Calcium and Magnesium
The information presented is based on Cellular trace mineral analysis - not Serum / Blood measurements.
RDA / DRI, synergists, antagonists, side effects, and additional deficiency / overdose / toxicity symptoms are listed on Page 2.
Both elements share left / right-sided cell receptors and are essential to human health. Calcium (Ca) and
Magnesium (Mg) have become the "Gold Standard" when discussing nutritional supplements, mineral ratios,
paired cell receptors, or many nutrition-related health issues in general. [For detailed information on the
Calcium is now the most promoted nutrient by proponents of conventional, nutritional, as well as alternative
medicine - yet at the same time, the assumed need is based purely on the speculation that the body's dietary
calcium intake is well below its requirements.
Of the approximately 1,000 g of calcium in the average 70 kg adult body, almost 98% is found in bone, 1% in
teeth, and the rest is found in blood, extracellular fluids, and within cells where it is a co-factor for a number
of enzymes. Calcium promotes blood clotting by activating the protein fibrin, and along with magnesium
helps to regulate the heart beat, muscle tone, muscle contraction and nerve conduction.
Parathyroid hormone (PHT) secreted by the parathyroid gland and calcitonin secreted by the thyroid gland
maintain serum calcium levels at a range of between 8.5 to 10.5, whereby calcium is mobilized from bone
reserves, and intestinal absorption of calcium is increased as needed. The parathormone can also affect
renal functions to retain more calcium. When blood calcium does up from too much parathyroid activity,
calcitonin reduces availability of calcium from bone.
The calcium to phosphorus ratio in bone is about 2.5 :1, while the ideal dietary phosphorus / calcium ratio
is estimated to be about 1 :1. Many dietary factors reduce calcium uptake, such as foods high in oxalic acid
(spinach, rhubarb, beets, chocolate), which can interfere with calcium absorption by forming insoluble salts in
the gut. Phytic acid, or phytates found in whole grain products, fiber-rich foods, excess caffeine from coffee,
colas, tea..., as well as certain medications may all reduce the absorption of calcium and other minerals, or
leach calcium from bone. Normal intake of protein, fats, and acidic foods help calcium absorption, however
high levels of these same sources increase calcium loss.
Chronic calcium deficiency is associated with some forms of hypertension, prostate and colorectal cancer,
some types of kidney stones, miscarriage, birth (heart) defects in children when the mother is deficient in
calcium during pregnancy, menstrual and premenstrual problems, various bone, joint and periodontal diseases,
sleep disturbances, mental health / depressive disorders, cardiovascular and/or hemorrhagic diseases, and
Elevated calcium levels are associated with arthritic / joint and vascular degeneration, calcification of
soft tissue, hypertension and stroke, an increase in VLDL triglycerides, gastrointestinal disturbances, mood
and depressive disorders, chronic fatigue, increased alkalinity, and general mineral imbalances. High calcium
levels interfere with Vitamin D and subsequently inhibit the vitamin's cancer-protective effect unless extra
amounts of Vitamin D are supplemented.
Magnesium: There are about 19 g of Mg in the average 70 kg adult body, of which approximately 65% is
found in bone and teeth, and the rest is distributed between the blood, body fluids, organs and other tissue.
Magnesium is involved in the synthesis of protein, and it is an important co-factor in more than 300 enzymatic
reactions in the human body, many of which contribute to the production of energy, and with cardiovascular
functions. While calcium affects muscle contractions, magnesium balances that effect and relaxes muscles.
Most of magnesium is inside the cell, and while iron is the central atom in hemoglobin, magnesium is the
central core of the chlorophyll molecule in plant tissue.
Although the process of absorption for magnesium is similar to that of calcium, some people absorb or retain
much more magnesium than calcium (or more calcium than magnesium), so the commonly suggested intake
ratio of 2 :1 for calcium and magnesium is really an arbitrary value that can change significantly under various
individual circumstances. (for details see "Mineral Ratios for Calcium, Magnesium and other Elements").
