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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lao Tzu on October 31, 2011, at 12:51:01
Magnesium is needed for energy, and may be seriously lacking in depression. The trick is to determine correct ratios between calcium and magnesium. Too much of either or both could make depression worse. I've been experimenting with lower dosages of both calcium and magnesium. So far, I've discovered that 200mg of each has a favorable effect, and that a 1:1 ratio works for me. I was taking 500mg of magnesium before, but felt this was too much and unnecessary. I know that I need some magnesium or else I feel really tired during the day. The question is, how much is necessary for any given individual? I think the dosage can vary from person to person, and I admit, it is rather tricky working with these two minerals.
Lao
Posted by SLS on October 31, 2011, at 18:18:31
In reply to calcium/magnesium ratios, posted by Lao Tzu on October 31, 2011, at 12:51:01
> Magnesium is needed for energy, and may be seriously lacking in depression. The trick is to determine correct ratios between calcium and magnesium.
> Too much of either or both could make depression worse.
Absolutely.
Too much calcium taken as a supplement preparation makes me feel much worse. I don't know what would have happened if I were to balance the calcium with magnesium.
I really appreciate your posts.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on November 3, 2011, at 18:18:28
In reply to Re: calcium/magnesium ratios » Lao Tzu, posted by SLS on October 31, 2011, at 18:18:31
Calcium and Magnesium should be taken in 2:1 ratio. Magnesium is used by many others as it relaxes. Think Of bowels and Milk of Magnesium. Used as a laxative. Phillipa
Posted by Lao Tzu on November 7, 2011, at 13:04:44
In reply to Re: calcium/magnesium ratios » SLS, posted by Phillipa on November 3, 2011, at 18:18:28
I agree a lot of sources say take Calcium and Magnesium in a 2:1 ratio, but I think it depends on the individual. For example, I was taking 500mg of calcium and magnesium at bedtime for a long time for improved sleep. Well, it didn't work well over time. So I lowered the dosages: 200mg of calcium in a Centrum multivitamin and 200mg of Magnesium Citrate at bedtime. This is a 1:1 ratio which seems to work for me. I just think I was taking too much of both minerals. Although, I have heard of people improving their depression with magnesium alone. The key is to find the right dosage that works for you. You can't go by what everyone says. Some people will need less and some much more. Individual biochemistry. The RDA for magnesium in adult men is around 400mg per day. Well, I don't adhere to the RDA because it doesn't take into account variation among individuals. And some people require more calcium than magnesium, but I am sticking with the 1:1 ratio for myself. You really have to experiment a bit.
Lao
Posted by Phillipa on November 7, 2011, at 18:17:04
In reply to Re: calcium/magnesium ratios, posted by Lao Tzu on November 7, 2011, at 13:04:44
Since I'm taking the ca mg for osteoporosis I take the 2:1 ration and 200mg mg for chronic constipation. I've never found either to help either depression or anxiety. I think I'm over 1000mg of calcium a day. Women different ratios and doses. Why do so many take centrum? Phillipa
Posted by Lao Tzu on November 8, 2011, at 3:59:02
In reply to Re: calcium/magnesium ratios » Lao Tzu, posted by Phillipa on November 7, 2011, at 18:17:04
Yes, women have probably a greater demand for calcium as they get older. My mom takes a lot of calcium for osteoporosis. In answer to your question, I take the Centrum multivitamin because it has 200mg of Calcium but only 60mg of magnesium. So in order to balance that I take 200mg of Magnesium Citrate in addition for a 1:1 ratio. A 2:1 ratio never worked out well for me, and probably I was taking too much calcium and magnesium. It would actually make me feel tired. I read somewhere that you can actually take too much magnesium, so when people say to use high doses of magnesium for depression, I think it's only anecdotal and there's no real science behind it. However, a little magnesium in supplement form does help with energy, which could indirectly affect depressive symptoms if you have low-energy depression. I used to take higher doses of calcium and magnesium for sleep, and it worked for a while, but later it seemed not to work very well at all. Maybe it's just me, but people also say to take calcium and magnesium at bedtime for sleep, but I haven't found this highly effective in the long run. Balancing these two minerals can be tricky, and it isn't necessarily true that more is better for you, but for women especially, calcium is a very important mineral in later years. A little magnesium is good too, but you don't want to overdo it.
Lao
Posted by Phillipa on November 8, 2011, at 18:21:51
In reply to Re: calcium/magnesium ratios, posted by Lao Tzu on November 8, 2011, at 3:59:02
Hi for females supposed to be divided through the day as can't absorb but so much at a time. And now they say that this calcium magnesium isn't good for you that it causes heart problems. But will continue. Why is everything bad for you. Sometimes I wonder if it's just from the drug companies as vitamins so far are over the counter. Phillipa
Posted by torrid2 on December 29, 2011, at 19:00:35
In reply to calcium/magnesium ratios, posted by Lao Tzu on October 31, 2011, at 12:51:01
We are very high in dairy in most of our diets yet osteoporosis is a common problem in this contry. Magnesium is over looked as the cause. 75% of the population is deficiant in magnesium and calcium needs magnesium to be absorbed. Even if someone wants to take Magnesium, magnesium oxide is all they will find on the store shelf and mag oxide is like taking milk of magnesia, nothing more then a laxitive. I have to get my magnesium glycinate by mail and if I want to settle for magnesium citrate I have to hunt it down and drain my wallet for it in the stores.
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