Calcium/ Magnesium why do I need it?

Calcium/Magnesium paired with Zinc and Vitamin D are essential nutrients for healthy bodies and metabolism. Some doctors think that all of us are calcium deficient.

How much of each do I need?

This, of course, varies with the individual. We are not all alike physically and our nutritional requirements are different. Many dietary factors can reduce your calcium uptake such as spinach, rhubarb, chocolate, whole grain products and foods rich in fiber, excess caffeine from coffee, colas and tea. Some medications, particularly benzodiazepine (tranquilizers / sedatives) affect the bodies ability to utilize calcium / magnesium properly. These are often prescribed for symptoms typical of low calcium levels that exacerbate the problem by creating lower calcium levels.

Can I get too much Calcium and Magnesium?

Generally not! The body requires considerable amounts of both, as well as other minerals and vitamins, in order to maintain a balanced condition. This balancing act is an ongoing function of the body. When an imbalance occurs the body adjusts with the absorption or secretion of other nutrients.

Are all Calcium/Magnesium supplements the same?

Certainly not! Not all supplements have the purity of ingredients or the quantities specified on the label. It is always best to deal with a manufacturer you can trust. NOW® has been given the “Good Manufacturing Practices” award by the National Nutritional Foods Association, the largest dietary supplement trade association in the United States as well as numerous other awards for product quality and purity.

Great Mother’s Goods has searched for the best overall Calcium Magnesium supplement and found the NOW® brand has the best and most reliable quality, formula and price. No fuss, no muss to prepare. Just open the bottle and take one! Our customers, including ourselves love this product and appreciate the Vitamin D as an added bonus.

CALCIUM is now the most promoted nutrient by proponents of conventional, nutritional, and alternative health practitioners. Of the approximately 1000 g of calcium in the average adult body, almost 98% is found in bone, the rest in teeth, blood, extra cellular fluids and within cells. Calcium promotes blood clotting and along with magnesium helps regulate the heartbeat, muscle tone, muscle contraction and nerve conduction.

Low levels/deficiency of calcium is associated with:

The recommended Dietary Reference Intake DRI of calcium for adults 18+ years is 800mg – 1500mg. The DRI for pregnant or lactating women is an additional 400mg.

MAGNESIUM (Mg) absorption process is similar to that of calcium, some people absorb or retain much more magnesium than calcium (or more calcium than magnesium). There are about 19 g of Mg in the average adult body, 65% of which is in the bones and teeth and the rest distributed throughout the body, blood, body fluids, organs and other tissue. Magnesium (Mg) is involved with the synthesis of protein, and is a co-factor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body, many of which contribute to the production of energy and with cardiovascular functions. While calcium affects muscle contractions, magnesium balances that effect and relaxes muscles.

Low levels of magnesium can be a causative, contributing or aggravating factor with:

The recommended Dietary reference Intake (DRI) of magnesium for adults 18+ years is 300mg – 400mg. The DRI for pregnant / lactating women is + 150mg.

ZINC is a component of more than 100 enzymes associated with many different metabolic processes. It is required for normal growth and development, reproductive development and function, and to support the immune system. The body contains about 1.5 to 2.5 g of zinc, of which the kidneys, liver, pancreas, eyes, prostate and bone contain the larger concentrations, however, they do not function as zinc reserves. Zinc is water soluble, so the body requires adequate dietary intake for its daily requirements. Zinc is lost in sweat and through food processing. In addition, zinc being water soluble, canning or cooking in water can deplete the amounts of zinc in food.

Zinc deficiency has been implicated as a factor with:

•Birth Defects
•Low Birth Weight
•Delayed Sexual Development
•Impaired Learning

Additional zinc intake may help with:

Zinc is necessary to maintain normal serum testosterone.

The recommended Dietary Reference Intake DRI of zinc for adults 18+ years is 15mg. The DRI for pregnant / lactating women is + 7mg

VITAMIN D’s most important role is maintaining blood levels of calcium. This is accomplished by increasing absorption of calcium from food and reducing urinary calcium loss. Both effects keep calcium in the body and spare the calcium that is stored in the bones. When necessary, vitamin D transfers calcium from the bone into the bloodstream.

Vitamin D plays a role in immunity and blood cell formation. It is needed for adequate blood levels of insulin.

The majority of vitamin D in the body is created during a chemical reaction that starts with sunlight exposure to the skin. Sunlight is unfortunately in limited supply in some areas of the country, particularly during those long dreary winter months. Vitamin D is also found in cod liver oil, egg yolks, butter and vitamin D fortified foods.

Vitamin D has been used in connection with:

The Recommended Dietary Intake DRI of Vitamin D for adults is:
18+ years….300 IU or 7.5mcg
50+ years….400 IU or 10mcg
Pregnant or lactating females ….+200IU or 5mcg