NATUROPATHIC

NUTRITION
Calcium, Magnesium &
Phosphorus
 MINERALS
 Are the essential inorganic elements that
remain when plant /animal tissue is burnt.
 Provide structural & functional roles in
body.
 Classified as either major minerals or trace
elements depending on quantity required.
 Major Minerals: Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Na, P, S
 Trace Elements: Si, I, B, Co, Cr, Cu, F,
Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, V, Zn
 Main Functions of Minerals
 Maintain correct tissue pH
 Catalysts for chemical reactions- parts of
enzymes, co-enzymes and hormones
 Maintain fluid balance – Na, Cl and K
 Transmission of nerve impulses – Na & K
 Contraction and relaxation of muscle – Ca, Mg,
K and Na.
 Structure of bones and teeth – Ca, P, Mg
 Absorption of Minerals
 Metals - poorly absorbed, can be toxic
 Inorganic salts - absorption dependent on
how easily it ionises. E.g. phosphates,
oxides, carbonates, chlorides
 Organic salts e.g. citrates, aspartates,
gluconates, ascorbates, chelates (amino
acids), orotates (orotic acid). Very good
absorption
 CALCIUM
CHEMICAL SYMBOL: Ca2+ (Alkaline Mineral)
MAJOR SOURCES: Almonds, sesame seeds,
sardines and salmon (with bones), fortified
soy, molasses, Bok choy, broccoli, kale,
mustard greens, dairy products
RDI: 1000-1300mg/day
THERAPEUTIC RANGE: 800-1,200mg/day
General: 99% calcium in the body stored in
bone. 1% in teeth and body fluids.
Homeostasis regulated by parathyroid
hormone, calcitonin and vitamin D.
Much of the following information is sourced from Braun, L. & Cohen, M
2010, Herbs & Natural Supplements: An evidence-based guide, 3rd edn,
Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Sydney (pp. 267-281)

CALCIUM
 Bioavailability: Variable from food and
supplements.
 Phytates, oxalates, fibres, unabsorbed fatty
acids, thiazide diuretics and other divalent
minerals (Zn, Mg, Fe), compromise absorption.
 Caffeine, phosphorus (from soft drinks & meat)
and excess dietary fat increase excretion.
 Lactose (esp. in children), sugars, protein and
vitamin D enhance absorption.
 Usually can only absorb maximum of 500mg at
a time so doses should be divided.
 CALCIUM
Cautions & Interactions
 Supplements can cause GIT irritation, constipation
or flatulence.
 Hypercalcaemia can cause anorexia, GIT
disturbance, lethargy and coma as well as
calcification of tissues.
 Concurrent use of high dose calcium
supplementation and calcium channel blockers /
cardiac glycosides should be avoided.
 Separate supplemental doses of calcium from
tetracyclines and magnesium (where possible).
 Corticosteroid medications inhibit calcium
absorption.
 CALCIUM
Contraindications (take supplements only
with GP’s consent):
 Hypercalcaemia
 Hyperparathyroidism
 Chronic renal impairment
 Kidney disease
 Sarcoidosis
 Granulomatous diseases
Note that recent trials suggest there may be an
increased risk of heart attack as a result of calcium
supplementation – you need to stay alert to this
issue.
 Calcium

PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIONS:
 Bone and tooth matrix formation (works synergistically
with Vit. A, C, D & phosphorus, Mg, Si, potassium & boron in
bone mineralisation).
 Blood clotting
 Nerve conduction
 Muscle contraction (with sodium & potassium)
 Heart function (beating muscle)
 Peristaltic Movements (muscle) and digestion (fat
digestion and protein metabolism)
 Hormone release & neurotransmitter function
 Maintenance of acid-alkaline balance
 Immune function
 Energy (coenzyme in citric acid cycle)
 CALCIUM
 DEFFICIENCY:
 Osteoporosis (bone demineralisation)
 Osteomalacia & rickets (bone softening)
 Tetany (muscle pain & spasms)
 Increased neuromuscular irritability
 Altered heart rate
 Bone pain & deformity
 Tooth discolouration & decay
 Hypertension
 Increased risk of preeclampsia
 Possible increased risk of colon cancer
Calcium

THERAPEUTIC USES
 Bones & teeth: osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, bone
pain, back ache, rickets, osteomalacia
 Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal
women and those on corticosteroid medications.
 Pregnancy & Lactation: To prevent:
 Reduction in maternal bone mineral content
 Preeclampsia /hypertension
 Leg Cramps
 Foetal lead toxicity

And to promote foetal growth & development

 Neuromuscular conditions: cramps, agitation,
irritability, hyperactivity, tetany, palpitations,
insomnia.
Calcium

THERAPEUTIC USES
 Cancer prevention: Some evidence that calcium
intake from foods or supplements may be protective
against colorectal cancer, especially in men and
postmenopausal women. It may also have a
protective effect against breast and ovarian cancers.
 Hypertension: Intake of low-fat dairy products
appears to be linked with decreased blood pressure.
 Premenstrual Syndrome: Calcium supplementation
is effective in alleviating PMS symptoms for a majority
of women, particularly mood swings, fluid retention
and pre-menstrual and menstrual pain.
Calcium

