Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral involved in hundreds of enzyme reactions on the body. It’s important for proper functioning of the muscles, for the transmission of nerve impulses, and the support of proper cardiovascular functions and a healthy immune system. In addition the mineral helps convert protein, fat, carbohydrates and glucose (blood) sugar to energy, and helps maintain normal blood pressure. Despite its widespread efficacy, many people do not get enough of this important mineral in their diet, and thus are in need of magnesium supplements. Magnesium works in a “synergistic” relationship with calcium to perform some of its functions. For example, in contracting and expanding muscles, magnesium and calcium work together by flowing into the muscle cells. Thus it is advised that individuals not just take a magnesium supplement, but rather a calcium magnesium supplement for optimal results. About 50% of the mineral is found in the soft tissue and muscle while the other half is found in the body.

Normally, an individual should be able to get the proper amount of magnesium intake through diet. Leafy green vegetables (such as spinach), peas, nuts, seeds and whole grains are good sources for magnesium.However, many people eat processed foods, which are stripped of their nutritional value. Thus there is the need for magnesium supplements. The health benefits of supplementation should not be underestimated. Because of the important role that magnesium plays in muscle tissue, for example, it has been shown to be effective both in managing a heart attack should it occur, and preventing one from taking place to begin with. The heart, after all, is a muscle, and this is where magnesium can be very effective.

Symptoms of a magnesium deficiency include muscle tremors and spasms, anorexia, and personality disorders, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, vomiting and fatigue. Few people in the United States are deficient, but still many people do not have enough of the mineral in their body to benefit from it as they should. Certain health conditions inhibit the mineral’s ability to be absorbed into the body properly. Magnesium is stored in the intestines and from there is transported into the rest of the body. Therefore gastrointestinal disorders, vomiting or diarrhea may deplete the body’s store of this important mineral, as can certain medications like antibiotics and diuretics. Accordingly, deficient individuals will need to take magnesium supplements to make up for the lack. An alcoholic also has a high chance of being deficient, and should take a magnesium supplement.

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