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Marine Based Cal-Mag 500/250 mg
Nature's Answer
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(614 ratings)
Magnesium 250 mg
Calcium 500 mg
Score 60.0
A naturally sourced marine calcium and magnesium supplement with a balanced ratio, but its high price and limited effectiveness are due to the critical absence of Vitamin D and the inclusion of poorly absorbed magnesium hydroxide.
Quantity: 120 Capsule(s)Servings size: 4 Capsule(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Bone Health
Heart Health
Joint Health
Muscle Gain
General Health
leaderboard Score 60.0
A naturally sourced marine calcium and magnesium supplement with a balanced ratio, but its high price and limited effectiveness are due to the critical absence of Vitamin D and the inclusion of poorly absorbed magnesium hydroxide.
Nature's Answer Marine Based Cal-Mag highlights its natural sourcing from Aquamin (red algae and seawater), which is appealing for those seeking whole-food derived minerals and naturally occurring trace elements. It offers a 1:1 ratio of calcium (500mg) to magnesium (500mg), which is a balanced proportion. However, the formulation has several significant drawbacks. Foremost, it completely lacks Vitamin D, an indispensable nutrient for ensuring calcium is properly absorbed from the gut and deposited into bones. Without adequate Vitamin D, the benefits of the calcium content for bone health are severely diminished. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the magnesium is provided as magnesium hydroxide, a form widely known for its poor systemic absorption, often primarily exerting a laxative effect. Given the very high price per serving ($0.92), the product offers questionable value due to these bioavailability issues and the critical omission of Vitamin D for bone support.
- Sourced from natural marine origins (Aquamin Red Algae, Seawater), which may appeal to those seeking whole-food based minerals.
- Provides a balanced 1:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium.
- Completely lacks Vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and utilization for bone health.
- A significant portion of magnesium is from magnesium hydroxide, a form with very low systemic bioavailability.
- Very expensive at $0.92 per serving for a product with these limitations.
- Lower review count compared to many alternatives, indicating less widespread appeal or validation.
- Consumers will need to supplement with Vitamin D separately to achieve optimal bone health benefits from this calcium source.
- The magnesium content may not be effectively absorbed for systemic benefits and might primarily act as a laxative due to the magnesium hydroxide form.
$27.74($0.92 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 27.74 | |
 Vitacost | $ 27.74 |
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calcium (Seawater, Aquamin Red Algae) | 500 mg |
| Magnesium (Magnesium Hydroxide, Aquamin Seawater) | 250 mg |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
Categories
Calcium 65.0
Calcium is sourced from Aquamin Red Algae/Seawater, which is a decent natural source, but its effectiveness for bone health is severely limited by the complete absence of Vitamin D.
Magnesium 50.0
Contains magnesium hydroxide, a form with notoriously poor systemic bioavailability, significantly reducing the effective amount of magnesium absorbed for bodily functions beyond laxation.
Goals
Heart Health 60.0
Provides calcium and magnesium, both crucial for heart function. However, the low bioavailability of magnesium hydroxide limits its full potential for cardiovascular support.
Joint Health 58.0
Offers general mineral support for skeletal integrity, but without Vitamin D and with poorly absorbed magnesium, its overall contribution to joint health is limited.
General Health 58.0
Offers essential minerals from natural sources, but the critical omission of Vitamin D and the inclusion of poorly absorbed magnesium hydroxide make it a less effective choice for comprehensive general wellness.
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