THERAPEUTIC USES
 Weight Loss: High calcium intake (especially from
dairy products and fortified soy) appears to inhibit
lipogenesis and stimulate lipolysis.
 Oxalate kidney stones: Intake of dietary calcium
may provide a protective effect – perhaps because it
binds oxalate in the gut.
 Hypercholesterolaemia: Calcium supplementation
may reduce LDL levels.
 CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS
 Calcium citrate: easy to absorb but lower strength
 Calcium lactate: easy to absorb but not suitable for
lactose intolerant people
 Calcium gluconate: easiest to absorb but expensive
 Calcium carbonate: limestone- cheap, poor absorption
 Dolomite: also high in Mag carb and lead.
 Calcium phosphate: hard to absorb but cheap
 Calcium orotate: very well absorbed
 Calcium hydroxyapatite: The form used to form
bones. Best absorbed, made from young calf bone.
 MAGNESIUM
CHEMICAL SYMBOL: Mg2+ (Alkaline)
MAJOR SOURCES: Legumes, Green leafy vegies
(chlorophyll), kelp, buckwheat, almonds, cashews,
sesame seeds & other nuts, soybeans, wholegrains,
carob, cocoa, mineral water.
RDI: Women:320mg; Men: 420mg
THERAPEUTIC RANGE: 400-600mg
General Comments: 50-60% found in bone. One of
the three major intracellular elements along with
potassium and phosphorus. Best absorbed
supplements are probably magnesium citrate,
orotate and gluconate.
Much of the following information is sourced from Braun, L. & Cohen, M
2010, Herbs & Natural Supplements: An evidence-based guide, 3rd edn,
Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Sydney (pp. 681-691).

MAGNESIUM
Bioavailability:
 Healthy people absorb 30-40% of magnesium
ingested. Increases in deficiency.
 Excreted by kidney.
 Magnesium absorption requires selenium, parathyroid
hormone, vitamins B6 and D.
 Increased calcium intake (2600mg / day); sodium,
protein, caffeine, alcohol, elevated thyroid hormones,
elevated or deficient protein intake and increased acid
production all impair kidney’s ability to reabsorb
magnesium. See separate “Risk Factors for
Magnesium Depletion” on WebCT.
 Mg

MAGNESIUM
Cautions & Interactions:
 Adverse reactions to supplementation include diarrhoea and
gastric irritation. (Especially when using inorganic supplements
at over 350mg / dose.)
 Magnesium and calcium deficiencies usually co-exist. Excessive
magnesium intake can cause declining calcium levels.
 Hypomagnesiua causes hypokalaemia.
 Contraindicated in renal failure and heart block.
 Overdoses of magnesium hydroxide or sulfate may causes
deficiencies of other minerals or toxicity.
 May have additive effects with anti-arrythmic medications and
calcium channel blockers.
 Separate dosing from tetracyline antibiotics.
Mg

PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIONS
 Involved in over 300 essential enzymatic reactions
 Energy metabolism
 Nerve conduction
 Regulation of vascular tone
 Muscle activity
 Amino acid and protein synthesis
 DNA synthesis and degradation
 Immune function
 Natural calcium antagonist
 Bone formation
 Magnesium
DEFFICIENCY:
 Anorexia, weight loss, nausea & vomiting
 Muscular weakness, spasms, cramps
 Numbness & tingling
 Low energy / fatigue
 Poor memory, confusion
 Hyperirritability & excitability
 Apathy, melancholy & depression
 Disturbed biorhythms
 Personality changes
 Vertigo
 Bruxism
 Eye twitching
Mg

THERAPEUTIC USES
 Cardiovascular disease: To reduce
incidence of congestive heart failure,
coronary artery disease, cardiac
arrhythmias, hypertension, mitral valve
prolapse, stroke, non-occulsive myocardial
infarction and hyperlipidaemia.
 Migraine Headaches
 Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder
 Autism Spectrum Disorders: (Possible use).
 Kidney Stone Prevention
Mg

THERAPEUTIC USES
 Premenstrual syndrome & dysmenorrhoea
 Osteoporosis prevention
 Asthma
 Pregnancy: to prevent preeclampsia and
leg cramps (with calcium)
 Diabetes Mellitus
 Constipation
 Chronic leg cramps, eye twitches, muscle
spasms and tension
 Stress / Anxiety
 PHOSPHORUS
CHEMICAL SYMBOL: P (exists as PO43-) (Acidic)

MAJOR SOURCES: Almonds, cashews, sesame seeds,

sardines, tuna, salmon, soy beans, molasses, soft
drink. Normal diet is high in Phosphorus.
RDI: 1000mg/day

THERAPEUTIC RANGE: 400-1400mg/day

TOXICITY: >10g/day causes diarrhoea, hypocalcaemia

& hypomagnesaemia.
GENERAL: Second most abundant mineral in the body. 85% is
found in bones with hydroxyappetite.
Phosphorus

PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIONS

 Structure of bones and teeth

 Component of DNA & RNA (all growth)
 Component of ATP and cofactor for
activation B vitamins
 Component of phospholipids &
phosphoproteins
 Component of phosphate buffering system
 Muscle contraction
 PHOSPHORUS

DEFFICIENCY : (rare)
 Problems with bone mineralisation and blood pH

SUB-CLINICAL TOXICITY (more common)

 Ca depletion, calcification of soft tissues
 Due to high protein diets, food preservatives,
Phosphoric acid (soft drinks, orange juice, milk,
meat, processed cheese), Antacids.
Phosphorus

THERAPEUTIC USES
 Bones & teeth (ie: osteoporosis, osteomalacia,
to increase speed of bone healing, rickets, tooth
decay, bone pains, lactation and pregnancy )

 Contraindicated: Renal disease.