We received a message from a Gluten Free Works Treatment Guide Subscriber yesterday that read, “In ‘calcium deficiency’ it says that calcium hinders absorption of magnesium. But information from doctors and general info always state to take these together because they support one another. Why do you recommend not taking them together?”
The subscriber presented a common sense point. She is seeing information that conflicts with what the Treatment Guide states. So, what is the deal? Which is correct?
Calcium interferes with magnesium absorption by taking up receptor sites. If both calcium and magnesium are present in the intestine, the calcium will take precedence and be absorbed. “In one study, addition of 300 to 1000 mg of calcium to the diet decreased magnesium absorption significantly in participants consuming an average of 370 of dietary magnesium daily.
While it is true that calcium and magnesium do support each other in the body, the conventional wisdom doesn’t take absorption into account.”
There are two concepts here: 1) absorption and 2) action once in the body. Calcium does interfere with magnesium absorption so take them separately. Calcium and magnesium work together once they have been absorbed into the body, so you need enough of each.We created the Gluten Free Works Treatment Guide specifically for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. By reviewing thousands of peer-reviewed medical research studies and case reports, we put together a unique, accurate, comprehensive, regularly updated resource that you can use anywhere in the world to understand, fix and maintain your health.
Sometimes, what you hear on TV will differ from the truth. Sometimes, it will be incorrect or taken out of context, like this example. Unfortunately, once this incorrect information is printed or broadcast, other outlets pick it up and spread the misinformation. Within a short time, people believe it is fact, when it is wrong. That is when they stop eating eggs, avocados and carbohydrates.