Calcium is a mineral required by your body to prevent osteoporosis, or reduced bone density. Your body requires other substances such as magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins D and K to properly absorb calcium. The proper regulation of calcium depends not only on your kidneys but also on your bones and gastrointestinal tract. According to Reginald C. Tsang in his book, "Calcium and Magnesium Metabolism in Early Life," hormonal control of this absorptive process is the major means for regulating your total-body calcium balance.
Some History
The way most individuals eat today differs from the way in which their ancestors ate. Your ancestors typically had diets rich in magnesium and low in calcium. The human body can store calcium effectively, but not magnesium. Your ancestors found abundant amounts of magnesium in nuts, seeds, grains and vegetables and, therefore, did not need to store magnesium. Today, your body continues to work in a similar manner, retaining calcium but not magnesium. However, according to "The Magnesium Miracle," today most diets contain more calcium than magnesium.
Magnesium and Calcium
Your body requires magnesium to convert vitamin D to its biologically active form. The major action of vitamin D is to stimulate your intestinal calcium absorption. According to "User's Guide to Calcium and Magnesium: Learn What You Need to Know About How These Nutrients Build Strong Bones," when you have low levels of magnesium in your body, calcium can be deposited in your soft tissues, causing arthritis. Additionally, as calcium accumulates in your soft tissues, your bones will suffer from the lack of this mineral. Magnesium balances your hormonal control of calcium absorption.
The Calcium-Magnesium Hormonal Balance
According to Tsang in his aformentioned book, high levels of calcium in your blood increase the secretion of the hormone calcitonin and suppress the parathyroid hormone. The calcitonin and parathyroid hormones help to regulate calcium in your bones and soft tissues. The parathyroid hormone takes calcium from your bones and deposits it in your soft tissues. Calcitonin, on the other hand, does the opposite. Magnesium lowers the levels of the parathyroid hormone and increases the levels of the calcitonin hormone.
Evidence
A lack of balance between calcium and magnesium can lead to several medical conditions. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," the most common conditions associated with calcium and magnesium imbalance are osteoporosis and arthritis. Additionally, you can help prevent premenstrual syndrome by having an adequate intake of magnesium because this mineral has the ability to relax muscles. According to "The Magnesium Miracle," women often crave chocolate during the premenstrual days. Chocolate foods are very high in magnesium, and these cravings may indicate that you have a magnesium deficiency in your body.
References
- "The Magnesium Miracle"; Carolyn Dean; 2006
- "Calcium and Magnesium Metabolism in Early Life"; Reginald C. Tsang; 1995
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper et al; 2004
- "User's Guide to Calcium and Magnesium: Learn What You Need to Know About How These Nutrients Build Strong Bones"; Nan Kathryn Fuchs; 2002
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