Calcium, magnesium and thyroxine are all compounds found in your body. Calcium and magnesium are minerals that play a role in bone maintenance as well as other bodily systems. Thyroxine is one of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. All three substances are related in how they affect the body. Talk to your doctor before trying any new dietary supplement.
Calcium
Most people know that calcium is important for bone and tooth health. It has many more functions in the body, however, and plays a role in blood vessel constriction and relaxation, muscle and nerve function and hormonal secretion. Most of your calcium is stored in your bones. If you do not get adequate calcium in your diet, however, your body will take calcium from your bones to fuel your body's other calcium needs. This can lead to bone density loss. Most people need between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of calcium every day, either from food sources or supplements, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Magnesium
Magnesium is another mineral that plays a role in your bone and tooth health. In addition, all your organs need magnesium to function. Magnesium is in many grains and leafy green vegetables, though you can also take it in supplemental form. Most adults need between 270 mg and 400 mg of magnesium a day, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to these functions, magnesium plays a role in regulation of your body's calcium, and is commonly added to calcium supplements designed for bone health. When you add calcium carbonate to magnesium, you get an antacid, another acceptable source of calcium.
Thyroxine
The thyroid produces a few hormones, one of which is T4, thyroxine. In addition to its counterpart T3, triiodothyronine, thyroxine influences the way your body uses food fuels such as carbohydrates and fats. It also plays a role in protein production, and helps maintain both your heart rate and your core temperature. Too much thyroxine is associated with hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. One symptom of hyperthyroidism is bone density loss. While calcium and magnesium supplements will not cure hyperthyroidism, MayoClinic.com reports they can reduce your risk of osteoporosis associated with the disease.
Guidelines
Both calcium and magnesium are important for healthy bones, especially if you have a condition that may lead to bone density loss. Never take supplements without first talking to your doctor, however. Supplemental calcium and magnesium can cause unwanted side effects, including constipation or digestive upsets. Both calcium and magnesium can also inhibit antibiotic absorption, and magnesium may affect blood pressure medications. Before trying calcium or magnesium supplements, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
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