Many things in life are better when combined with something else. Within the world of food, there’s wine and cheese. Tea with honey. And fruit with chocolate (to name a few).
In the world of nutrition…vitamin D and magnesium come to mind. It turns out these two essential nutrients become a powerhouse when combined.
Let’s take a look at how these nutritional superheroes work separately and together to provide myriad health benefits.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is unique among nutrients because it doesn’t just come from the food you eat. It can also be synthesized by your skin after exposure to sunlight.
But what makes vitamin D such an essential nutrient?
- It’s important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth
Vitamin D is involved in regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by your bones and teeth, with these latter two nutrients being crucial for bone and tooth health.
- It supports a healthy immune system
Research has shown that vitamin D helps your immune system to moderate itself, making it more effective at neutralizing pathogens. In particular, adequate levels of vitamin D have been linked to a lower risk for developing respiratory infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
- It contributes to good mental health
Vitamin D plays a role in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters like serotonin, the latter being important for preventing depression and contributing to a positive mood.
Most people don’t get sufficient exposure to natural sunlight for their bodies to synthesize enough vitamin D for optimal health. But vitamin D-fortified foods and vitamin D supplements can help to make up the difference.
Magnesium
Magnesium has a pivotal role to play in the regulation of over 300 biochemical reactions within the body. Some of its most important benefits include:
- It contributes to cardiovascular health
Magnesium helps to regulate your heart rate and keep your blood vessels healthy. Magnesium also reduces anxiety and supports relaxation, which helps to keep blood pressure at a healthy level.
- It’s important for healthy digestion
Magnesium regulates the muscle contractions within your digestive tract that keep things moving during digestion. In particular, it helps to prevent constipation.
- It enhances exercise performance and energy production
Magnesium supports important enzymes that work within your mitochondria, with the latter being the “cellular powerhouses” responsible for creating cellular energy within your body. Magnesium also supports muscle function and oxygen intake.
- It improves sleep quality
Magnesium regulates neurotransmitters that are involved in helping you to fall and stay asleep. Magnesium also promotes muscle relaxation. Both are important for better and more restful sleep.
- It’s crucial for bone health
Magnesium contributes to bone formation and density, which translates into stronger bones and a reduced risk for developing osteoporosis.
Why Vitamin D Needs Magnesium
There’s a simple reason why magnesium and vitamin D are better together.
Magnesium is what’s known as a “cofactor” for the enzyme that converts vitamin D to its active form. This means the metabolism and activation of vitamin D will not occur without an adequate supply of magnesium.
In other words, even if you get enough vitamin D from sun exposure, your diet, or from supplements, you will not receive its benefits without magnesium.
Let This Dynamic Duo Work for You
Do you have enough vitamin D and magnesium in your body for optimal health? The best way to know is through lab testing.
At Renew Youth, we can test your vitamin D and magnesium levels, and then recommend supplementation if you are deficient. Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our contact form to set up your free 30-minute consultation.