Is Magnesium Important for Vitamin D Absorption?

If you're wondering whether you're getting enough Vitamin D, chances are, you may be part of the forty-two percent of Americans that aren't, according to research. What's surprising is that if you're Vitamin D deficient, you're likely deficient in magnesium too. 

This is because "magnesium assists in the activation of vitamin D" and it's critical that you consume the recommended daily amount of magnesium to achieve the optimal benefits of vitamin D, as stated in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

Read on to learn why magnesium is essential for adequate vitamin D absorption and how to boost both your magnesium levels and vitamin D levels. 

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that the body needs to maintain a huge number of functions. It occurs naturally in certain foods that form a fundamental piece of a healthy diet. It also appears in fortified foods and is available in supplements.

Why is Magnesium Important?

Magnesium is an essential nutrient that helps to regulate healthy muscle function, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and the creation of protein in the body.

Without magnesium in a person's diet, there are a number of serious complications that can arise including:

•  Diabetes
• Poor vitamin and nutrient absorption
• Chronic Diarrhea

What is Vitamin D and Why Does it Matter?

Vitamin D is generally a by-product of sun exposure, hence its nickname of the sunshine vitamin. However, it also appears in fish, fish oils, and egg yolks.

During cold and flu season, when there's generally less exposure to the sun, vitamin D can dramatically boost your immune health.

Vitamin D helps your immune system to stay perfectly balanced and ward off infections and other nasty ailments.

What is the Relationship Between Magnesium and Vitamin D?

Magnesium helps your body activate vitamin D and also increases its efficacy. Doing this can help to regulate calcium production in the body which in turn influences healthy bones.

For somebody to successfully metabolize vitamin D, adequate levels of magnesium are required. The two nutrients are linked and have a co-dependent relationship.

How Does Magnesium Improve Vitamin D Absorption?

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in the United States. This can be combated by taking magnesium supplements or changing your diet to include more foods which are high in magnesium.

When the nutrients are combined, more vitamin D can be absorbed. As such, if you're concerned that you're not getting enough vitamin D, you should aim to bolster your intake by taking magnesium supplements as well.

If you're interested in using a magnesium supplement, you may want to ask yourself whether you should apply a topical magnesium or consume an oral magnesium supplement? 

How Does Poor Vitamin D Absorption Affect Your Health?

Vitamin D can lead to many health problems including osteoporosis and bones that are susceptible to breaks.

There is also evidence to suggest that poor vitamin D absorption can cause:

• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Cancer
• Autoimmune Conditions

What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?

There are a wide range of symptoms that could be a result of vitamin D deficiency.

If you find yourself getting sick often, battling strong feelings of fatigue and tiredness, or struggling to manage bone pain and back pain, you could be suffering from a lack of vitamin D.

Other symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include feelings of low mood, hair loss, and muscle pain.

How Can You Get More Vitamin D Daily?

Eating a more balanced, healthy diet that's rich in fish, eggs, and vegetables is a good start. Spending more time in the sunshine can also help, with proper protection, of course.

One of the most consistent ways to increase your vitamin D intake is by supplementing your diet with magnesium.

Fortunately, we stock a range of magnesium products that can help you increase your vitamin D intake by improving your magnesium levels.

Our Magnesium Chloride USP, Magnesium Sulfate, and Magnesium Oil products can help improve your magnesium deficiency while also increasing your vitamin D absorption.

Related Posts: 

• How to Improve Gut Health With Magnesium
• Here's How to Know You're Magnesium Deficient
• Got Arthritis? You Should Add Magnesium to Your Diet