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Magnesium-Calcium Relationship

Getting enough calcium is important for strong bones, teeth and even heart health. When individuals look for calcium supplements, they may notice that many of them contain a combination of magnesium and calcium. However, health-conscience individuals may not know about the magnesium-calcium relationship, namely, how these minerals, although opposites, work together to maintain balance in the body.

  1. Calcium Equilibrium

    • Magnesium works as a mechanism in the body that helps calcium levels stay steady in the body by producing the necessary hormone to assist the mineral.

    Distribution of Calcium

    • The magnesium-calcium relationship works together to increase the distribution of calcium across cell membranes while fighting to restrict calcium's access to myosin, the protein that helps muscles contract.

    Blood Coagulation

    • The magnesium-calcium relationship can be compared to a tug of war. When it comes to thickening the blood, calcium supports this process while magnesium blocks it. In the end, their opposition actually helps with blood coagulation.

    Magnesium-Calcium Ratio

    • The magnesium-calcium ratio should be 1 to 2, meaning that individuals should take 750 mg of magnesium to 1,500 mg of calcium. This keeps the body from having an imbalance because of a magnesium deficiency.

    Kidney Stones

    • If the magnesium-calcium ratio is not balanced, individuals are more likely to get kidney stones.

    Absorption

    • As mentioned earlier, the magnesium-calcium relationship is antagonistic although their opposing functions help balance the body. Thus, it is better to take these minerals at different times so that each can be absorbed better.

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