Vit D3 and Magnesium
Hi Diana,
I'm not sure that there is a truly reliable test, but the closest we can come is apparently the red blood cell (RBC) test. The regular blood test that's typically ordered by doctors measures serum magnesium in circulation and it's almost worthless because it will only detect a magnesium deficiency if almost all of the magnesium reserves stored in cells in the body are completely depleted. Otherwise it will always show a normal result, no matter how low the reserves may be getting, until the reserves are pretty much completely gone.
The RBC magnesium test will give a little better result because it measures the amount of magnesium available in red blood cells. Here's some info on why this continues to be a confusing and frustrating problem:
Magnesium RBC Blood Test
Tex
I'm not sure that there is a truly reliable test, but the closest we can come is apparently the red blood cell (RBC) test. The regular blood test that's typically ordered by doctors measures serum magnesium in circulation and it's almost worthless because it will only detect a magnesium deficiency if almost all of the magnesium reserves stored in cells in the body are completely depleted. Otherwise it will always show a normal result, no matter how low the reserves may be getting, until the reserves are pretty much completely gone.
The RBC magnesium test will give a little better result because it measures the amount of magnesium available in red blood cells. Here's some info on why this continues to be a confusing and frustrating problem:
Magnesium RBC Blood Test
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks Tex, I'm asking for a friend who has Crohn's. I know that it's a completely different situation than ours but I asked him about his vitD and mag levels and he didn't know and he also didn't know the important role they play. Interestingly, he doesn't see a GI doc. He has an appt this week with his regular doctor and I wanted to get this information to him before his appt. So, thanks again. I really don't know much about Crohn's but I'm thinking that VitD and mag play an important role. He's interested in learning and he said he would ask his doctor to run the tests.
Diana
Diana,
The IBDs differ by diagnostic criteria, and some of the clinical symptoms are different because Crohn's and UC involve lesions that penetrate much deeper into the intestinal walls, but the basics of the diseases are all very similar. And most importantly they all are perpetuated by chronic inflammation and the nutrient deficiencies that develop are very similar for all forms of IBD.
The treatment approach we use can be used for any of them provided that the treatment (diet changes) are made soon enough, before the lesions become so severe that they require medical intervention. But most patients don't regard diet changes as a serious treatment, so they don't give them a fair chance. As we all know, treating an IBD half-heartedly will not get the job done, and most people don't try seriously enough (soon enough) to actually get good results, and as a result they decide that it doesn't work and so they give up and use the medical approach.
You're very welcome.
Tex
The IBDs differ by diagnostic criteria, and some of the clinical symptoms are different because Crohn's and UC involve lesions that penetrate much deeper into the intestinal walls, but the basics of the diseases are all very similar. And most importantly they all are perpetuated by chronic inflammation and the nutrient deficiencies that develop are very similar for all forms of IBD.
The treatment approach we use can be used for any of them provided that the treatment (diet changes) are made soon enough, before the lesions become so severe that they require medical intervention. But most patients don't regard diet changes as a serious treatment, so they don't give them a fair chance. As we all know, treating an IBD half-heartedly will not get the job done, and most people don't try seriously enough (soon enough) to actually get good results, and as a result they decide that it doesn't work and so they give up and use the medical approach.
You're very welcome.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Louise1989
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2016 3:56 am
- Location: Paris
Hello Louise,
Welcome to our Internet family. The corticosteroids (including budesonide) cause the body to waste magnesium and various vitamins (especially vitamin D). And MC itself causes virtually all of us to be magnesium and vitamin D deficient, because of the malabsorption issues caused by the diarrhea associated with the disease.
So yes, it is not only safe to take magnesium with budesonide, but it's generally helpful. Too much magnesium can act as a laxative, especially certain forms such as magnesium oxide, which should be avoided. Most of us here take either chelated magnesium (magnesium glycinate), or ReMag, or we use a magnesium oil or lotion on our skin, or we add Epsom salts to bathwater, or we use food soaks in order to increase our magnesium intake while avoiding digestive system problems. Some members here use a combination of treatment methods. Magnesium applied to the skin is not as likely to cause digestive system problems as oral magnesium supplements.
I hope that some of this is helpful. Again, welcome aboard and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to our Internet family. The corticosteroids (including budesonide) cause the body to waste magnesium and various vitamins (especially vitamin D). And MC itself causes virtually all of us to be magnesium and vitamin D deficient, because of the malabsorption issues caused by the diarrhea associated with the disease.
So yes, it is not only safe to take magnesium with budesonide, but it's generally helpful. Too much magnesium can act as a laxative, especially certain forms such as magnesium oxide, which should be avoided. Most of us here take either chelated magnesium (magnesium glycinate), or ReMag, or we use a magnesium oil or lotion on our skin, or we add Epsom salts to bathwater, or we use food soaks in order to increase our magnesium intake while avoiding digestive system problems. Some members here use a combination of treatment methods. Magnesium applied to the skin is not as likely to cause digestive system problems as oral magnesium supplements.