Low magnesium levels can be a causative, contributing, or aggravating factor with kidney stones (usual
recommendations for prevention are 400mg of magnesium oxide and 50mg of Vitamin B6 daily), high blood
pressure, mitral valve prolapse (MVP), arrhythmia, tachycardia, coronary artery spasm and other types of
heart problems, menstrual cramps or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), insomnia, anxieties, (pre)eclampsia -
particularly when too much iron and not enough folic acid was taken during pregnancy, chronic constipation,
tetany (sustained contractions, convulsions), hyperactivity (i.e. with children), and others (more on Page 2).
However, frequent and excessive use of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) or antacid remedies such as Milk
of Magnesia can eventually trigger a number of medical problems resulting from other minerals such as iron,
calcium, sodium, or potassium getting out of balance. This is more prevalent with kidney diseases and may
include severe fatigue, depression, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, dizziness, muscular / joint
problems, diarrhea, dehydration / dry skin, and cardiovascular disease.
Serum Calcium may change with kidney, or parathyroid diseases, but it doesn't change with higher or lower
dietary calcium intake, subsequently it cannot be used as a deficiency or excess indicator -- the body simply
makes up any additional Ca requirements from bone reserves. Other methods to assess someone's calcium
status include a 24-hour urine collection (not accurate at all), or a bone scan. The latter doesn't measure
calcium specifically, but assesses overall bone density, which reflects the total content of all other minerals
present in bone as well.
In other words - there is no routine, mainstream test available that will accurately assess a patient's individual
requirements for calcium, magnesium, and most other essential trace minerals outside of using intracellular
measurements, for which Digital Fluorescence Imaging, or Acu-Cell Analysis can be used. However,
changes in serum calcium do provide important information about various hormonal or organic disturbances,
including excessive Vitamin D status, or the possible presence of cancer4 with elevated serum calcium levels.
Calcium and magnesium belong to a group of "parasympathetic" elements (which includes chromium and
copper), that exhibit anti-inflammatory or degenerative properties at higher amounts, in contrast to elements
such as potassium, zinc, manganese, or iron, which are pro-inflammatory when high:
inflammatory degenerative
<------------------------- Ca, Mg, Cu, Cr ------------------------>
low amounts high amounts
degenerative inflammatory
<------------------------- K, Fe, Mn, Zn ------------------------>
low amounts high amounts
An interesting aspect about these trace minerals is the similarity of medical conditions that result from both,
excessive, or deficient levels. For instance, low calcium or low copper levels increase the risk for vascular
(cerebral) hemorrhage, while high levels of Ca and Cu promote vascular degeneration (arteriosclerosis).
With arthritis, low calcium or low copper levels cause inflammatory types of joint disease, while high levels
cause degenerative (osteo-arthritic) joint damage.
Depression can be related to high and low levels of calcium and/or magnesium also, with low levels being
oftentimes associated with anxieties as well. After comparing the backgrounds of patients who required very
high doses (4,000+mg) of calcium a day - just to reach near normal levels, it turned out that a high percent-
age had a history of benzodiazepine (tranquilizers / sedatives) use.
These drugs either affected their body's ability to properly utilize calcium and/or magnesium, or these mineral
levels in those patients had already been very deficient before taking any medications - resulting in insomnia,
anxieties, or similar symptoms, and resulting in drugs (benzodiazepines) being prescribed instead of having
the real cause (calcium and/or magnesium deficiencies) corrected. Unfortunately, this type of symptomatic
drug therapy continues to be a trademark of modern medicine.
Osteoporosis can result from both, low and high levels of calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, silicon,
fluoride, chromium, (and Vitamin D), but mostly as a result of their improper ratios to one another. There are
just as many patients with excessive, as with deficient calcium levels, whereby the treatment chiefly consists
of having them supplement whichever co-factors are low in ratio to calcium, which may include manganese,
phosphorus (protein), magnesium, zinc, Vitamin C..., or the use of acid-raising digestive aids to increase
Random intake of high amounts of calcium for the prevention of osteoporosis can be bad news for a person's
cardiovascular system, since it is frequently promoted without any individual assessment to establish that it
is indeed calcium which is needed, and not any of several co-factors that help absorption of calcium into bone.
