Calcium & Magnesium In Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone condition characterized by reduced bone density associated with deterioration of bone mass and structure. As this condition progresses, skeletal weakness and fractures, especially in the spine, wrist and hip, may occur. Bone density loss develops gradually and therefore there are no symptoms initially, while later back pain may become manifest. Calcium and magnesium are two minerals that can help improve symptoms of osteoporosis, and the proper dosage should be recommended by a qualified medical professional.

Essential Minerals & Osteoporosis

According to the Merck Manual there are around 8 million women and 2 million men in the United States who suffer with osteoporosis. Bone density testing and dual-energy X-ray (DEXA) are used to confirm the diagnosis of osteoporosis. DEXA also helps to evaluate your response to treatment, which typically involves calcium and vitamin D supplementation, diet, exercise and drug therapy. While calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for this condition, the correct balance of magnesium, boron, potassium and vitamins such as C, D, E and K plays an important role in decreasing the risk or reducing symptoms of osteoporosis.

Calcium

The National Osteoporosis Foundation suggests that most American adults do not consume adequate calcium from their foods on a daily basis. Among other health benefits, calcium is necessary to build and maintain strong bones. If you do not get enough calcium from the diet or supplementation, the body takes calcium from the bones, resulting in conditions such as osteoporosis.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another mineral important in bone density. It is involved in parathyroid hormone production and the activation of vitamin D, both of which influence calcium metabolism and absorption. A study conducted by G. Stendig-Lidberg and colleagues, published in the June 1993 issue of Magnesium Research, found that supplementation with magnesium was beneficial for osteoporosis sufferers. In this case, 31 women suffering from osteoporosis with documented deficiency in magnesium were given a magnesium-based supplement. After one year 71 percent of the subjects had increased bone density by up to 8 percent, and the improvement remained unchanged for two years. The subjects from the control group, who did not receive supplements with magnesium, had a significantly decreased bone density

Dosage

Dr. James Balch, M.D., and coauthor of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," recommends taking between 500 and 600 milligrams of calcium daily, and that users choose well-absorbed forms of calcium such as citrate, citrate-malate, chelate lactate or hydroxyapatite. He also recommends daily supplementation with between 250 and 350 milligrams of magnesium.

Considerations

To find out optimal doses, drug interactions and possible side effects it is recommended that you seek professional medical advice when talking calcium and magnesium supplements, especially when other conditions such as prostate cancer, hyperparathyroidism and kidney diseases are associated with osteoporosis.