Magnesium absorption in the body can be influenced by various factors and substances. Here's an overview of relevant points:

1. Forms of Magnesium: Certain forms of magnesium supplements are more easily absorbed by the body. These include magnesium aspartate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, and magnesium chloride¹.

2. Oxalates: As you mentioned, oxalates can indeed inhibit magnesium absorption. Oxalate-rich foods such as spinach and certain nuts can bind to magnesium, forming an insoluble complex that the body cannot absorb².

3. Boron: Boron may play a role in enhancing magnesium absorption. It has been suggested that boron can help retain magnesium by reducing its excretion through urine, although more detailed studies are needed to fully understand this relationship².

4. Diet and Nutrient Interactions: Some gastrointestinal conditions, as well as certain medications, can interfere with magnesium absorption or increase its excretion, potentially leading to deficiencies. Conditions like Crohn's disease and celiac disease, as well as long-term alcoholism, are examples where magnesium deficiencies are more common³.

5. Nutrient Deficiency Factors: Chronic low intakes of magnesium can lead to a deficiency. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include nausea, fatigue, muscle cramps, and even seizures in severe cases³.

Overall, while magnesium is relatively well absorbed by the human body, its bioavailability can be influenced by dietary patterns and interactions with other nutrients and compounds. It's always a good practice to balance micronutrient intake to optimize absorption and nutritional benefits.

Footnotes

1. Office of Dietary Supplements - Magnesium, 2021. ↩

2. Cowan AC, Clemens KK, Sontrop JM, et al. "Magnesium and Fracture Risk," 2023. ↩ ↩²

3. Office of Dietary Supplements - Magnesium, 2021. ↩ ↩²