Magnesium and calcium

[Sailing14]

What role does magnesium have regarding thyroid health and does it control calcium levels?

Also, does T4 and T3 replacement play a part in calcium levels?

Thank you for any advice members are able to offer.

[SmallBlueThing]

I asked our AI overlords, who opined the following:

Magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining thyroid health, influencing various aspects of thyroid hormone production and function. Here’s a detailed look at how magnesium contributes to thyroid health:

1. Hormone Production:

- Magnesium is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. It is involved in the synthesis of thyroxine (T4) and its conversion to the more active form, triiodothyronine (T3). Without adequate magnesium, this conversion process can be impaired.

2. Thyroid Function:

- Studies have shown that low serum magnesium levels are associated with abnormal thyroid function. For instance, an Austrian study indicated that individuals with low magnesium levels experienced improvements in thyroid function after magnesium supplementation.

3. Mitochondrial Function:

- Magnesium deficiency can lead to altered mitochondrial function, which is crucial for energy production in thyroid cells. This can affect the overall metabolic rate and energy levels in the body.

4. Nerve and Muscle Function:

- Even with a functioning thyroid, magnesium is necessary for proper muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and blood sugar control. These functions are interconnected with thyroid health, as the thyroid regulates metabolism and energy levels.

5. Deficiency Impacts:

- A deficiency in magnesium can lead to symptoms that mimic thyroid dysfunction, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and mood changes. Ensuring adequate magnesium intake can help mitigate these symptoms and support overall thyroid health.

Magnesium plays a crucial role in human calcium metabolism, and their relationship is quite intricate. Here’s a breakdown of how magnesium influences calcium metabolism:

1. Absorption and Excretion:

- Magnesium and calcium absorption in the intestines is interdependent. Adequate magnesium levels are necessary for optimal calcium absorption. If magnesium levels are low, calcium absorption can be impaired.

- Similarly, the kidneys regulate the excretion of both minerals, and magnesium can influence how much calcium is retained or excreted.

2. Enzymatic Reactions:

- Magnesium acts as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes, many of which are involved in the metabolism of calcium. This includes enzymes that help in the conversion of vitamin D to its active form, which is essential for calcium absorption.

3. Hormonal Regulation:

- The metabolism of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate is often linked through common hormonal signals. For instance, parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates calcium levels in the blood, and magnesium can influence the secretion and action of PTH.

4. Bone Health:

- Magnesium is vital for maintaining bone structure. It helps in the formation of bone and influences the activity of osteoblasts (cells that form bone) and osteoclasts (cells that break down bone). Adequate magnesium levels are associated with better bone density and health.

5. Calcium Balance:

- Magnesium helps to maintain a proper balance of calcium in the body. High levels of calcium can lead to a condition known as hypercalcaemia, which can be mitigated by adequate magnesium levels.

The relationship between free T4 (thyroxine) and free T3 (triiodothyronine) thyroid hormones and serum calcium levels is quite fascinating and involves several mechanisms. Here’s a breakdown of how these hormones influence calcium metabolism:

1. Calcitonin Regulation:

- The thyroid gland produces calcitonin, a hormone that helps lower blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity (the cells that break down bone). While T4 and T3 primarily regulate metabolism, they can indirectly influence calcitonin secretion, which in turn affects calcium levels.

2. Bone Remodelling:

- Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in bone metabolism. T3 is particularly important for stimulating bone formation and resorption. An increase in T3 can lead to enhanced bone turnover, which may temporarily elevate serum calcium levels due to increased bone resorption.

3. Hypercalcaemia:

- Excessive levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) can lead to hypercalcaemia, a condition characterised by elevated calcium levels in the blood. This occurs because high levels of T3 and T4 can increase bone resorption and decrease renal calcium excretion.

4. Calcium Absorption:

- Thyroid hormones can also influence the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Increased metabolic activity driven by T3 and T4 can enhance the efficiency of calcium absorption from dietary sources.

5. Interplay with Parathyroid Hormone (PTH):

- The thyroid hormones interact with parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is crucial for calcium homeostasis. Elevated T3 and T4 levels can affect PTH secretion and action, further influencing serum calcium levels.

Taking magnesium supplements can be beneficial for many, but there are also some risks and side effects to be aware of. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the potential risks associated with magnesium supplementation:

1. Gastrointestinal Issues:

- Diarrhoea: High doses of magnesium can lead to diarrhoea, which may be accompanied by nausea and abdominal cramps. This is particularly common with certain forms of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate.

- Nausea and Cramps: Some individuals may experience nausea or stomach cramps, especially when taking magnesium on an empty stomach.

2. Drug Interactions:

- Muscle Relaxants: Taking magnesium alongside muscle relaxants can increase the risk of side effects from those medications.

- Antibiotics and Other Medications: Magnesium can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics and other medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

3. Heart Risks:

- Some studies have suggested that high doses of magnesium might slightly increase the risks of sudden death, heart attacks, or the need for bypass surgery, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

4. Kidney Issues:

- Individuals with kidney problems should be cautious, as their bodies may struggle to excrete excess magnesium, leading to hypermagnaesemia (high magnesium levels in the blood), which can be dangerous.

5. Electrolyte Imbalance:

- Excessive magnesium intake can disrupt the balance of other electrolytes in the body, potentially leading to complications such as muscle weakness or irregular heart rhythms.

6. Overdose:

- While rare, taking extremely high doses of magnesium supplements can lead to magnesium toxicity, which may cause symptoms like low blood pressure, confusion, and respiratory distress.

Edited for typo.

[Sailing14 in reply to SmallBlueThing]

Thank you very much. I will read through this later this morning.

[Bearo in reply to SmallBlueThing]

That was so useful! I take magnesium for optimising D3 but had no idea it was also important for thyroid.

I’ve had really painful cramps recently and thought it might be caused by forgetting to keep up the magnesium - but your post has reminded me not to take it on an empty stomach.