Apr 01, 2025
How magnesium activates Vitamin D for bone health
Siddhartha JanaMagnesium activates vitamin D
Magnesium ensures adequate calcium absorption for bone health by assisting liver and kidney enzymes in activating vitamin D.
Source: Canva
The process of activating vitamin D
Vitamin D is hydroxylated twice, first in the liver (calcidiol) and subsequently in the kidneys (calcitriol), both of which need enzymes that are dependent on magnesium.
Source: Canva
Magnesium deficiency and bone health
Insufficient magnesium results in inadequate vitamin D activation, which impairs calcium absorption and may cause problems with bone health.
Source: Canva
Magnesium sources
A diet rich in fruits, nuts, seeds, green vegetables, and whole grains usually contains enough magnesium to activate vitamin D.
Source: Canva
Sunlight and vitamin D conversion
The liver stores vitamin D from food, supplements, and sunlight before the kidneys convert it into its usable active form.
Source: Canva
Magnesium and parathyroid hormone
Although abnormalities are uncommon in healthy people, magnesium controls parathyroid hormone (PTH), which affects the metabolism of vitamin D.
Source: Canva
Other nutrients are also important
In addition to magnesium, calcium and vitamin K are essential for the body's utilisation and processing of vitamin D.
Source: Canva
Significance of medical guidance
If you have low vitamin D levels, get supplements from a doctor and make sure you're getting enough magnesium to help with vitamin D metabolism.
Source: Canva
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