When bone health is mentioned, most of us immediately think of calcium. When it comes to tired muscles, cramps or stress, magnesium comes to mind.
However, many people make a fundamental mistake when taking mineral supplements: they take them separately, at the wrong time or in haphazard proportions. Scientific evidence and many years of experience, however, point to a clear fact – calcium and magnesium are an inseparable pair and work best when combined in the right proportions.
Let’s take a look at the most common myths and truths about this dynamic duo.
Myth No. 1: “It’s enough to take calcium on its own, as long as your bones are strong.”
The truth is: Calcium on its own won’t save your bones. In the human body, minerals function as an interconnected network. If you only supplement your body with calcium without an adequate amount of magnesium, you run the risk that the calcium will not be deposited where it should be (i.e. in your bones and teeth), but may instead build up in soft tissues or blood vessels.
The role of magnesium: Magnesium acts as a ‘manager’, helping to direct and metabolise calcium correctly. It also activates the hormone calcitonin, which draws calcium from the blood back into bone tissue.
Myth No. 2: “The ratio of minerals doesn’t matter, as long as I’m taking them.”
The truth is: it’s all about the balance. This is because calcium and magnesium ‘compete’ to some extent for the same absorption mechanisms in the gut.
If your diet or supplements contain a huge excess of calcium and very little magnesium, the calcium will simply block the absorption of magnesium.The ideal and scientifically proven ratio, at which they do not interfere with each other but, on the contrary, support each other synergistically, is 2:1 in favour of calcium (i.e. 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium). You will find precisely this ratio, for example, in Dr Lucullus CalMag capsules (140 mg of calcium and 70 mg of magnesium in a single capsule).
Myth No. 3: “If my bones and muscles don’t ache, I don’t need any extra minerals.”
The truth is: a deficiency does not manifest itself overnight. This is because the body is a perfect regulatory system. If you do not get enough calcium in your diet, it will draw on its ‘reserves’ – your own bones, which gradually lose density as a result.The same applies to magnesium. Whilst muscle cramps or poor-quality sleep are already clear cries for help, a long-term, hidden deficiency contributes to fatigue, irritability and a weakened nervous system.
Why choose a combination in a single capsule?
Taking calcium and magnesium separately is not only impractical (you have to keep track of the time between taking the tablets), but often ineffective as well.
By choosing a comprehensive supplement such as Dr Lucullus CalMag, you get:
1. The ideal 2:1 ratio, without having to weigh or measure anything at home.
2. The ideal form for the body – a combination that is gentle on the digestive system and ensures that both minerals are utilised effectively.
3. Comprehensive support – whilst calcium helps maintain strong bones and teeth and ensures proper blood clotting, magnesium helps relax the muscles, supports mental well-being and reduces fatigue.
The body needs not just quantity, but above all balance. If you want to do the best you can for your bones, muscles and nervous system, give them what naturally goes together – calcium and magnesium hand in hand.
