Q: I was reading about the Tri-Magnesium online and it makes sense to me why this would be a good product to try. However,  I also read that magnesium should be coupled with calcium in a 2:1 ratio in order to have maximum magnesium absorption.  I was wondering about your thoughts on that as I don't believe this product has calcium.

A: Calcium and magnesium do have a synergistic relationship. However, Calcium is not needed in order for a high quality magnesium to be absorbed.

The reason why calcium is added along with magnesium for most supplements is that magnesium can push out calcium. This is why there is twice as much calcium as there is magnesium in common Ca:Mg 2:1 formulas. If one gets ample calcium from their diet, calcium supplementation is not needed.

Magnesium is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies known, right there with Vitamin D3. Thus, taking added calcium in a magnesium supplement is not needed for many individuals.

For those needing calcium and magnesium, then I recommend the standard Ca:Mg 2:1 formula.

Research shows that magnesium when combined with vitamin B6 is better absorbed compared to magnesium without vitamin B6.

The best form of magnesium I recommend is Magnesium Plus by Seeking Health. Magnesium Plus contains 100 mg of highly bioavailable magnesium glycinate chelate which, by itself, is very easily absorbed. Any time a mineral is chelated means it will be well-absorbed. Magnesium Plus also contains 25 mg of the co-enzyme active form of vitamin B6 known as pyridoxal-5'-phosphate also known as P-5-P.

Tri-Magnesium is good but it is not as effective as Magnesium Plus. We also discontinued that product as it contained magnesium stearate. I have pulled all products from HealthE Goods which contained magnesium stearate. I do not like to see added ingredients in supplements which are there solely to make the ingredients not gum up the laboratory equipment at the time of manufacturing.

For a quality form of calcium is food based, I recommend Chia Seeds. They have high amounts of calcium - 18% of RDA amount of Calcium per ounce.

Should you have other questions, please do ask.

In health,

Dr Ben
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