In my opinion, although calcium is obviously a very necessary element, in many cases calcium supplements are promoted with disregard to the fact that many people's intake of magnesium is extremely low. It is a situation where the promotion of calcium can lead to a calcium/magnesium ratio that is out of balance, i.e. calcium is too high. If calcium levels become too high in relation to magnesium, symptoms of excess calcium or more correctly 'calcium out of solution 'will occur. Symptoms such as bony growths, hardening of the arteries or other cardiac damage.. leading to defective eyesight and hearing, gouty symptoms, arthritic symptoms and the possibilty of urinary calculi.
People taking calcium supplements often have digestive problems due to the fact that calcium is very alkaline and if taken at meal time will effectively counteract the stomach acids that are necessary for digestion. To prevent these problems occurring, calcium should always be taken in conjunction with magnesium and taken away from meal times.
Adding vitamin B6 as an additional supplement helps improve the uptake of magnesium and is often included in good quality products. Keep in mind that an increase in stress levels will greatly increase the body's demand for magnesium, as will diabetes and high blood pressure. Higher magnesium intake is associated with a higher bone mineral density in both men and women. If magnesium levels become too low symptoms such as headaches, migraines, premenstrual tension, irregular heart rhythm, muscle twitches, cramps and tremors, depression, irritability, apprehensiveness, lack of co-ordination etc. can occur. To check calcium / magnesium ratios, the best method I know of is to get a hair analysis done. This will show all your minerals levels plus some laboratories will give a list of relevant ratios and details on how to correct them if necessary. See a naturopath to arrange for this to be done. Blood tests, on the other hand, are usually taken for serum magnesium levels and deficiency may go unnoticed as the bulk of magnesium storage occurs within the cells.
To quote Walter Last, 'Magnesium is nothing short of a miracle mineral in its healing effect on a wide range of diseases as well as its ability to rejuvenate the aging body.' It is known to be essential for many enzyme reactions, for the health of the brain and nervous system and also for healthy teeth and bones. It is also a very good infection fighter and as well as the conditions listed above it can be greatly beneficial in treating disease of the digestive tract, Parkinson's disease, acne, eczema, psoriasis, impotence, cerebral and circulatory problems, hay-fever, asthma and anaphylactic reactions. The calming effect is well known, so magnesium will help promote sleep and calm any nervous condition. This includes Epilepsy, where it has been found that there are abnormally low levels of magnesium in the blood, brain and spinal fluid.
Keep in mind that children can also suffer from low magnesium levels. I read a study once that showed that out of 130 children with 'nervous' complaints related to school and/or psychological stresses, 16% had hypomagnesmia and 41.5% had hypercalcaemia. 62% improved with oral magnesium supplementation. In another, out of 842 children with latent tetany (muscle spasm) and respiratory problems, 56% improved with magnesium supplementation and a further 32% partially improved. Worth noting as these problems are very common in children.
Epidemiological studies have confirmed that regions with magnesium rich soils had less cancer than those with low magnesium levels.
Also a warning. often the promotion of calcium supplements to women by various health organisations, disregards the chronic low in take of magnesium of much of the Australian and NZ populations. Probably the safest way to supplement with any mineral is to take it in the form of Colloidal minerals as in this way all minerals are supplies in conjunction with all trace elements and therefore will attain their own balance.
See page on 'Minerals - facts' and 'Minerals - why we need to supplement'.
Also remember that calcium can be obtained from many food sources, not just dairy products. Foods such as the following contain good levels: Sea foods, seaweeds, kelp, sesame seeds, tahini, almonds, brazil and hazel nut,watercress, fresh greens, parsley, figs, black treacle,tofu, goats and sheep milk, chick peas, soy and kidney beans.
