Posted by Enrique Geiger (209.246.83.197) on August 19, 2000 at 11:30:25:
In Reply to: calcium vs magnesium posted by pinksharkmark on August 18, 2000 at 12:39:40:
Actually, many nutritionists agree that the recommended proportions of elemental calcium VS magnesium should be 2:1, and the absorption is dependent more on the formulation, rather than any inherent interference of absorption. For example, calcium citrate and magnesium aspartate may be well assimilated by most people, whereas magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) may cause diarrhea. The optimal proportions of calcium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin D and phosphorus (boron seems to help as well) should maintained as closely as possible, because imbalances may lead to osteoporosis (the levels in the blood are maintained by leeching from the bones any of the necessary balancing elements, so that electrolyte levels, PH and nerve conduction remain constant) or problems with nerve conduction, and recent studies suggest that males may be at higher risk of prostate cancer if not enough vitamin D is present, relative to calcium levels.