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Parathyroid hormone and magnesium: when “normal” is not always a good thing

This week, I’m at the 2009 national meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research in Denver, Colorado, learning about the most recent findings in bone research. I wanted to pass along an intriguing bit of information about magnesium deficiency and bone health.

If you’ve been following our work at the Center for Better Bones, you know that I often suggest clients be tested for both vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. This is because low vitamin D levels can lead to high PTH, a condition that depletes bone.

Here’s how it works: when vitamin D is deficient, we cannot absorb enough calcium from our food to keep our blood calcium levels high enough to support our health. To achieve the necessary blood calcium level, the parathyroid gland releases PTH, which breaks down bone to release stored calcium for transfer into the blood. If this bone breakdown action continues over time, excessive bone loss can occur. In these cases, appropriate supplementation with vitamin D increases calcium absorption from food, which reduces the production of PTH. Normal PTH levels prevent excessive bone loss.

So when can a normal PTH level be a bad thing? When it’s caused by magnesium deficiency! People who are deficient in magnesium do not produce parathyroid normally even if their vitamin D levels are very low. I have seen such cases at the Center for Better Bones, where a person comes to me with low vitamin D status and yet has normal PTH.

In these cases, supplementing with vitamin D will help, but the magnesium deficiency needs to be addressed, too. Magnesium supports bone health on many levels, including stimulating the production of the bone-preserving hormone calcitonin and properly forming calcium crystals in bone. The best way to regulate production of PTH is by providing the body with the nutrients it needs to function well — especially vitamin D and magnesium. With ample nutrition, your body will naturally maintain healthy blood calcium levels while building strong bone — and your PTH will stay at a normal level for the right reasons!

September 15, 2009 15:36
 |  Comments (15)

Comments

March 12. 2010 00:42

Is there any relation between the bone disease Fibrous Dysplasia (F.D) and PTH levels? I have this disease and am not finding much help from my medical doctors here in Denver. They just want me to continue on with Fosamax. I read one thing from the Mayo Clinic about parathyroid and F.D. My Acupunturist has me on Strontium, which I saw on your website as a nutrient for bone density. Could you enlighten me at all on any other supplements or treatments for this bone disease? Thank you.

Lorrie

March 26. 2010 15:02

I was told by several Doctors that you cannot regulate your High Parathyroid with Vitamin D.  You either have a tumor or have secondary hyperparathyroidism which is due from an absorbtion problem or Vitamin deficiency.

Deborah Parker

March 26. 2010 16:36

Dear Lorrie:
I do not know a great deal about Fibrous Dysplasia and any relation it might have to parathryoid hormone.   As the disorder can cause the affected bones to become deformed and susceptible to fracture I would recommend using the full Better Bones program, including all the 20 key bone nutrients and the Alkaline for Life eating plan.
Best wishes, Susan

Susan Brown

March 29. 2010 11:04

Hi Deborah:
Your doctors and I are saying similar things, I suspect. Some high parathyroid is due to a vitamin D deficiency (with very low vitamin D you absorb insufficient calcium, blood calcium gets low and the parathyroid goes into overdrive to breakdown down more bone to release calcium that is then used to raise blood calcium levels.  Other types of high parathyroid problems, however, are not related to vitamin D but are cause by a tumor on the gland which causes an over-secretion of parathyroid hormone. In any case,whatever the cause, it is important to correct high parathyroid levels. Best, Susan

Susan Brown

April 5. 2010 17:23

i Susan:

I do not understand when you say (Some high parathyroid is due to a vitamin D deficiency)  Either you have Primary Hyperparathyroidism which is a reading of a High PTH and a High reading of calcium (not in all cases the calcium is high but, that's rare.) Secondary Hyperparathyroidism is more complicated.  Yes, you can have a low vitamin d reading and a low calcium (not in all cases) and a High PTH reading and that is an absorbtion problem.  What causes the absorbtion problem? In my case it's called Celiac.  It took me years
to find that out (30 years)  Very disappointed in Doctors.  I also developed osteoporosis, sjogren's and now secondary Hyperparathyroidism.  Every time I received reclast my PTH becomes elevated and stay's elevated for almost a year.  My calcium and vitamin D stay's within normal range.  So, I would say some high parathyroid does not exist.  Either Primary or Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.  I would encourage people to keep looking for an answer why you were diagnose with secondary hyperparathyroidism.  Yes it's mostly likely an absorbtion problem that comes from your gut.  (Celiac)  Thank you.

