Osteopathic Association
Vitamin D can't be metabolized without sufficient magnesium levels, meaning Vitamin D remains stored and inactive for as many as 50% of Americans, according to a review of previous studies, published in the March 2018 issue of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

"People are taking Vitamin D supplements but don't realize how it gets metabolized. Without magnesium, Vitamin D is not really useful or safe," said Professor Mohammed Razzaque, from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pensylvania.

"Consumption of Vitamin D supplements can increase a person's calcium and phosphate levels even if they remain Vitamin D deficient."

The problem is people may suffer from vascular calcification if their magnesium levels aren't high enough to prevent the complication.

"Patients with optimum magnesium levels require less Vitamin D supplementation to achieve sufficient Vitamin D levels," Professor Razzaque said.

"Magnesium also reduces osteoporosis, helping to mitigate the risk of bone fracture that can be attributed to low levels of Vitamin D."

Deficiency in either of these nutrients is reported to be associated with various disorders, including skeletal deformities, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome.

While the recommended daily allowance for magnesium is 420 mg for males and 320 mg for females, the standard diet in the United States contains only about 50% of that amount.

As much as half of the total population is estimated to be consuming a magnesium-deficient diet.

The magnesium consumption from natural foods has decreased in the past few decades, owing to industrialized agriculture and changes in dietary habits.


Magnesium status is low in populations who consume processed foods that are high in refined grains, fat, phosphate, and sugar.

"By consuming an optimal amount of magnesium, one may be able to lower the risks of Vitamin D deficiency, and reduce the dependency on Vitamin D supplements," Professor Razzaque said.

Source

Anne Marie Uwitonze et al. 2018. Role of Magnesium in Vitamin D Activation and Function. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 118: 181-189; doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2018.037