Vitamin D, Magnesium and Their Interactions: A Review

• Main Authors: Zeinab Shahsavani, Amirhossein Asadi, Elahe Shamshirgardi, Marzieh Akbarzadeh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences 2021-09-01
• Series: International Journal of Nutrition Sciences
• Subjects: vitamin d; magnesium; nutrition; defciency
• Online Access: https://ijns.sums.ac.ir/article_47789_d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e.pdf

Multiple functions in our body require vitamin D and magnesium. Magnesium acts as a co-factor along with more than 600 enzymes, including enzymes that activate and inactivate vitamin D. In recent years, with the increase in consumption of processed foods, the consumption of magnesium has decreased. Magnesium defciency can be associated with abnormal vitamin D function. Magnesium acts as a co-factor in the activation and inactivation of vitamin D. In addition, magnesium is required for the binding of vitamin D to its transporter protein and the expression of vitamin D receptors for cellular effects. On the other hand, vitamin D can affect the state of magnesium in the body. In this way, activated vitamin D in turn can increase the intestinal absorption of magnesium. Dysregulation in any of these nutrients can be associated with various disorders such as skeletal abnormalities, cardiovascular disorders and metabolic syndrome. It seems that considering magnesium along with vitamin D is a good approach to improve the function of vitamin D in the body.