I have been suffering from really bad muscle cramps. After some specialized test that analyzes chemical contents within cells (not blood plasma), my doctor has determined that I have severe calcium and magnesium deficiency.
Has anyone at this forum experienced this problem during workouts? Anyone here know anything about this problem?
I know I have to use calcium and magnesium supplements, but there seem to be many different kind of products out there with different absorption rates. I have used calcium citrate and magnesium aspartate. Any recommendations?
Sport Legs maybe? From looking at the site it seems as though they are trying to sell overpriced D3, Ca and Mg… But who knows, maybe they work!
wow! this is something that i’ve been studying recently, it’s very interesting.
from what i’ve read, small doses–say morning and then before bed, will help your body absorb more. recently in Dr Oz’s book You The Owner’s Manual he talks about 600 mgs 2 times a day (am/pm).
additionally, there is a ton of information about high calcium foods and vegetables. nuts, fish, green leafy vegetables, seeds, beans, etc, are all high in calcium.
there are studies that show a high protein/meat diet can rob the body of calcium…as can a high ratio of dairy in the diet. green leafy sources (and other sources) are better (with higher absorption) than milk or cheese.
i like this site: http://www.ellenskitchen.com/faqs/calcium.html
there are plenty of foods you can eat that will boost your calcium levels. keep at it, and you’ll feel a big difference.
oh, and if you are a big soda pop/coffee drinker…reduce that, as these beverages can leech the calcium right out of your body and into your urine.
good luck, keep us posted!
Thanks. I actually don’t know if it is a problem witih my diet (and that is the most confusing part). I eat a ton of healthy fruit and deep green leafy vegetables. I do not eat much meat - I prefer fish and shellfish as well as some chicken breast. I love cheese and yogurt, but don’t like milk, so supplement with soy milk (carcium carbonate). I do not drink softdrink at all (other than maybe once a month).
My cramps show up primarily during a hard run or bike. It got really aggravated when I took Advair (asthma medication), so I stopped taking any inhaler with steroids.
I’d recommend Viactiv supplements
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I have the same problem with magnesium, but I lose mine through my urine. You can do a 24 hour test to see if this is your problem. I found that the Cal/Mag/Zinc supplement from trader joes works really well, and it is cheap. ANd I was told that you need all 3 for best absorption, and in these specific %'s…
Can anyone explain why these two supplements are commonly packaged together? Magnesium is a calcium uptake inhibitor. They suggest its use for classic migraine sufferers as overactive calcium channels are a supposed/known cause of migraine.
I never can figure out why they’re sold together as one supplement.
why is Mg a calcium inhibitor? They’re both cations, they can’t bind, can they?
When I train in high volume, the same thing happens to me…I start cramping at night and while swimming, ect. I bought a cheap Cal-Mag supplement from the grocery store and pop one every night and have never had a problem since…and they are a hell of alot cheaper than the brand name “Electrolyte Pills” that all the stores are pushing these days…
Calcium is package with the Mag because it is an inhibitor ie because the Mag is inhibiting absorption of Calcium your body needs more calcium available
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Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that functions as a coenzyme (part of ~100 enzymes) for nerve/muscle function, regulation of body temperature, energy metabolism, DNA/RNA synthesis, and the formation of bones. The majority of the body? s magnesium (60%) is found in the bones. Food sources include artichokes, nuts, beans, whole grains and shellfish. Too much can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Claims Builds bone Increases energy levels Promotes heart health Enhances protein synthesis (muscle building)
Theory
Because magnesium is needed as a co-factor for several enzymes to help convert carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy, magnesium supplements may play a role in energy metabolism. Due to the role of magnesium in conducting nerve impulses, supplements have been promoted for support of heart function. Magnesium? s role in bone health stems from its primary location in bone tissue and its ability to help increase calcium absorption.
Scientific Support
The scientific support for magnesium as an adjunct to calcium supplements is fairly well founded. Magnesium can help improve calcium absorption and may help maintain bone density in those individuals at risk for excessive bone loss. A few studies have suggested a potential role for magnesium supplements in energy metabolism by showing an increase in exercise efficiency in endurance athletes. In general, however, there is no overwhelming evidence to suggest any increases in muscular strength or boosted energy levels following magnesium supplementation.
Safety
Excessive magnesium intake can cause diarrhea and general gastrointestinal distress as well as interfere with calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Since there are no known benefits associated with consuming more than 600 mg per day of magnesium, higher intakes should be avoided.