Calcium/Magnesium for Muscle & Bone, Cardiovascular Health and Pregnancy

A combination of Calcium and Magnesium is a powerful combination, especially good to support bone, muscle and nerve problems but good for heart health too. Did you know that there are many different forms of these crucial minerals available, and many health-food shop and pharmacy purchased calcium and magnesium supplements are actually "cheap" forms and are poorly absorbed? Solgar's citrate form of calcium and magnesium is a well absorbed form for superior results especially in those with poor digestion. Citrate's oral absorption¹ is excellent as it is less dependent upon hydrochloric acid (stomach function) for absorption compared with the common magnesium oxide.

How do you know if you need calcium and magnesium supplementation instead of just calcium or magnesium by itself?  Good question, and one not commonly answered correctly by many in the retail nutritonal business.

My recommendations are for you to take Cal/Mag if you are concerned about your bones, muscles and nerves, and especially good if you want to support blood pressure or heart issues at the same time. It is not wise to take calcium unopposed ²(on its own, separate from magnesium) as research has found an increased risk of heart attack. Perhaps those whose heart attack risk increased also ate increased amounts of cheese and dairy products in general in an effort to boost their daily calcium intake? Interesting research has found that the countries with the highest dairy food intakes appear to not only have the highest rates of osteoporosis (it is true) but also heart disease. Do you own research online and I think you will be quite surprised to see that what I am saying is absolutely correct. Magnesium however is fine away from calcium. This is why I will NOT stock just calcium on its own as a supplement.
 But when do you take magnesium instead of Cal/Mag? Take Magnesium Citrate if stress is a key word with you, and then take Magnesium Citrate along with a good B-Complex.

Vitamin K

In terms of bone health, research has shown if you get adequate amounts of vitamin K (either through supplementation or through eating lots of dark, leafy greens like Kale, spinach and collards (preferably through your diet), you don't have as much of a problem with a build up calcium in your system. However, people who are taking blood thinners like Warfarin should consult a doctor before taking Vitamin K, as vitamin K acts as a blood thinner as well.

Lifestyle and Diet for Bone Health

I cannot stress enough that we need to make sure we're consuming a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits as well, preferably organically grown - but if you can't or won't then eat good quality commercially grown produce like 90% opf the population. Are you exercising a minimum of 30 minutes a day in addition to support healthy bones, muscles and nerves as well as your heart and lungs? If you're avoiding dairy, it's hard to get 1500 mg of calcium a day. You may find this hand-out rather useful: Non-Dairy Calcium Dietary Sources.

Dosage: As a food supplement for adults, 2-5 tablets daily - preferably at mealtime, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner .

Contains: a balanced 2:1 ratio of Calcium to Magnesium to maintain healthy calcium and magnesium levels in the body. These two essential minerals offer support for a healthy cardiovascular system, maintenance of strong bones and act as a muscle and nerve tonic.
The citrate form of these minerals is a well absorbed form for superior results especially in those with poor digestion.

Tableted with these natural ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, cellulose gum, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, vegetable glycerin.

Solgar Calcium Magnesium Citrate Features
- Cardiovascular function
- Muscle & nerve nutrients
- Bone health

Clinical Applications for Calcium - Magnesium:

Solgar's Calcium-Magnesium Citrate is especially suited for a patient needing the highest absorbent form of calcium and magnesium. The amino acid glycine is added to increase absorption of the calcium and magnesium, as well as for its sweet taste.
 
Clinical applications for Cal/Mag:

• Bone: Osteoporosis, fractures.
• Cardiovascular: Hypertension, congestive heart failure.
• Kidney-stone prevention: The magnesium and citric acid inhibit calcium oxalate crystillisation, helping to inhibit kidney stone formation.
• Musculoskeletal: Muscle cramps, osteoporosis, periodontal disease (gingivitis).
• Women: Pregnancy, or lactation.

See your health-care professional if symptoms persist.

1. Lindberg, J. S., et al.  bioavailability from citrate and oxide.  Journal of the American College of Nutrition.  9(1):48-55, 1990.

2. Calcium supplements and heart attack risk (Dr Norman Swan)
NZ research has found that older women taking calcium to protect their bones had a higher risk of heart attack.
29 01 2008 www.abc.net.au/health/minutes/stories/2008/01/29/2148719.htm