Simultaneous Consumption of Zinc and Magnesium
Undoubtedly, you have all heard about the interaction of some medicines and supplements. Sometimes, you may need to take supplements to compensate for the lack of vitamins and minerals in your diet.
The options are not limited to purchasing various supplements, including glutamine, BCAA amino acids, copper gainers, multivitamins, and those containing zinc and magnesium.
However, the simultaneous use of certain supplements can significantly reduce their effectiveness. In addition to being uneconomical, this can jeopardize your health due to the deficiency of these vitamins and nutrients. Zinc and magnesium are two of the most essential minerals for the body.
Can you take these two substances at the same time? Does the interaction of these substances with calcium or vitamin D pose a problem? This is a topic we aim to explain in this article
Can zinc and magnesium be taken together?
Many people should definitely take supplements containing zinc and magnesium alongside their diet. These include:
- Children and adolescents
- People over 65
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- People on a vegan diet.
Since the absorption of zinc and magnesium is not provided by plant foods or the digestive system of some people is unable to absorb these substances, supplements are definitely necessary. Before we talk about the interaction between zinc and magnesium, we will first briefly explain these minerals and their benefits for the body.
Magnesium and Zinc. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals that is effective in improving the functioning of various parts of the body, such as the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and muscles, as well as strengthening the immune system and regulating blood pressure.
Zinc, is the second mineral after iron that must be present for the biological function of all organs, fluids, and tissues in the body.
The benefits of Magnesium
Among the most important and prominent benefits that you can achieve with magnesium, provided it does not interfere with other supplements, are the following:
- Reduced fatigue
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced muscle tension
- Assistance with recovery after heavy training
- Improved functioning of the nervous system
- Strengthened bones
- Accelerated protein synthesis
- Skin tenderness
Benefits of Zinc
Zinc is essential for growth. If you are deficient in this supplement or if interactions with other medications lead to low zinc absorption, you will miss out on the benefits mentioned below:
- Helps with wound healing
- Boosts the immune system
- Assists in the process of protein synthesis and DNA construction
- Contributes to cell division
- Strengthens bones
Concomitant Use of Zinc and Magnesium
Typically, when two minerals are consumed simultaneously, they compete with each other for digestive absorption. This means that these two minerals can inhibit each other’s absorption. As a result, one mineral may be absorbed more effectively, while the other is not absorbed as well.
Therefore, if zinc and magnesium are consumed together, you may not fully benefit from the advantages of either due to reduced absorption.
The interesting thing about the simultaneous consumption of zinc and magnesium is that it is not widely addressed in much research. Instead, the simultaneous consumption of zinc and magnesium increases each other’s digestive absorption.
Therefore, there are many medicinal supplements that combine zinc and magnesium. Instead of taking two separate supplements, you can use those that combine these two minerals. Not only are there no contraindications to the simultaneous consumption of zinc and magnesium, but their combined intake also helps enhance the absorption of each mineral.
Can vitamin D, magnesium ، and zinc be taken together?
Although some people believe that taking zinc and vitamin D simultaneously can decrease the absorption of these minerals, the availability of supplements containing both zinc and vitamin D on the market suggests otherwise. The concurrent use of these minerals can strengthen bones, boost the immune system, and improve the health of skin, hair, and nails.
Benefits of Concomitant Intake of Magnesium and Vitamin D
Although vitamin D alone strengthens bones, its intake without magnesium can lead to deposition in the liver and kidneys. This process occurs due to the lack of proper absorption of calcium in the body. By adding magnesium to this supplement or taking these two supplements simultaneously, the calcium deposition process is significantly reduced.
Therefore, taking vitamin D with magnesium is not only not harmful but also very beneficial and necessary for the health of the body.
While magnesium does not play a direct role in strengthening bones, it primarily affects the nervous system, depression, and stress. However, it can enhance the absorption of vitamin D.
Benefits of Zinc and Vitamin D
Vitamin D promotes bone health. To activate vitamin D in the body and ensure it functions properly, factors such as the presence of zinc are required. The simultaneous consumption of zinc and vitamin D increases the absorption of vitamin D, which is especially important for teenage girls and menopausal women.
The concurrent intake and the presence of a balanced amount of these micronutrients in the body can significantly impact immune levels, as demonstrated by research involving many children.
In this study, a group of individuals had similar vitamin D intake; however, some received supplements. The results indicated that the group taking the supplements had a much higher absorption of vitamin D.
Note: in addition to obtaining these micronutrients through supplements, you can get magnesium from foods such as dark green vegetables, brown rice, and nuts. Vitamin D is also abundantly found in dairy, eggs, cheese and mushrooms.
Can calcium, magnesium and zinc be taken together?
You are undoubtedly aware of the vital role that minerals such as magnesium, zinc and calcium in health.
Today, there are many supplements that combine magnesium, zinc, and calcium, and especially people who seek to improve and strengthen their bones use these supplements.Taking these supplements at the same time not only does not pose any risk, but it also includes the following benefits.
Bone Strength and Health
Since bone is regularly regenerating, calcium is an essential ingredient for bone growth and strengthening. In addition, zinc helps bone-forming cells act more effectively against cells that play a bone-destroying role. At the end of the process, magnesium aids in better calcium absorption by activating vitamin D.
Boosting the Immune System
Magnesium and zinc strengthen the immune system by reducing inflammation levels. Although inflammation does not cause problems at normal levels, chronic inflammation can lead to acute diseases such as cardiovascular issues and cancer. The combination of zinc, calcium, and magnesium protects the body’s cells and helps prevent wounds and infections that can cause chronic inflammation.
Improved Sleep Conditions
Extensive research has shown that magnesium and zinc can effectively improve sleep quality. Magnesium stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation in individuals.
Numerous animal and human studies have demonstrated that high levels of zinc in the blood enhance sleep quality. An experiment involving older adults found that taking magnesium and zinc supplements alongside calcium helps individuals fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
Improving and Strengthening Morale
Supplements containing three minerals magnesium, zinc and calcium can send signals to the brain that lead to increased morale. Many studies have shown that people with normal levels of these minerals in their bodies rarely experience depression, anxiety, and mood problems.
Blood Sugar Control
The composition of these minerals can help regulate blood sugar.
Research has shown that lack of these minerals in the body can also affect insulin secretion and lower fasting blood sugar as well as post-meal blood sugar.
In addition, people with diabetes can maintain low blood sugar levels by taking supplements containing zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
Last word
In the case of concomitant intake of magnesium, zinc, and their interaction with other micronutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, it should be noted that there is no interference with the simultaneous consumption of these substances.
In contrast, research shows that the simultaneous intake of magnesium and zinc, along with calcium and vitamin D, can enhance the absorption of these micronutrients.
If you belong to a group of individuals who should take these supplements, it is advisable to consult your doctor or seek guidance from our experienced team before taking them, based on your physical condition and history of previous illnesses.