Deborah Parker

April 15. 2010 06:46

Good morning,

I have been seeing my doctor for years with the SAME SYMPTOMS that are only getting worse as she really is coming off completely careless and unconcerned. Joking that I may even be a hypochondriac. I started having Raynaud's syndrome a/b 5 years ago. Brain fog, memory disturbances, extreme fatigue, an unexplained blackout (I was driving, blacked out and hit a car), an unexplained fracture in the UPPER NECK OF MY FEMUR (I am very active, yes- but not enough to warrant that. My diet is very good-- my background is health/nutrition/wellness---I take very good care of myself. I know when something is not right-- -and something has not been right for a long time), etc. She finally ordered MRI's of 16 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN MY BODY. CBC came back fine, except for a positive ANA- only on the low end. My neck showed a "cyst at the right midline at the base of my tongue 3mm in size". I can't stop swallowing and feel something is there. Yesterday it was sore. A friend of mine thought I may want to check into the parathyroid. I am so desperate for answers now... I really think she may be on to something re: the paraythyroid. I've tried looking for experts on the subject, but can find no one reputable in the area. Only in FL, and they charge $750 even for a consultation fee. I've spent so much money alone on co-pays, etc.
I am writing to you today to see if you may have any thoughts?
Thanks so much...

Kimberly

Kimberly Hammond

April 15. 2010 09:32

I'm no expert but you may want to start by finding a new primary care doctor, anyone who calls you a hypochondriac to your face when you're seeking answers is both unprofessional and not interested in getting to the root of the matter.

Fenbeast

June 24. 2010 09:17

I have secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic kidney disease.  So there's another cause.

Deb Stover

January 28. 2011 08:04

i really like this post

Betsy

February 24. 2011 14:03

I have been diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Additionally, per testing I lack the gene for production of glutathion, a substance that assists with elminating toxins from your body, such as environmental pollutants, heavy metals, and Lyme bateria! I was wondering if either or both of these issues may contribute to excessive bone loss as I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis of spine and hip.

Thank you in advance for your response,

Carol Bartu

February 24. 2011 23:08

Hence for bone health besides Ca, and Vit. D to get Mg. its imp to have Spinach, whole grains,beans , almonds peanuts, milk and milk products in the diet .which not many people realise when they just keep emphasisising Ca for bone health

vinita aran

February 28. 2011 09:28

I have osteoporosis due to celiac disease where I was malnourished for many years.  Now I'm in my early 50's (still pre-menopausal) and my bone density didn't increase enough just with the gluten free diet so I had to start Boniva.  My Dr. wanted me to start parathyroid hormone but my insurance co. wouldn't pay and it's very expensive.  I don't like taking Boniva but I'm very active and don't want bone fractures.  My current dr. says I can go on a vacation from Boniva this year.  Do you know anything Forteo, a parathyroid hormone injection by E Lilly?  

Kathy

March 3. 2011 09:02

YOU DO NOT MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO HOW MUCH VITAMIN D AND HOW MUCH MAGNESIUM (AND WHAT FORM) TO TAKE ON A DAILY BASIS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANSWER AND GOOD WORK!

CONNIE

March 3. 2011 09:31

Dear Connie,

On Dr. Brown's "20 Key Nutrients" article, there's a table showing all the key nutrients (including both magnesium and vitamin D) with recommended amounts. http://bit.ly/bK6VTK Each of the nutrients on the table has a page providing more specific info about the nutrient; just click on the nutrient's name and the hyperlink will take you to the info page.

However, be advised that with either of these nutrients, if you're deficient, you may need more than the recommended amounts -- that's why Dr. Brown recommends testing, particularly in regard to vitamin D.

Managing Editor

March 15. 2011 21:02

To Carol Bartu:
Ah - another person with genetic inability to produce glutathione properly. I have had numerous interventions in that regard including nebulizing and infusions. I also have osteoporosis and gluten intolerance, which I am sure are connected. I would be interested in what you have learned about addressing the glutathione issue. And anyone else?

Lynne

lynne

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