Cal-Mag

Uses

Calcium is a mineral found in over-the-counter supplements or prescription formulations used for the treatment of specific medical conditions related to calcium deficiency.

Calcium plays a vital role in the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of organisms and of the cell, particularly in signal transduction pathways. It is vital in cell signaling, muscular contractions, bone health, and signalling cascades.

Magnesium is a medication used for many purposes including constipation, indigestion, magnesium deficiency, and pre-eclampsia.

Healthy levels of magnesium can be achieved through a well balanced diet, but if food sources are insufficient, magnesium supplements can be used to prevent and treat magnesium deficiencies.

In medicine, various magnesium salts may be used in laxative and antacid products. For example, magnesium citrate is available over-the-counter and may be used to manage occasional constipation. Magnesium sulfate may be used on its own or with total parenteral nutrition to treat hypomagnesemia. Magnesium sulfate is also indicated to prevent seizures in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, and to manage seizures associated with eclampsia.

Cal-Mag is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Calcium Deficiency, Deficiency, Vitamin D, Osteodystrophy, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Chronic Hypocalcemia, Chronic Hypocalcemia caused by anticonvulsant medications, Care of the Joint, Mineral supplementation, Nutritional supplementationCalcium Deficiency, Magnesium Deficiency, Zinc Deficiency

How Cal-Mag works

Calcium plays a vital role in the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of organisms and of the cell, particularly in signal transduction pathways. More than 500 human proteins are known to bind or transport calcium. The skeleton acts as a major mineral storage site for the element and releases Ca2+ ions into the bloodstream under controlled conditions. Circulating calcium is either in the free, ionized form or bound to blood proteins such as serum albumin. Parathyroid hormone (secreted from the parathyroid gland) regulates the resorption of Ca2+ from bone. Calcitonin stimulates incorporation of calcium in bone, although this process is largely independent of calcitonin. Although calcium flow to and from the bone is neutral, about 5 mmol is turned over a day. Bone serves as an important storage point for calcium, as it contains 99% of the total body calcium. Low calcium intake may also be a risk factor in the development of osteoporosis. The best-absorbed form of calcium from a pill is a calcium salt like carbonate or phosphate. Calcium gluconate and calcium lactate are absorbed well by pregnant women. Seniors absorb calcium lactate, gluconate and citrate better unless they take their calcium supplement with a full breakfast. The currently recommended calcium intake is 1,500 milligrams per day for women not taking estrogen and 800 milligrams per day for women on estrogen. There is close to 300 milligrams of calcium in one cup of fluid milk. Calcium carbonate is currently the best and least expensive form of calcium supplement available.

Magnesium is a cofactor for at least 300 enzymes and is important for several functions in the body with some key processes identified below. Enzymes that rely on magnesium to operate help produce energy through oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis and ATP metabolism. They are also involved in nerve function, muscle contraction, blood glucose control, hormone receptor binding, protein synthesis, cardiac excitability, blood pressure control, gating of calcium channels and transmembrane ion flux.

The mitochondrial intracellular space is rich in magnesium, since it is required to produce the active form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) from ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate, and behaves as a counter ion for the energy rich molecule. Additionally, magnesium is essential for ATP metabolism.

Toxicity

The recommended dietary allowance of magnesium ranges from 30 mg for infants to 420 mg for males between the age of 31 and 50. According to the institute of Medicine (IOM), the majority of adults can tolerate 350 mg of magnesium per day without experiencing adverse effects. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity include diarrhea and other gastrointestinal effects, thirst, muscle weakness, drowsiness, severe back and pelvic pain, hypotension, dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and deterioration of kidney function. Other more severe symptoms associated with magnesium overdose include loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.

Regular use of laxatives containing magnesium may lead to severe and even fatal hypermagnesemia.

Discontinuation of magnesium products including supplements, laxatives, and antacids is usually sufficient to manage mild cases of magnesium overdose; however, patients should also be screened for renal impairment.

In severe cases of magnesium overdose, patients may require supportive care and interventions including intravenous fluids and furosemide, IV calcium chloride or calcium gluconate, renal dialysis and artificial respiratory support.

Volume of Distribution

According to a pharmacokinetic review, the volume of distribution of magnesium sulphate when used to manage patients with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia ranged from 13.65 to 49.00 L.

Elimination Route

Approximately 24-76% of ingested magnesium is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily via passive paracellular absorption in the small intestine.

Half Life

Magnesiums biologic half-life is reported to be approximately 1000 hours or 42 days.

Elimination Route

The kidney excretes 250 mmol a day in urine, and resorbs 245 mmol, leading to a net loss in the urine of 5 mmol/d.

The majority of magnesium is excreted renally.

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