‘Where do we start?”

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

by Adam Killpartrick, DC, CNS

When it comes to foundational health, my patients ask, ‘Where do we start?” My answer is always diet.

‘Where do we go next in terms of supplements?’ I reply, ‘A good multivitamin that fills the gaps in the diet, delivered through whole food for optimal delivery.’

‘Should I look at anything beyond a multi?’ And with that, my first thought is usually Magnesium.

‘Well isn’t there enough magnesium in the multivitamin?’. Not necessarily.

Most multivitamins don’t contain a clinically significant dose (some may, but it’s uncommon).

Magnesium is a large mineral that takes up a lot of space in a tablet or capsule. So in order to deliver the dose needed to support various systems and functions in the body, there is often a need to further supplement your patients with added magnesium.

As far as recommending this mineral, I've begun to group magnesium into a ‘foundational’ role because of the broad application in my practice. I use it to support one patient’s cerebrovascular health after a major brain injury while another patient may need to support her thyroid*. I have athletes who take magnesium to support muscular health and provide magnesium to support healthy levels of smooth muscle contraction for women during their cycle*. With so many applications it competes with many of the other ‘foundational’ products I recommend and is more often than not coupled with the standard whole food multi or probiotic.

But when it comes to your patients getting exactly what you’re intending them to get, I would like to remind of a couple of keys to optimal absorption.

High amounts of supplemental zinc can interfere with magnesium absorption and disrupt magnesium balance.
Optimal protein intake is essential to absorb magnesium. Inadequate protein intake can potentially result in lower levels of available magnesium in the body.
Excessive amounts of fiber in the diet may decrease magnesium utilization.
Adequate vitamin D levels may also serve as a factor in optimal absorption of magnesium.

There aren’t many nutrients or botanicals that you can apply to so many people, so much of the time and get such a great response so consistently. Magnesium is that nutrient and amazingly continues to provide critical support to so many people.

^* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

posted by Innate Response at

6:37 AM

‘Where do we start?”

0 Comments :

Post a Comment