to easier breaking of bones and painful conditions such as arthritis. Some mineral supplements can help prevent osteoporosis.

Magnesium

• Magnesium is a common mineral that the human digestive system needs in order to metabolize many different kinds of carbohydrates and fats. It is involved in the synthesis of many vital compounds, and can help increase overall health if a diet is already low in magnesium. The mineral also helps to promote bone density and growth. Processed foods tend to have very little magnesium, reports Spine Universe.

Relation to Other Minerals

• When it comes to bone structure, calcium is the most important mineral. The body uses it most often to rebuild cells and keep bones strong. However, the body needs magnesium to help move the calcium from place to place and use it effectively in the bones. This means that calcium will not be as effective without the presence of magnesium.

Preventive Measure

• Osteoporosis is difficult to treat, and most doctors recommend supplements in order to keep bones as healthy as possible. The best treatment for osteoporosis is preventive action during the years when osteoporosis tends to first develop, around 45 to 50 (although symptoms may show many years later). Doctors recommend a 2:1 ratio, so whatever calcium supplements you take should include half as much magnesium, according to Spine Universe. Magnesium oxide is designed to be absorbed by the bloodstream more easily.

Foods

• Some foods are naturally rich in magnesium, and eating them helps to raise the body's levels of magnesium to promote bone health. Most seeds are good sources of magnesium, including nuts, smaller seeds like sunflower seeds, and legumes . Spine Universe and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements confirm that brown rice and grains also have moderate levels of magnesium. Dark green vegetables are also good sources.

Supplements

• If magnesium levels are low because of diet, you can take magnesium supplements to help improve bone health. These supplements are typically some form of chelated magnesium that has been combined with another compound to aid absorption into the body. Magnesium glycinate and magnesium aspartate are both common, but magnesium oxide is also taken. The supplement also works to treat heartburn, and is designed to dissolve easily in the digestive system, according to Drugs.com. Research laboratories such as those located at Oregon State University assert that more testing is necessary to ascertain the benefits of magnesium supplements.