Magnesium and Vitamin D

A review published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) cannot be metabolized without sufficient magnesium levels.  The study co-author Mohammed S. Razzaque MBBS, PhD, a professor of pathology at America’s Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine explains “The consumption of Vitamin D supplements can increase a person’s calcium and phosphate levels even if they remain Vitamin D deficient.  The problem is people may suffer from vascular calcification if their magnesium levels aren’t high enough to prevent the complication.  Patients with optimum magnesium levels require less Vitamin D supplementation to achieve sufficient Vitamin D levels.  Magnesium also reduces osteoporosis, helping to mitigate the risk of bone fracture that can be attributed to low levels of Vitamin D. “

NOTE:  Foods high in magnesium include, almonds, bananas, beans, broccoli, brown rice, cashews, mushrooms, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and green vegetables.