Posted by Larry Hoover on February 24, 2003, at 16:31:04
In reply to Re: lithium plus magnesium » Larry Hoover, posted by johnj on February 24, 2003, at 15:30:49
> Hi Larry,
>
> I am on Lithium and wonder if some magnesium would help. However, does taking it alter calcium adsorption? What type do you suggest and any ideas on a starting dose? I have been taking some extra B and C after lunch and it has helped. thank youWhat was once believed to be an interaction between these two was later found to be a quirk of the effect of magnesium deficiency. Low magnesium stores cause the dissolution of bone because the largest store of magnesium in the body is bone. This causes high blood calcium levels, which in turn tells the parathyroid to cut back on the hormone that controls active uptake (activated by vitamin D) of both calcium and magnesium. In other words, high calcium *in the blood* blocks magnesium uptake, but not having both in the diet together.
So, if you're magnesium deficient, you're not going to absorb magnesium efficiently, at first. If it remains in the gut (i.e. due to poor absorption), it can lead to diarrhea. So, start at maybe 500 mg magnesium chloride or magnesium citrate. Every two weeks, up that by 250 mg, until you're at 1 gram or so. That's plenty. If at any dose you get loose stools, back down again for a week. You should also ensure that you get extra vitamin D. Cod liver oil is a good source, and it also gives you omega-3 fatty acids.
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:202799
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030224/msgs/203444.html