Is magnesium better than calcium for your bones?

Is magnesium better than calcium for your bones?
/A Research Review by Benjamin Brown ND/
Calcium has been subject to extensive research for bone health, but an
equally or perhaps even more important nutrient may have been overlooked.
A recent clinical trial has shown for the first time that magnesium
supplementation reduces bone turnover in postmenopausal women.

To determine the effects of magnesium on bone turnover 20 postmenopausal
women were divided into two groups, with 10 patients taking magnesium
(magnesium citrate, 1,30 mg per day) for 30 days. After treatment with
magnesium there was a significant improvement in markers of bone
turnover (serum osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridinoline levels).

Commenting on the importance of their findings the study investigators
concluded that /"this is the first study which shows that oral magnesium
supplementation in postmenopausal osteoporotic women increases serum
osteocalcin levels and decreases urinary deoxypyridinoline levels
indicating a reduction in bone turnover. Although long-term studies are
needed, the role of magnesium in the treatment and prophylaxis of
osteoporosis cannot be overlooked."/
*Comments: *
Importantly, as the investigators point out, this study suggests that
magnesium decreases bone resorption and increases bone formation. In
contrast hormone therapy or bisphosphonate treatment suppresses both
bone formation and bone resorption in postmenopausal women whose bone
turnover is hyperactivated.
There is considerable evidence to suggest that magnesium intake is
correlated with bone health. Unlike calcium however magnesium lacks
large scale clinical trials. This study provides important insight into
the mechanisms by which magnesium may improve bone metabolism.
On a clinical note, a couple of patients in the treatment group reported
loose stools even though the magnesium citrate was administered in
divided doses. A better tolerated form of magnesium such as magnesium
glycinate or a lower dose may reduce risk of this side effect.
*References:*
Aydin H, et al. Short-Term Oral Magnesium Supplementation Suppresses
Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Women. Biol Trace Elem Res
(2010) 133:136–143