TOPIC: –  This time we address two related topics.

Calcium and Magnesium are two major minerals that have overlapping and independent roles in the body. Calcium supplements have been widely recommended, especially to adults at risk for osteoporosis. Magnesium is sometimes overlooked in the diet, even though it is an important cofactor for hundreds of metabolic reactions.

In class we focus briefly on potential problems with excessive calcium supplementation. We also cover the issue of magnesium deficiency.  You will be discussing both minerals in this topic – but for your main post, choose one of the two to concentrate on, though you may include information about its synergistic relationship with the other if appropriate.

You can include any or all of the following:  food sources vs. supplements, the reason that calcium supplements are often sold combined with magnesium, risks/benefits of supplementation, challenges with obtaining adequate intake from food, factors that contribute to deficiency. Look at your own diets – do you feel you are at risk of deficiency for either mineral, if you care to share?  What about excess or imbalance?

Include, if appropriate, synergistic relationships with other nutrients that you learned about in (Fat Soluble Vitamins).

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