Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Magnesium or Vitamin D

01/09/2006

Question:

My calcium supplement contains no Vitamin D3 but it does have magnesium. The health food store owner told me they are equivalent and D3 is not necessary when magnesium is included. What ingredients do you recommend in a calcium supplement? Thanks.

Answer:

You do not have to have anything else in a calcium supplement, but you do need at least 400-600 IU of vitamin D somewhere in your diet.  Magnesium is not a substitute for vitamin D.  Most multivitamins contain vitamin D.  For women 70 and older, 800 IU of vitamin D is the current recommendation.  The recommendations are being reviewed and may be changed.

For more information:

Go to the Osteoporosis health topic.