I hope that some of this is helpful. Again, welcome aboard and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Lauria,
Magnesium is always available as a compound because it is unstable in elemental form. Powdered magnesium for example is so highly combustible and burns at such a high temperature that it is used for special types of welding metals, such as thermite welding. It's a common ingredient in fireworks. Not to worry though, in tablet form the magnesium is not exposed to a sufficient amount of oxygen to allow it to burn.
Magnesium chloride is soluble in water (and presumably it's also soluble in oil). It's the form found in sea water, and it works well. The amount of elemental magnesium (actual magnesium) in magnesium chloride is approximately 12 %.
Here is a listing of various magnesium compounds commonly found available for sale as a magnesium supplement, and the amount of elemental magnesium contained in each type. But just because a magnesium supplement contains a high percentage of elemental magnesium does not mean that it will be beneficial because some forms are very poorly absorbed. It's best to select a form that is easily absorbed. Any magnesium that remains unabsorbed in the gut can act as a laxative.
Vitamin D3 is fat soluble (not water soluble). And because virtually all IBD patients have problems absorbing fat, this is why most of us are vitamin D deficient unless we take an adequate supplement.
I hope that some of this is helpful.
Tex
Magnesium is always available as a compound because it is unstable in elemental form. Powdered magnesium for example is so highly combustible and burns at such a high temperature that it is used for special types of welding metals, such as thermite welding. It's a common ingredient in fireworks. Not to worry though, in tablet form the magnesium is not exposed to a sufficient amount of oxygen to allow it to burn.
Magnesium chloride is soluble in water (and presumably it's also soluble in oil). It's the form found in sea water, and it works well. The amount of elemental magnesium (actual magnesium) in magnesium chloride is approximately 12 %.
Here is a listing of various magnesium compounds commonly found available for sale as a magnesium supplement, and the amount of elemental magnesium contained in each type. But just because a magnesium supplement contains a high percentage of elemental magnesium does not mean that it will be beneficial because some forms are very poorly absorbed. It's best to select a form that is easily absorbed. Any magnesium that remains unabsorbed in the gut can act as a laxative.
http://www.afibbers.org/magnesium.htmlThe most common magnesium supplements are magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, chelated magnesium (magnesium glycinate), magnesium orotate, magnesium citrate, magnesium maleate and magnesium gluconate. These supplements provide different amounts of elemental magnesium (the constituent that matters) and also vary significantly in their bioavailability (absorption).
Magnesium oxide is the most dense magnesium compound and the one most often used in mineral supplements and multivitamins. It contains 300 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet, but is extremely poorly absorbed. Only about 4% of its elemental magnesium is absorbed or about 12 mg out of a 500 mg tablet.
Magnesium carbonate contains 125 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet, but is poorly absorbed.
Chelated magnesium (magnesium glycinate) is magnesium bound in a complex of glycine and lysine. It is easily absorbed and highly bioavailable. The magnesium (elemental) content per tablet or capsule is usually 100 mg.
Magnesium orotate contains only 31 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet. However, it is well absorbed and has been found highly effective in daily intakes of 3000 mg (186 mg elemental).
Magnesium citrate contains 80 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet. It is far better absorbed than is magnesium oxide. The water soluble form (Natural Calm) contains 205 mg of elemental magnesium per teaspoon, is totally soluble in hot water and is highly bioavailable.
Magnesium maleate contains 56 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet.
Magnesium gluconate contains 27 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet. It is easily absorbed and quick acting.
All forms of oral magnesium supplements are better absorbed when taken with a meal.
Vitamin D3 is fat soluble (not water soluble). And because virtually all IBD patients have problems absorbing fat, this is why most of us are vitamin D deficient unless we take an adequate supplement.
I hope that some of this is helpful.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Question?
Can I take vitamin D3 and Magnesium or do I have to wait until I am in remission?
Since I read patients find that taking a significant daily dose of D3 (up to 10,000 IU) can help to reduce acid reflux problems, and I am weaning myself off PPI, I am anxious to start. BTW, I will start the elimination diet in Jan. after returning from vacation.
Rose
Since I read patients find that taking a significant daily dose of D3 (up to 10,000 IU) can help to reduce acid reflux problems, and I am weaning myself off PPI, I am anxious to start. BTW, I will start the elimination diet in Jan. after returning from vacation.
Rose
Hashimoto, Gerd, Diabetes type II, bipolar, depression, high cholesterol, hypertension
Thanks Gabes for your quick reply
Now I can go about ordering some.
I was wondering about probiotics. I seem to recollect reading that you shouldn't take them until you are healed. Not sure, if I am remembering correctly.
Rose
Now I can go about ordering some.
I was wondering about probiotics. I seem to recollect reading that you shouldn't take them until you are healed. Not sure, if I am remembering correctly.
Rose
Hashimoto, Gerd, Diabetes type II, bipolar, depression, high cholesterol, hypertension
