Aussie,

As MrsD has already indicated, the supplement you are taking does not at all begin to cover the magnesium you need. While magnesium can appear complicated, after you read her thread, you will understand much better.

It is always beneficial to get as much of our essential (and non-essential) vitamins and minerals from our foods as we possibly can. While it is hard to do research that quantifies the exact benefit from the synergistic effects versus taking vitamins separately, in a formulation of some kind, there is no doubt as to the preferred method. Supplementation is not an excuse to eat whatever you want (even if it is healthy) and then cover the gaps.

However, it is likely that you will want to supplement with some magnesium and there are many ways you can do that: find a real "combo" that does cover both calcium and magnesium, take your current one and just add a good magnesium, etc., etc.

I would watch how much of that supplement you take. Taking 4/day puts you at the end of the scale and may be too much if you are getting calcium from your diet.

rfinney