Researchers from Vanderbilt-Ingram Center have discovered in a randomized clinical trial that magnesium can optimize the levels of vitamin D in patients.
In a study, researchers reported that the intake of magnesium can raise the vitamin D status of patients suffering from deficiency and lower it in patients who have too much of the substance.
The study is part of an ongoing research into the link between vitamin D with colorectal cancer and other serious diseases.
Effects Of Magnesium To Vitamin D Status
"Vitamin D insufficiency is something that has been recognized as a potential health problem on a fairly large scale in the U.S.," said Martha Shrubsole, a research professor from Vanderbilt University. "A lot of people have received recommendations from their health care providers to take vitamin D supplements to increase their levels based upon their blood tests."
However, magnesium deficiency is also a real but under-recognized problem. According to Shrubsole, an estimated 80 percent of American adults do not get their recommended daily magnesium intake.
In a randomized trial, 250 people who are at risk of colorectal cancer based on their risk factors or had precancerous polyps removed in the past were assigned either magnesium doses or placebo based on their baseline dietary intake. Shrubsole clarified that the doses of magnesium used during the trial adhered to the recommended dietary allowance or RDA guidelines set by public health experts.
Qi Dai, Ingram Professor and the lead author of the study, explained that magnesium deficiency shuts down the synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D.
The curiosity of the researchers on the effects of magnesium when they did not see the level of vitamin D rise in some patients even when they were handed a higher dose of supplements. The research provides the first evidence of the role that magnesium plays in optimizing the levels of vitamin D.
Their findings were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The Role Of Magnesium
According to the National Institute of Health, magnesium regulates muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. An adult man should take around 400-420 mg of magnesium per day. Meanwhile, the daily recommended dosagen for women is 310-320 mg.
Magnesium can naturally be found in legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.
