Magnesium + vitamin D3 and K2
MAGNESIUM + VITAMINS D3 AND K2: THE COMBINATION FOR STRENGTH AND VITALITY
People who enjoy physical challenges and intend on staying active and energetic throughout their lives should always ensure that they are obtaining sufficient vitamins and minerals. This is especially true as our physical constitution changes over the years. For strength and vitality as well as the health of our bones and muscles, micronutrients such as magnesium, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 are essential.
How do magnesium and vitamins work in synergy?
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in a range of processes in the body. It often interacts directly with vitamins, sometimes in an interdependent way. The fact is, they cannot work without each other. Magnesium is involved in the conversion and activation of vitamin D, while vitamin D is important for magnesium absorption. Vitamin K2 comes into play where bone health is concerned. This is because vitamin K2 plays a role in controlling the breakdown and regeneration of bone tissue. Together with vitamin D3, it allows calcium to be absorbed into the bones.
What is the role of magnesium?
Magnesium is involved in more than 600 bodily processes. Not only does the essential mineral ensure that our muscles function smoothly, but without it, none of the body's energy-dependent processes would work. Magnesium is partly responsible for activating vitamin D, which in turn is also essential for a good immune system.
- Magnesium plays a significant role in our muscles, acting as a counterpart to calcium: While calcium is responsible for muscle contraction, magnesium helps the muscles relax. In addition, a high magnesium intake is also important for muscle strength.
- Magnesium ensures not only strong muscles but also stable bones. Around 60 per cent of the magnesium contained in the body is stored in the bones, making our bones our largest magnesium store. Magnesium is involved in the mineralisation, growth and stabilisation of our bones. As a cofactor in vitamin D metabolism, the mineral also contributes directly to the conversion, activation and transport of vitamin D in the body.
What other tasks does magnesium perform?
Magnesium is an indispensable ally in everyday life. There is virtually no process in our body that does not involve the mineral – from muscles, bones and nerves to energy metabolism and the brain and heart. As such, magnesium is a fascinating and multi-talented mineral.
WHY IS VITAMIN D IMPORTANT?
Vitamin D actually consists of a group of fat-soluble vitamins. These include vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Our body needs micronutrients for a number of reasons. The functions of vitamin D include bone mineralisation, muscle strength control and immune defence.
Vitamin D regulates calcium absorption in the bones, keeping them strong and stable. It contributes to the maintenance of muscle strength and the normal function of the immune system.
- Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone mineralisation. It regulates how calcium is absorbed from the intestines and deposited into the bones, which is why it's essential for bone stability and strength.
- But vitamin D also plays an essential role for the muscles: It is important to obtain an adequate supply of vitamin D for muscle strength (e.g. grip and leg strength) and muscle response. At the same time, vitamin D is involved in magnesium absorption.
- Our immune system also needs vitamin D. Getting enough vitamin D will give you good defences.
The body can produce vitamin D3 – and it does this whenever the skin is exposed to the sun's rays. So, during the winter months when there is less sun or in summer when we use sunscreen to protect ourselves from UV rays, less vitamin D3 is produced.
Why does the body need vitamin K?
Like vitamin D, vitamin K is one of the fat-soluble vitamins - and it is just as essential for our body. For one thing, vitamin K is needed by certain enzymes that play a role in bone metabolism. It therefore contributes significantly to the health of our bones.
- Vitamin K is essential for bone stability as it regulates the hormonal control of our bone cells and interacts with vitamin D to mineralise bones.
We obtain vitamin K through our diet. It is found in green vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach as well as legumes. A poor diet that is also extremely low in fat can lead to vitamin K deficiency. As we get older, our vitamin K requirement also increases.
How do magnesium and vitamins support an active lifestyle?
We want to be healthy and active – for as long as possible. However, our bodies change for various reasons. For example, losing bone and muscle mass over time. Magnesium and special vitamins like vitamins D3 and K2 contribute to the normal function and strength of muscles and support strong bones. This helps us stay strong and full of energy.