Magnesium-The Switch that Activates Vitamin D - video Dec 2025
Youtube - Dr. Jin W. Sung 9 minutes
Magnesium acts as the activation "switch" (00:02 - 01:20): Magnesium is chemically required for the enzyme (25-hydroxylase) that converts Vitamin D into its storage form in the liver, as well as for the activation process in the kidneys that turns it into the usable form (1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D).
Transport and cellular uptake rely on Magnesium (01:20 - 01:54): Vitamin D cannot function without Magnesium, which is essential for the Vitamin D binding proteins that transport it through the blood and for the receptors that allow it to enter cells.[5]
Prevents calcium toxicity symptoms(01:54 - 02:17): Since Vitamin D increases calcium absorption, a lack of Magnesium (which balances calcium) can lead to side effects like muscle twitching, kidney stones, headaches, and heart palpitations.
Strategy for Vitamin D intolerance (02:17 - 02:54): If you experience negative side effects from Vitamin D, stop taking it and "load" Magnesium (400–500mg daily) for two weeks before reintroducing Vitamin D.
The Golden Ratio for dosage (02:54 - 03:26): For every 1,000 IU of Vitamin D3, aim for approximately 100mg of Magnesium. For example, a 5,000 IU Vitamin D dose should be paired with 400–600mg of Magnesium (Magnesium Glycinate is recommended).
Complete Co-factor Protocol (03:56 - 05:00): To maximize efficacy, take 5,000 IU Vitamin D3 with a fatty meal (or fish oil) along with these co-factors: 90–100mcg Vitamin K2 (MK7), 200–500mg Magnesium Glycinate, Vitamin B6 (P5P), Boron (7.5–15mg), and Zinc (2–4mg).
Optimal Blood Level Targets (05:00 - 05:29): Aim for a blood test result of 60–80 ng/mL (US standard) or 150–200 nmol/L (European standard).
Common Absorption Barriers (05:56 - 07:04): Efficacy can be reduced by low stomach acid (common with aging or antacid use), gallbladder removal (poor fat digestion), or GI issues like SIBO and Crohn's disease.
Supplement Quality Matters (07:28 - 09:11): Avoid cheap, "big box" store supplements which often use poor bio-available forms (like calcium carbonate) and lack third-party testing for purity and heavy metals.
Sources
vitad.org (an illegal site that cloned Vitamin D Life ~2020)
lifeextensioneurope.com
nih.gov
researchgate.net
sums.ac.ir
nurturedbones.com
betteryou.com