Studies have shown that magnesium is beneficial in activating vitamin D in the liver and kidneys, said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai. But does the mechanism work in the body?
“Magnesium helps the enzymes present in both the liver and the kidneys to complete this process smoothly and efficiently. The vitamin D may not be activated properly without enough magnesium. This can lead to lower calcium absorption, which can negatively hamper bone health,” said Dr Rajeshwari Panda, head of the dietetics department at Medicover Hospital, Kharghar Navi Mumbai.
Notably, vitamin D tends to undergo two hydroxylation steps to become active. “The first is calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D), which occurs in the liver, wherein the vitamin D is converted into 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol). Another happens in the kidney, where it is converted into 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. Remember, these steps need magnesium-dependent enzymes. Without the proper amount of magnesium, these enzymes will not be able to perform their functions as required,” explained Dr Agarwal.
Most people primarily get enough magnesium from their daily balanced diet, including plenty of green vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Are you paying attention to your kidney health? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
“The vitamin D from the sunlight, food, or supplements goes to the liver and is further converted into a storage form. Then the kidney later changes it into the active form that your body can use,” said Dr Panda.
Moreover, Dr Agarwal said that magnesium regulates parathyroid hormone (PTH), which can impact vitamin D metabolism. “However, it is rare in healthy individuals,” stressed Dr Panda.
Experts urge understanding that magnesium is important but is just one factor in activating vitamin D. Other key nutrients like calcium and vitamin K also play a vital role in the way your body uses vitamin D. If you have low vitamin D levels, then taking supplements after consulting a doctor and checking your magnesium levels can be helpful,” said Dr Panda.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
