Mag-Cal (Reverse Ratio)

What Is Mag-Cal?

Cal-Mag formulas – supplying a ratio of 2:1 of calcium to magnesium are among the most widely recommended supplements for women for bone health, but did you know that Mag-Cal supplements also exist and offer very distinct benefits? Mag-Cal, also often referred to as reverse ratio Cal-Mag, flips the ratios around and supplies twice as much magnesium as it does calcium, and as a result, offers different advantages to health and may even be the better option for some.

Beyond bone health, Mag-Cal formulas help support muscles and the nervous system; therefore are ideal for anyone dealing with insomnia, anxiety, and other mood-based symptoms. Just as interestingly, according to recent research, Mag-Cal supplements may be the best fit for post-menopausal women. This is of interest because data from the last decade suggests that taking traditional 2:1 Cal-Mag supplements may raise heart disease risk in postmenopausal women.

Less than half of the calcium we consume is absorbed and the rest is either excreted or stored in soft tissue where it can calcify (think arterial deposits). Unabsorbed calcium can also cause the formation of kidney stones. Because magnesium is essential for the absorption of calcium, increasing the percentage of magnesium to calcium in a supplement may help enhance the absorption of calcium. Unsurprisingly, because women make up over 70% of calcium supplement users, Mag-Cal blends may offer better bone health support, while helping preserve cardiovascular health and lowering the risk of the formation of kidney stones.

Who Needs Mag-Cal?

Mag-Cal is ideal for post-menopausal women who want to protect and preserve bone mass but may be concerned with heart health or have a family history of cardiovascular disease. Practitioners will also frequently recommend Mag-Cal for people who struggle with mood-based symptoms.

Benefits of Mag-Cal

• Maintains Healthy Nerve Function
• Supports Optimal Bone Health

Mag-Cal Supplements

Potency

Mag-Cal supplements are offered in a few different potencies, typically in the range of 400/500 mg of magnesium to 200/250 mg of calcium, with the requisite addition of Vitamin D3 (usually in the 50-100 IU range).

Formats

Mag-Cal supplements are far fewer than Cal-Mag blends but can be found in capsules, tablets, as well as liquid form.

Final Thoughts

Reverse ratio Cal-Mag supplements typically have added nutrients like Zinc and Vitamin D to support optimal bone metabolism.

Because magnesium converts Vitamin D into its active form, it can further enhance calcium absorption. Magnesium also stimulates calcitonin, a hormone that draws calcium out of the blood and soft tissues back into the bones, which helps strengthen bones, as well as helps prevent atherosclerosis and kidney stones. Look for Mag-Cal formulas that have vitamin D3.

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