10 I Summer 2018 www.anjc.info Legislative Update Legal Ease LEGAL Chiro Assist TECHNIQUE Council NUTRITION Council REHABILITATION Council Legal Q&A S C H O L ARSHIP WI N N E R S New research suggests magnesium plays a critical role in the body’s ability to utilize vitamin D. A new review paper, a collaboration between the School of Dentistry at the University of Rwanda College of Medicine & Health Sciences and Harvard University, explains how magnesium assists in the activation of vitamin D which is essential for the function of various organs throughout the body. Magnesium seems to play an important role in all the enzymes that turn vitamin D from its inactive storage form to its active, usable form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Additionally, magnesium is critical in transporting vitamin D throughout the body via the bloodstream. Without adequate magnesium levels, people may be vulnerable to vitamin D-deficient diseases including cardiovascular disease and bone disorders. Magnesium is the fourth-most abundant mineral in the body after calcium, potassium and sodium. Yet, an estimated 75 percent of Americans do not get enough in their diet. This is especially true in people consuming a diet consisting largely of refined grains. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 310mg/ day for women and 430mg/day for men. When testing for your magnesium levels, red blood cell (RBC) magnesium is a much better indicator of your levels than plasma magnesium as only 0.3 percent of your magnesium is found in your blood stream. Foods high in magnesium include: green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, etc.), avocados, raspberries, nuts, seeds, legumes, and seafood including salmon, mackerel and tuna. However, even a diet rich in these foods is unlikely to provide someone with optimal magnesium levels. Supplementation can be a useful tool for someone who is magnesium deficient. Forms of magnesium in supplementation vary and not all are created equal. Magnesium threonate is the most absorbable and can be very beneficial for the brain. Magnesium glycinate is also a highly absorbable form and especially good for liver and muscle health. Magnesium malate can be beneficial for people with low energy. In addition to magnesium supplementation, care should be taken when choosing an appropriate vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D from the sun is important but not typically sufficient. A supplement that includes vitamin K is preferable as the two work synergistically. While vitamin D is critical for calcium absorption and distribution in the body, sufficient vitamin K allows the vitamin D to target the correct tissues in the body instead of the undesirable ones like the kidneys and blood vessels where in excess may cause calcification. In conclusion, when assessing your patient’s vitamin D levels, be sure to also check magnesium (preferably RBC magnesium) to drive vitamin D into its active, usable form. Most experts agree, the target range for serum vitamin D should be between 60-90 ng/mL. Tom Bilella, DC, MS, CCN, CNS, DACBN, CISSN, practices in Red Bank, where he specializes in metabolic syndrome, peak performance, weight loss, and chronic conditions. His goal is to educate patients in the community to lead a healthier, more productive life without the use of unnecessary drugs or surgery. By Dr. Tom Bilella ANJC Nutrition Education Council Chairman Magnesium and Vitamin D: BETTER TOGETHER