07 Apr Optimum Calcium to Magnesium Ratio for Heart Health
Magnesium
The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study showed that dietary magnesium intake may play a role in the primary prevention of strokes.
In 2007, a small study showed that dietary magnesium deficiency induces heart rhythm changes, impairs glucose tolerance, and decreases serum cholesterol in postmenopausal women.
Calcium:Magnesium Ratio
An article by Rowe, appearing in the American Journal of Cardiology, expounds on the association between the calcium:magnesium ratio and cardiovascular risk. Magnesium, which is “nature’s calcium blocker,” may prevent conditions conducive to myocardial infarction.
A high calcium:magnesium intake ratio interferes with magnesium absorption, increases the potential for clot formation with vasospasm, and increases oxidative stress. An adequate total intake of calcium for adults is 1000 to 1200 mg; therefore, maintaining a favorable 1:1 ratio would require a daily total magnesium intake of roughly 1,000 mg rather than “the recommended dietary allowance of 320 mg/day for adult women.”
Finally, it is noteworthy that magnesium, in addition to calcium, is necessary for bone structure and reduces the likelihood of osteoporosis; a calcium:magnesium intake ratio that is excessive will offset the effectiveness of magnesium in providing this function.
Incidently, the Bone NutriForce that many of you supplement with to maintain bone structure and overall health includes a 1:1 ratio of Calcium to Magnesium and includes potassium, zinc, manganese and Vitamin D3.