Magnesium levels have effect on Vitamin D: Study

Magnesium levels may have an effect in metabolising Vitamin D, says a recent study.

Researchers at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine found that Vitamin D can't be metabolised without sufficient magnesium levels.

The study is published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

"People are taking Vitamin D supplements but don't realise how it gets metabolised. Without magnesium, Vitamin D is not really useful or safe," said Razzaque, a researcher.

Researchers have explained that the consumption of Vitamin D supplements can increase a person's calcium and phosphate levels even if they remain Vitamin D deficient. People may suffer from vascular calcification if their magnesium levels aren't high enough to prevent the complication.

Patients with the right amount of magnesium levels require less Vitamin D supplementation to achieve sufficient Vitamin D levels. Magnesium also reduces osteoporosis, which helps to mitigate the risk of bone fracture that can be attributed to low levels of Vitamin D.

Deficiency in either of these nutrients is reported to be associated with various disorders, including skeletal deformities, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome.

While the recommended daily allowance for magnesium is 420 mg for males and 320 mg for females, the standard diet in the United States contains only about 50 per cent of that amount. Almost half of the total population is estimated to be consuming a magnesium-deficient diet.

Researchers have stated that the magnesium consumption from natural foods has decreased in the past few decades, owing to industrialised agriculture and changes in dietary habits. Magnesium status is low in populations who consume processed foods that are high in refined grains, fat, phosphate, and sugar.

"By consuming an optimal amount of magnesium, one may be able to lower the risks of Vitamin D deficiency, and reduce the dependency on Vitamin D supplements," noted Razzaque. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body after calcium, potassium, and sodium.