I am a 75-year-old woman and I take extra vitamin D as recommended because of my age. Now I am afraid of a possible magnesium deficiency. Are there preparations in which vitamin D together with magnesium and calcium are included in the right proportions so that I do not have to worry about deficiencies?
Mary
Suzan Tuinier, nutritionist
It is very good that you take extra vitamin D. You always need that in addition to the daily diet. The Health Council advises women aged 50 and older to take extra vitamin D.
Magnesium is found in many foods, so it is questionable whether there is a deficiency. As with other minerals, the absorption of magnesium is influenced by several factors. It really depends on what you ate at the time. Dietary fiber, for example, reduces the absorption of magnesium. Dietary fiber and phosphorus are found in fruits, vegetables and grains.
The absorption of magnesium is also influenced by the amount of protein in the intestines. Is it necessary to take this into account? No, because the interactions that exist can often be canceled out against each other. Some substances inhibit the absorption of magnesium and others promote the absorption. It is therefore especially important to eat a healthy and varied diet and to take extra vitamin D.
An optimal composition in a supplement (if there is already one) does not say everything, if it is not absorbed, it is of no use. When in doubt, you can always ask your doctor to determine the blood value to see if there is a deficiency.
Do you also have a question? Then ask one of our experts. Always go to your doctor with urgent questions, the experts are not the right person for that. Nor do they make diagnoses. You can find the other conditions here.
Suzan Tuinier is a nutritionist and coordinator of the Vitamin Information Bureau. She has experience as a nutrition educator and researcher. You can contact Suzan with questions about vitamins and minerals.
