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What is Calcium Magnesium Citrate?

Marjorie McAtee
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,406
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Calcium magnesium citrate is a nutritional supplement that combines magnesium, calcium, and citric acid. All of these minerals and vitamins are considered essential to good health, as deficiencies can lead to life-threatening health conditions. Calcium magnesium citrate supplements can be an option for those who don't get enough of these minerals and vitamins through their daily dietary intake.

Calcium, one of the main ingredients in calcium magnesium citrate, is considered vital for the health of bones and muscles. It also supports proper nerve function, and can help ensure that blood clots properly. Most of the body's calcium can usually be found in the bones and teeth. Calcium in the blood can help nerves to relay signals correctly, and can regulate appropriate muscle movement. The health of cell membranes and the proper production and metabolization of enzymes can also depend on appropriate blood calcium levels.

When levels of calcium in the blood fall too low, the body often compensates by drawing the needed calcium from the bones and teeth. In adults, this can spur the onset of osteoporosis. In children, this can contribute to rickets, a disease in which the bones become abnormally soft. Children with rickets are often at an increased risk of skeletal deformity, and they may experience delays in physical development.

Magnesium, another ingredient in calcium magnesium citrate, can also help to support bone health. Like calcium, magnesium is considered necessary for muscle and nerve function. Proper circulation can also depend on appropriate magnesium levels. Magnesium deficiency can degrade muscle strength and contribute to spasms and tremors in the muscles. Magnesium deficiency can particularly damage the heart, leading to elevated heart rate and arrhythmia.

In the combination supplement calcium magnesium citrate, citrate is most often used as a buffering and chelating agent. As such, it can help maintain a neutral pH level in the supplement, and can help make the calcium and magnesium more accessible for use by the body.

Users of nutritional supplements are generally advised not to take too much of the supplement, because overdose may be possible. Too much magnesium may lead to diarrhea, generalized weakness, and sleepiness. Too much calcium can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition in which calcium deposits accumulate in the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues of the body.

To avoid overdosing on magnesium, users are generally advised to take no more than 350 milligrams per day, in supplement form. This dosage may need to be adjusted downward for those who have a high dietary intake of magnesium. To avoid calcium overdose, adult users are generally advised to take no more than 3,000 milligrams of calcium, in supplement form, per day.

This dosage can vary widely for infants, children, adolescents, and the elderly. Pregnant and nursing women usually also have varying calcium needs, depending upon their age. Again, this dosage may need to be adjusted downward for those who already consume large amounts of calcium in their food.

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Marjorie McAtee
By Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.

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Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Jan 05, 2015

@candyquilt-- I don't know about the type of calcium used in these supplements but magnesium citrate is very easy for the body to absorb. It's true that some magnesium isn't absorbed as easily like magnesium oxide. But magnesium citrate has one of the highest rates of absorption. So if you are using a supplement with this kind of magnesium, you don't have to worry.

By candyquilt — On Jan 04, 2015

@fify-- Since you mentioned vitamin D, there are also calcium and magnesium citrate supplements with vitamin D. Vitamin D is also necessary for the absorption of calcium. That's why milk is often sold with vitamin D.

It's actually difficult to find good quality calcium and magnesium supplements. The two main issues are absorption and side effects. The body doesn't absorb some times of calcium and magnesium too well. And sometimes both can cause upset stomach. I had to do some research before I found the best supplement. Reading customer reviews helped.

By fify — On Jan 04, 2015

My doctor recommended that I take a calcium and magnesium combined supplement. I guess calcium and magnesium both work better when taken together. And magnesium is the second most common deficiency after vitamin D. So I've ordered a calcium and magnesium citrate supplement and will be starting soon. I was happy to find a liquid supplement since I have a tough time swallowing large pills.

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.
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