Summary
This review by Rosanoff, Dai and Shapses, published in Advances in Nutrition in 2016, examines the evidence for functional interactions between magnesium status and the metabolism and activity of vitamin D and calcium. The paper likely argues that low or suboptimal magnesium — which is widespread in Western populations — may impair vitamin D synthesis, activation and function, as well as disrupt calcium regulation. The authors appear to make the case that magnesium status should be considered alongside vitamin D and calcium in nutritional assessment and supplementation strategies.
UK applicability
The findings are broadly applicable to the UK, where magnesium insufficiency has been documented in dietary surveys and where vitamin D deficiency is a recognised public health concern; the interactions discussed have relevance for UK supplementation guidance and dietary recommendations.
Key measures
Serum magnesium concentration; serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D; serum calcium; dietary intake estimates; enzyme activity related to vitamin D metabolism
Outcomes reported
The paper examines whether low or suboptimal magnesium status interacts with vitamin D and calcium status, likely reviewing evidence on how magnesium deficiency affects vitamin D metabolism and calcium homeostasis. It reports on the functional consequences of these nutrient interactions for human health outcomes.
Topic tags
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