As mentioned already, the foremost task when dealing with mineral-related medical conditions, is to correct
their ratios. Deficiency symptoms - particularly those involving calcium and copper - can still take place
despite their levels being above-normal, when either associated, or interactive elements are even higher yet.
Vitamin K fulfills an important role in the utilization of calcium and prevention of osteoporosis through its
effect on osteocalcin, which helps maintain calcium in bone, but at the same time keeps it out of soft tissue.
While Vitamin D helps in the synthesis of osteocalcin, Vit K is required for it to function properly.
Research has shown that both, Vitamin K and Vitamin E help reduce calcification of arteries, however Vit K
(ideally in the form of Vit K2) was additionally able to slow calcium loss in those with a tendency to lose it,
and it better helped maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis than Vitamin D and synthetic estrogen.
Individuals who exhibit below-normal calcium or magnesium levels get away with more atherogenic (junk)
diets compared to those with normal or higher levels, and I always point out to patients that once their
calcium or magnesium levels are raised, they will have to watch their sugar and (trans) fat intake more.
The reasons are very simple:
VLDL Triglycerides
SC, MC & LC Triglycerides
Total Triglycerides
Phosphorus
LDL Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
Total Cholesterol
Sodium
For the above reasons, calcium and magnesium, at higher amounts, exhibit atherogenic properties. They
also lower phosphorus and sodium respectively, which, if lowered too much, will have an additive effect of low
phosphorus independently raising VLDL triglycerides, and low sodium independently raising LDL cholesterol.
This degenerative effect produced by high levels of calcium and magnesium generally takes place over a
number of years - not just in a few months.
Short-term studies have demonstrated that magnesium may reverse atherosclerosis, however, while this
may be true initially, it can have the exact opposite (LDL-promoting) effect in the long run. This is why it
is so important to compare and evaluate nutritional studies by the use of identical amounts and types of
nutrients, the same testing methods, and also similar lengths of trials. Obviously, human and animal study
results are not always interchangeable either.
High concentrations of magnesium have been shown to have antithrombotic action, and to inhibit platelet
aggregation and adhesion in vitro, while intravenous magnesium is known to inhibit platelet function in vivo,
additive to Aspirin, so the antiplatelet effect of intravenously administered magnesium might be of benefit to
those with acute coronary syndromes when given before the development of an occlusive thrombotic clot.
However, Myocardial Infarctions (heart attacks) can still take place either despite of, or because of long-
term intake of high oral doses of magnesium by promoting atherogenic (fatty) deposits if intracellular levels
of magnesium have gone excessively high, and sodium levels have gone excessively low.
To help boost calcium levels in individuals with chronically low calcium absorption, supplementing Vitamin B5
(pantothenic acid) can be helpful in inhibiting the antagonistic action of phosphorus (if high), while taking
extra Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) will increase magnesium uptake by inhibiting sodium and iron. A Magnesium and
Vitamin B2 combination can be effective in relieving one-sided migraines if caused by elevated iron or sodium.
Titanium implants support calcium, but not magnesium retention.
High amounts of Vitamin B6 will also increase magnesium retention, although this only takes place following
long-term oral supplementation, while regular Vitamin B6 injections will quickly result in a high magnesium /
low calcium ratio. If not matched to a patient's requirements (which happens frequently when Vitamin B6 +
Vitamin B12 injections are given at Weight Loss Clinics), a severe calcium deficiency develops. This by
itself - or when aggravated by an overstimulated thyroid from the regular Vitamin B6 + B12 shots - can result
in insomnia, heart palpitations, chest pains, anxieties, depression, mood swings, joint / muscle pains, and
In low sodium types, regular intake of higher doses of Vitamin B6 creates a somewhat different picture,
where the raising effect on magnesium will also result in an increasingly higher magnesium / calcium ratio,
however in addition to lowering lithium and eventually calcium levels, an abnormally high retention of Mg will
result in dramatically lower sodium and silicon, but increased phosphorus levels. Common long-term effects
include spinal degeneration at T1 (with right-sided symptoms in the upper back / shoulder area) and at L2,
along with general osteo-arthritic changes in various joints. As a result, Vitamin B6 therapy should only be
used for someone with an otherwise difficult-to-manage low magnesium / high calcium ratio (where Ca is
always high, and Mg is always low).
