Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D have been proven to work together in the body to promote bone health and prevent deficiencies damaging to bone mineralization. The rigidity of the bones in the skeletal system comes from Calcium. As a person grows, the body's bone manufacturing process causes large amounts of Calcium to be deposited throughout the skeleton. Calcium may be as much as 3% of a person's adult body weight, 99% of which is in bones and teeth. (Cashman 2002) Unfortunately, between 400 to 800 mg of calcium is lost daily from skin excretion, bowels and urine. (Charles et al. 1983; Nordin and Marshall 1988) This makes Calcium supplementation necessary for most people to maintain the Calcium levels required just to stave off bone demineralization.

Adequate Calcium levels are critical to cellular functions that regulate neuromuscular and heart health. Calcium is involved in the initiation of muscle contractions which makes it important in maintaining a healthy heart beat. It is also required in the transmission of nerve impulses and has a role in fat digestion, metabolism, and cell membrane transport of nutrients and wastes. Clinical studies show that Calcium has been able to reduce cholesterol levels (Bell et al. 1992) and lower blood pressure. (Allender et al. 1996; Bostick et al. 2000)

Calcium can also benefit weight management concerns. Increasing dietary Calcium significantly augmented weight and fat loss. (Zemel et al. 2004) Calcium has been shown to be important in regulating adiposity. (Zemel et al. 2000) Vitamin D's critical role in Calcium absorption makes it important in a weight management plan, and given Magnesium's interactions with insulin metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, supplementation may benefit a weight management plan. (Kobrin and Glodfarb 1990)

Studies have shown that menopause is associated with a rise in obligatory calcium excretion (Young and Nordin, 1967; Gallagher, Young and Nordin, 1972; Stepan et al. 1987; Nordin and Polley, 1987; Prince et al. 1995) and a probable decrease in calcium absorption. (Heaney et al., 1989; Nordin, 1997) Menopausal bone loss can be managed with an increase in calcium intake. The daily amount of calcium lost via excretion and urine increases at menopause. (Young and Nordin, 1967; Gallagher, Young and Nordin, 1972; Stepan et al. 1987; Nordin and Polley, 1987; Prince et al. 1995) Recent reports have recommended a calcium allowance of 1500 mg for postmenopausal women. (United States National Institutes of Health, 1994; American Journal of Medicine, 1993)

The principal regulator of Calcium absorption is Vitamin D. (Holick 1995) The major biological function of Vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of Calcium. (Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board 1999; Van Den Berg 1997) Therefore, Vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also works in conjunction with Magnesium to enhance bone mineralization. When a Vitamin D deficiency is present, bones can become thin, brittle, misshapened and weak. (Goldring et al. 1995; Favus and Christakos 1996)

Low blood levels of magnesium are frequently seen in individuals with type 2 diabetes. (Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board 1999) Studies have shown that correcting magnesium depletion may improve insulin response. (Paolisso et al. 1992) In those with cardiovascular problems, magnesium has been shown to improve exercise duration and tolerance. (Shecter et al. 2000; Shecter et al. 2003)