Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D each play an essential role in helping to maintain our bone health, which is especially important as we age.
18,19
Calcium helps build and maintain healthy bones and teeth, whereas vitamin D supports bone health by assisting in calcium absorption and preventing osteoporosis.18 Magnesium is an essential supporting mineral that plays a key role by helping your body use calcium and vitamin D.19 When taken together, these three micronutrients can support normal bone strength and density and help prevent fractures and osteoporosis in older adults.20,21
It’s not always easy to get enough of these nutrients from food alone, especially on a vegan diet, which excludes calcium-rich sources of dairy, or one which doesn’t include fortified dairy alternatives.22
Interestingly, although many plant foods such as spinach, nuts, seeds and whole grains contain magnesium, one review carried out in Milan has found that the magnesium content in fruits and vegetables has dropped up to 50% in the past 50 years due to changes in the soil and climate.23 However, more research is needed to determine the reason magnesium content has decreased in foods.
- 5µg vitamin D
- 500mg calcium
- 250mg magnesium