In low calcium situations and a disposition for high stomach acid, supplementing larger amounts of Vitamin C
can be a problem not only for those with a sensitive stomach, but also for calcium uptake since too much acid
results in calcium loss. While some types of 'Buffered C' such as Calcium Ascorbate help in milder cases,
Sodium Ascorbate would be another option in more severe cases, provided there is no sodium sensitivity,
or a history of kidney disease.
Boron supplementation may be a consideration for individuals with chronically low calcium and magnesium
levels, however since boron inhibits manganese, it is best suited for those with congestive liver disease who
generally exhibit higher manganese levels (manganese inhibits calcium and magnesium), but not for those
whose manganese levels are already on the low side.
Vitamin D assists intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Excessive intake of Vit D
will result in above-normal serum calcium levels, and calcium loss from bone. So while supplementing larger
amounts of Vitamin D may protect from several types of cancer or be indicated with some neurodegenerative
conditions such as multiple sclerosis, excessive amounts (long-term) unfortunately also lead to osteoporosis
and calcification of arteries and other soft tissue.
Contrary to the claims of uninformed sources, Low Stomach Acid does not pose a problem with calcium
absorption, as even patients with no acid production (achlorhydria) are able to absorb calcium regardless of
whether it comes in the form of calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, or milk.
However low stomach acid affects the proper utilization of calcium, frequently resulting in calcium being
deposited into soft tissue instead of bone, which as mentioned, increases the risk for developing arthritis,
spurs, bone loss, cerebral and cardiovascular calcification, as well as other physical and mental disorders.
High Stomach Acid is of equal concern since it will frequently result in calcium and/or magnesium loss.
However, by lowering acid levels, high calcium and/or magnesium intake can have a significant impact on
medical conditions that are already affected by abnormally low stomach acid levels. For instance, if infected
with Helicobacter Pylori, the bacteria is always more active under low acid conditions, while long-term
infections with H. Pylori, or salt-restricted diets can at times reduce stomach acid levels enough to affect or
impair Vitamin B12 uptake.
As a result, the best forms of calcium may be chosen based on an individual's tendency for low stomach acid
or constipation, for which Calcium citrate is usually better suited, in contrast to a tendency for softer stools
or high stomach acid, for which Calcium carbonate or Calcium oxide may be a better choice.
Some companies promote "Krebs Cycle" intermediates, consisting of calcium carbonate, citrate, malate,
fumarate, glutarate, and succinate, however when comparing their 650 mg tabs to standard 500 mg calcium
carbonate tabs, I found the absorption of calcium carbonate tablets somewhat superior for those with normal
stomach acid levels. In contrast to calcium carbonate, these so-called krebs cycle calcium formulations may
also be less tolerated by those suffering from allergies, or a faulty immune system.
Acid production in the upper area of the stomach can vary from the lower area of the stomach a result of their
neurological disassociation, consequently spinal alignment problems at T12 can trigger acid-related stomach
disturbances that won't respond to either acid-raising or acid-lowering remedies. Only spinal manipulation, or
choosing the right minerals according to their acid-raising / lowering, or upper / lower association will resolve
these types of conditions. High stomach acid can in the long run lower calcium and/or magnesium levels
enough to cause chronic insomnia, or an inability to reach deep sleep levels 4 to 5, which are more difficult
to achieve with low calcium levels, and commonly results in chronic daytime fatigue.
