magnesium

[littleliz]

this is probably a stupid question but does over supplimentation of calcium not cause a magnesium deficiency like it does in humans?

 

[Lovereps]

Doesn't seem like a stupid question to me

Here's a link to a post about calcium and MBD by veterinarian Dr Matthew Wheelock, that states, in part:

Higher intake may lead to conditioned deficiencies of trace minerals and, if combined with a high- fat diet, formation of calcium soaps in the digestive tract.

The jury is still out on the amount needed and the interaction between all the minerals and supplements.

That's why I follow the recommendations for supplementation as posted by fellow forum members.

Magnesium would be classified as a trace mineral, I believe.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/supplementation-mbd-1-a-2451/

 

[littleliz]

Thats really useful info! thankyou for the link...It will take a while for my poor brain to process it all so i have bookmarked it to read over a few times. I am still a bit miffed as to why magnesium never seems to be mentioned though...I can only presume that it plays a much lesser part in reptiles than humans. I would still be hesitant to use lots of calcium. Obviously a little is needed to correct the phos balance!

Thanks again for that link!

 

[sandrachameleon]

There is magnesium in many of the things commonly used as a gutload. I dont worry about magnesium, or idodine or B vitamins etc because I gutload properly.

 

[littleliz]

Thats cool I try to provide a a good varied gut load to. I was just wondering thats all...because magnesium deficency is such a biggy for us humans at the moment and calcium and magnesium work hand in hand....but lets face it most humans have a terrible diet

 

[sandrachameleon]

....but lets face it most humans have a terrible diet

so true. and your original point is valid.

There are undoubtedly many nutrients vital for people, and probably chameleons, that we dont much talk about or even know much about. And there's a tendency for some to over-do it on those few things they actually are aware of, like you suggest about too much calcium.

Because my gutload containts nuts and seeds, lots of dandelion and other greens (chlorophyll contains magnesium) and fruits, etc. Im hopeful and relatively confident my chameleons are getting the basics of what they need. The more effort we put into gutloading using a variety of nutrient rich foods, and through a variety of prey, the better the chameleon will be IMHO.

People in general would be better off if they think about what they put in their own mouths too!