VITAMIN D and calcium supplements have recently gained traction as essential for bone health through the support of various marketing campaigns. However, a very important concern is seemingly missing from the equation; vitamin D needs its co-factors, magnesium and vitamin K2, in order to work effectively and safely.

Magnesium activates and regulates calcium, while vitamin K2 ensures that calcium goes to its intended destination – bones; rather than deposit as calcium stones and cause calcification in soft tissue, including blood vessels.

Without the co-factors, vitamin D can, in fact, contribute to the very aches and pains it is meant to alleviate, as microscopic deposits settle in joint cartilages, causing arthritis-like pain.

Further, as vitamin D needs magnesium to work, high and consistent doses of vitamin D, deprives the body of magnesium as it gets used up, causing a new set of symptoms to set in, including muscle cramps, migraine, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, cognitive issues, insulin dysregulation, depression and many more.

Needless to say, magnesium itself is an essential macronutrient responsible for 300 biochemical reactions. Pakistan is one of the few countries where a high bolus monthly dose (200,000 to 600,000 iu) in the form of injection is routinely prescribed by doctors.

However, evidence-based studies have proved that in order to overcome a deficiency, only a sustained daily dose along with co-factors will achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Indeed, in the developed world, vitamin D supplements are sold in combination with vitamin K2. Magnesium comes in many forms, the best being the chelated types.

Unfortunately, neither magnesium nor vitamin K2 is locally available in Pakistan. As such, the best thing to do in our context is for the people to always discuss the matter with their attending physicians to be sure what they are getting into.

Rabia Baig
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2021