How does magnesium help me maintain strong bones?

Magnesium, along with calcium, is essential for bone health, helping to convert vitamin D into its active form in the body and get calcium into the bones. It has also shown promise in treating osteoporosis. Researchers in Israel had 31 women with osteoporosis increase daily magnesium intake for two years. At the end of that period, 22 of the women had increased their bone density up to 8 percent (five women experienced decreases in their rate of bone loss). A control group of 23 women experienced significant decreases in bone density. Top magnesium sources include wheat germ, sunflower seeds, seafood, nuts and green, leafy vegetables.

Magnesium has a key function in numerous biochemical reactions that are necessary for bone strength and metabolism. This mineral regulates active calcium transport and might play a role in stopping bone fractures. Some findings reveal that many older women with osteoporosis are lacking in magnesium, even when their calcium levels are adequate.

About 60 percent of dietary magnesium is stored in the bones, while muscle and other tissues use the rest.