Can You Take Calcium and Magnesium Together?

Calcium and Magnesium are essential minerals you've probably seen in supplement form. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is essential for bone health. Magnesium assists in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and supports muscle relaxation and heart, nerve, and bone health.^†

Both of these minerals are essential nutrients so you might wonder: can you take Calcium and Magnesium together? The simple answer is yes. For the longer answer, we'll explore how Calcium and Magnesium can support your daily wellness, how these essential minerals interact, and some tips for incorporating Calcium and Magnesium into your daily supplement routine.

The Benefits of Calcium and Magnesium

First, let's look into why you might be interested in including Calcium and Magnesium in your daily routine, whether through food sources or supplementation. Both of these essential minerals play unique, vital roles in our bodies. Let's dig in!

Calcium

Why is Calcium important? You're probably familiar with a few Calcium benefits like maintaining strong bones. Calcium is the body's most prominent mineral, most of which is found in our bones and teeth.^[1] This is because our bones are made up of crystalline structures that require Calcium in a process called mineralization. Because of Calcium's role in this process, it supports the development and maintenance of strong, healthy bones.^†

Adequate Calcium throughout life, as part of a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

While supporting bone strength may be Calcium's most famous benefit, it also plays a role in muscle and nerve function.^†

So, if Calcium is so important, how do you get it? For many, dietary Calcium primarily comes from dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. It's also fortified in many foods, such as orange juice and breakfast cereals, and found in some plant foods, such as leafy greens. However, 43% of American adults have dietary Calcium intake below the estimated average requirement (EAR).^[2]

That's where supplementation can help by providing a convenient Calcium source for daily bone health support. For example, Nature Made® Calcium with Vitamin D3 Softgels offer a source of this essential mineral alongside Vitamin D to help improve Calcium absorption. Calcium comes in a few different forms, so you might ask Calcium Citrate vs. Calcium Carbonate: Is There a Difference? Yes; generally, Calcium Carbonate includes more elemental Calcium by weight, but Calcium Citrate is more easily absorbed.^[3]†

Magnesium

Magnesium does a lot in the body; in fact, it supports over 300 biochemical reactions, which means it’s one busy mineral. So, what does Magnesium do? First of all, it helps relax the body by supporting muscle relaxation. But that's not all.^†

Magnesium supports heart health and helps maintain normal blood pressure already within a normal range. It also helps to convert food into cellular energy. Magnesium also interacts with other nutrients; it supports healthy bones by supporting the action of Vitamin D.^†

"Where do I get some of that?" you might ask. Here's some good news: Magnesium is found in whole grains like brown rice, oat bran, and whole wheat, along with dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, and beans. However, over half of the US adult population doesn't consume enough Magnesium in their daily diet.^[2]

Supplementation can help to bridge that possible nutrient gap; Nature Made® offers plenty of Magnesium Supplements in different forms, like Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Glycinate, Magnesium L-Threonate. Magnesium Complex supplements include more than one form of Magnesium in one convenient supplement.^†

Can You Take Calcium and Magnesium Together?

So, here's the big question, "Can you take Calcium and Magnesium together?" I know I answered it earlier, but it bears repeating: yes. Taking both Calcium and Magnesium is common because they have complementary benefits. Calcium plays a role in muscle contraction, and Magnesium plays a role in muscle relaxation. You need both!^†

Both Calcium and Magnesium also play a role in bone health. Magnesium supports Vitamin D, and Vitamin D supports the absorption of Calcium, which is essential for maintaining bone strength. That chain of support is why Nature Made® offers Calcium and Magnesium supplements, combining these bone health nutrients into one convenient package.^†

However, it's important to remember that everyone's needs are different, and it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or changing a supplement routine. They can help you determine which supplements might be best for you, help you determine how much Calcium per day, along with dosage and timing, based on your individual health needs.

When is the Best Time to Take Calcium and Magnesium?

When is the best time to take Calcium and Magnesium? Calcium should be taken with water and a meal. Always follow the suggested use printed on the label when taking any supplement. Magnesium, likewise, should be taken with water and a meal. Some prefer to add Magnesium to their bedtime routine, as it aids muscle relaxation when taken consistently over time.^†

While it's common for supplement routines to include both Calcium and Magnesium, some minerals may compete for absorption if taken simultaneously. While in lower doses, like if they are both included in a multivitamin, this may not be an issue. However, it is recommended to take individual Calcium and Magnesium supplements separately from each other. This is as simple as taking one with breakfast and the other at lunch, dinner, or whichever mealtimes work best for your wellness routine.

Trust in Our Pharmacy-Recommended Supplement Brand

You started this article with one simple question: can you take Calcium and Magnesium together? Not only do you know that you can, but you also know that Nature Made® offers Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc with Vitamin D3 Tablets, combining these bone health nutrients into a convenient package.^†

It's important to know that your supplements are made from high-quality, science-backed ingredients from a trusted brand. Explore Nature Made®'s Calcium Supplements and Magnesium Supplements in different forms to suit your preferences.

Our Calcium with Vitamin D3 Tablets can help support strong bones, and our Magnesium Complex High Absorption^◆ Soft Chews are a convenient way to take your Magnesium on the go to support muscle relaxation, heart, nerve & bone health. Nature Made® is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin & Supplement Brand.*^†

◆ Magnesium Citrate is better absorbed than Magnesium Oxide.

* Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. "Calcium." November 17, 2021. Accessed on April 7, 2025. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/
2. Reider CA, et al. Inadequacy of Immune Health Nutrients: Intakes in US Adults, the 2005-2016 NHANES. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 10;12(6):1735.
3. Publishing HH. Choosing a calcium supplement. Harvard Health. Published October 13, 2020. https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/choosing-a-calcium-supplement