Does Calcium Need Magnesium & Zinc In Order To Work?

Calcium is a necessary dietary mineral most notable as the primary constituent of bones and teeth. However, calcium is essential for several bodily functions as well as general maintenance; not only does calcium enable muscles to expand and contract and the endocrine system to function, but it also supports nervous system functioning. However, the body is not able to use calcium for any purpose unless other nutrients are present. These nutrients are called cofactors.

Cofactor

Some nutrients, like vitamin C, technically do not require ingestion with other chemicals or elements to enable necessary functions. However, others, like calcium, require one or more cofactors. Certain vitamins and nutrients must be present for the body to absorb calcium into the bones and regulate its saturation in the bloodstream. Without these cofactors, the calcium you ingest may not be absorbed or may become harmful following absorption.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor of calcium. Specifically, magnesium enables the body to store calcium; or, as described by Beth Ley in "Calcium: The Facts," it acts as gatekeeper for the bones. The good news is that magnesium and calcium easily act in tandem, as they are present in similar foods. For example, magnesium is in fruits like bananas, apricots and avocados, all of which contain calcium. Therefore, it isn't necessary to concentrate on both nutrients separately to maintain the proper balance in your diet.

Moreover, magnesium performs functions similar to calcium, including muscle contraction and relaxation as well as endocrine function. It also performs several functions exclusive of calcium, including energy production and transport as well as protein synthesis.

Zinc

Zinc is dissimilar to calcium. While calcium is a macronutrient that appears throughout the body, zinc is a micronutrient that the body requires only in trace amounts. In fact, zinc in large doses can be toxic. Appropriately, zinc is not a cofactor of calcium, as it does not affect the activity of calcium in the body. On the other hand, calcium can hinder zinc absorption. Regular calcium supplementation can actually deplete zinc levels enough to cause a deficiency.

Other Calcium Cofactors

Other than magnesium, calcium requires vitamins A, D and C as well as potassium to function properly. Vitamin A is akin to calcium, in that it helps maintain teeth and bones, but it also contributes to soft tissue, skin and mucous membranes. However, a study in the "Journal of Bone and Mineral Research" demonstrates that vitamin A actually inhibits the body's response to calcium in the presence of vitamin D, which the body requires for calcium absorption. The effect is severe enough that those with a diet high in vitamin A are at significant risk for developing osteopenia.

The body requires vitamin D to absorb calcium because it uses vitamin D to synthesize the hormone calcitriol, or "active vitamin D." Calcitriol signals bone tissue to absorb calcium. Accordingly, vitamin D is so essential to the absorption of calcium that a deficiency can result in osteopenia or osteoporosis, despite a diet exceedingly high in calcium.

Vitamin C aids in the absorption of calcium when body tissue and teeth require maintenance. Potassium helps regulate blood calcium levels. You garner the most benefit from calcium supplements when you take them during meals.