Most people confuse Heartburn with high stomach acid levels. However, the discomfort is generally due to
acid getting into the esophagus, which does not have the acid-protective mucous coating of the stomach, so
it is basically a structural (reflux) problem.
Or, 'heartburn' is due to low stomach acid levels, which develops after meals and results in bloating, nausea,
and/or frequent burping, and which generally responds to acidic remedies such as apple cider vinegar, lemon
or lime water, or acid-raising formulations containing betaine, pepsin, and glutamic acid. Bromelain can be
considered for gastritis-related heartburn, where acid-raising supplements are contraindicated.
Other than the potential to cause indigestion, bloating, or malabsorption of essential nutrients (Vitamin B12),
long-term low stomach acid situations are a risk factor in the development of several types of cancer. This
in itself calls for prudence when enticed by the media - or even by a medical practitioner - to supplement large
amounts of calcium or magnesium, without a proper analysis to substantiate that such action is warranted. ¤
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From over 35 years of patient feedback, and from monitoring the absorption of various types of calcium (and
other minerals), if tolerance is an issue, I have found Chelated Calcium to be the most consistently tolerated,
while at the same time needing the least amount of supplementation to meet patient requirements.
Nutritional texts stating that "Calcium is best taken between meals, or without foods, when the stomach is
more acidic" were written at a time when research findings were based on the older urinary increment tests,
but have long since proven invalid. Scientific studies done with Radioisotope Analysis,5 or intracellular tests
such as Acu-Cell Analysis show that most types of calcium fall into the same 30 - 40% absorption range,
regardless of solubility:
31% for calcium from milk,
32% for calcium acetate (most soluble form)' 25% elemental,
32% for calcium lactate 13% elemental,
27% for calcium gluconate 9.3% elemental,
30% for calcium citrate 21% elemental,
39% for calcium carbonate (least soluble form)' 40% elemental,
The range of absorption narrows further and increases percentage-wise when calcium is taken in smaller
doses of 300 mg - 500 mg throughout the day (as needed), which is particularly helpful for people who are
not able to absorb higher amounts (1,000+mg) of calcium in a single meal. However the largest single dose
of the day is best taken in the evening, as calcium requirements are greatest during sleep, hence deficiency
symptoms such as nocturnal leg cramps or insomnia.
When supplemented with food, overall uptake of all types of calcium is up to 30% greater, and absorption
between calcium citrate and calcium carbonate for instance becomes virtually identical. Inconsistencies are
found only when calcium is supplemented in different forms, such as tablets versus gelatin capsules, where
the gelatin itself may not dissolve properly in a low acid environment.
For details or reasons why Coral Calcium and AdvaCAL Calcium are not recommended, see "Diets & MLM."
* * *
Stomach acid levels not only affect the absorption of Calcium & Magnesium (and vice versa), but also Iron &
Manganese (and vice versa), however both mineral pairs interact in opposite directions: Higher acid levels in
the upper portion of the stomach support iron uptake, but result in calcium loss, while higher acid levels in the
lower portion of the stomach support manganese uptake, but result in magnesium loss.
The effect of acid production in the upper portion of the stomach on magnesium and manganese, and that of
the lower portion of the stomach on calcium and iron, is negligible unless here is a significant conflict with a
patient's Ca/Mn or Fe/Mg ratio, or acid-lowering drugs are used, such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (Nexium,
Losec...), which - as expected - will raise magnesium levels following a reduction of acid in the lower portion
of the stomach, however the effect of these drugs on liver functions will result in excessive manganese levels.
Calcium raises:
Calcium lowers:
Calcium lowers:
Calcium lowers:
Magnesium raises:
Magnesium lowers:
Magnesium lowers:
Magnesium lowers:
Page 1
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General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid stomach problems and improve tolerance,
supplements should be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When taken on an empty stomach or
after a meal, there is a greater risk of some tablets causing irritation, or eventually erosion of the esophageal
sphincter, resulting in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is also advisable not to lie down right after
taking pills. When taking a large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is better to split it up into smaller doses
to not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.
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Updated: 15. Jan. 2012