Preventing Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Naturally: Why Magnesium Matters More Than You Think

May 1, 2025

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are serious skeletal conditions affecting millions of people worldwide, including a significant portion of the Canadian population. While calcium is well-known for supporting bone health, magnesium plays an equally vital and scientifically backed role in preventing bone loss, maintaining bone density, and reducing fracture risk.

Osteoporosis in Canada: A Growing Public Health Concern

In Canada alone, over 2.2 million Canadians aged 40 and older reported a diagnosis of osteoporosis in 2015–2016, with women making up 80% of cases 1.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men over age 50 are affected by osteoporosis.
Osteoporotic fractures cause more hospitalizations in Canadian women over 45 than heart attacks, strokes, or breast cancer 2.
Hip fractures are projected to double in the next 50 years, mirroring global trends 3.

What Is Osteopenia and Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia: Lower-than-normal bone mineral density (T-score between -1.0 and -2.5). Often a precursor to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis: T-score lower than -2.5, characterized by brittle, fragile bones and increased fracture risk.

Known as the “silent disease”, osteoporosis often has no symptoms until a fracture occurs—by then, bone loss is already significant.

The Role of Magnesium in Bone Health

Calcium may build bones, but magnesium helps regulate and optimize that process. Around 50–60% of total body magnesium is stored in bones, where it influences bone structure, quality, and turnover 4.

Magnesium supports bone health by:

Regulating calcium metabolism via its role in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and active vitamin D production.
Activating enzymes involved in bone formation and repair.
Improving bone matrix quality and reducing bone fragility.

New Evidence:

A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nutrients found that low serum magnesium levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of fractures in the general population. The study concluded that individuals with lower magnesium concentrations had a notably higher incidence of fractures, highlighting magnesium’s independent role in bone health, beyond just calcium and vitamin D status.

Calcium and Magnesium: The Right Ratio Matters

The conventional approach to bone health has focused almost exclusively on calcium. But excessive calcium intake without adequate magnesium can lead to calcium malabsorption, arterial calcification, and impaired bone remodelling.

While mainstream guidelines set separate RDAs for calcium and magnesium, many functional health experts recommend a magnesium-to-calcium intake ratio of at least 1:1. This helps ensure proper calcium metabolism and supports bone health, especially in older adults or those at risk of osteoporosis.

Magnesium Supplementation for Bone Health

If you are at risk of or currently managing osteopenia or osteoporosis, targeted magnesium supplementation may help restore balance and support bone density.

For Calcium + Magnesium Needs:

MAG365 BF + Calcium – A highly bioavailable ionic magnesium citrate powder blended with calcium lactate. The "BF" formula also includes supportive cofactors like boron, potassium, and vitamin D3 for optimal mineral utilization.

For Sensitive Digestion:

PrizMAG – A pure magnesium bisglycinate supplement with zero fillers or additives. Chelated for superior absorption and gentle on the digestive system, it’s ideal for those prone to stomach upset from other forms of magnesium.

Other Magnesium Options:

Transdermal Magnesium – Products like SeaMAG Magnesium Chloride Gel or SeaMAG Magnesium Chloride Spray allow magnesium to be absorbed through the skin, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract entirely.

Lifestyle Tips for Stronger Bones

In addition to supplements:

Weight-bearing exercise (e.g., walking, resistance training, yoga) helps stimulate bone remodelling.
Nutrient-rich diet high in magnesium (leafy greens, legumes, nuts), calcium, and vitamin D.
Bone density testing (DEXA scans) after age 50 is recommended to track progress and detect changes early.

Key Takeaway: Don’t Just Think Calcium—Think Magnesium for Bone Health

Preventing and managing osteoporosis and osteopenia isn’t just about adding calcium—it’s about ensuring your body can use calcium effectively, which requires adequate magnesium levels.

Science confirms that magnesium deficiency contributes to bone fragility, and addressing it through well-formulated, bioavailable supplements like PrizMAG and MAG365 BF + Calcium may improve bone health outcomes.

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