Magnesium is an essential mineral for all known living organisms. Magnesium ions catalyze many chemical reactions in the human body, including those in the mitochondria where most of the energy inside each cell of the body is produced. It also plays a role in cell signalling within the body, with wound healing and with enzymes governing the replication of DNA. Magnesium is essential for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body and most people would benefit from magnesium supplements.
Who Should Consider Taking Magnesium Supplements?
Recently, there has been some debate regarding the efficacy of magnesium status testing using blood. It is argued that blood testing may not show deficiencies until they are dangerously low because only around 1% of the body's magnesium is found in the blood. 50% or more of the population may have low magnesium stores despite normal serum levels (a condition called "subclinically deficient"). These deficiencies may have to do with low dietary intake of magnesium, due to poor dietary habits, or loss through the refining and processing of foods. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea, excessive urination and sweating can also deplete magnesium. Foods rich in magnesium include dark leafy vegetables, bananas, avocado, peas, legumes, soy and whole grains.
Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency
Without magnesium, the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses is compromised. This can lead to nervous system disorders, muscle weakness or contraction, as well as cramps and spasms. For example, magnesium has been shownto decrease menstrual pain by relaxing the uterine muscles. Magnesium deficiency has also been strongly associated with depression, migraines, ADD, PMS, fibromyalgia, asthma, allergies and type II diabetes. Magnesium loss can be caused by some medications such as diuretics, antibiotics and some anti-cancer drugs. Foods high in fat and oxalic acid interfere with the absorption of magnesium. Oxalic acid-containing foods include almonds, chard, cocoa, rhubarb, spinach and black tea. Body requirements for magnesium increase with increased intake of zinc and vitamin D.
Top Health Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium Supplements and Women's Health
In addition to decreasing menstrual cramping, magnesium acts in pregnancy as a uterine relaxant that can prevent premature labour. Studies show supplemental magnesium in pregnancy also decreases the risk of birth defects such as cerebral palsy. It has also been researched for its ability to protect against osteoporosis and unhealthy cell division.
Magnesium and Cardiovascular Health
Given its vital role in nerve and muscle function, magnesium is also an especially important mineral for heart health. A small increase in the body’s circulating magnesium levels can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and ischaemic heart disease. Deficiency can cause abnormal heart rhythms, coronary spasms and calcification of the arteries. Studies have also shown that diets high in magnesium significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure, and this correlation is stronger in women than in men.
Magnesium and Type II Diabetes
Excessive urination is one of the signs of poorly controlled diabetes. Because magnesium is lost in the urine, many diabetics are deficient. Research has shown that magnesium may be protective against getting Type II Diabetes, and that supplementation may improve blood sugar control in those already affected.
Magnesium as a Laxative and Detoxifier
Because of its high osmotic gradient, taking large doses of magnesium can lead to increased water content in the intestines. This results in a "flushing" of the intestinal contents that is often used to treat constipation or to promote cleansing for detoxification. Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) is the most commonly used form of magnesium for treating constipation. For detoxification, commercial products containing magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), and magnesium citrate are used. It is important never to attempt to create your detoxification products using the above ingredients as the fluid balance is delicate and misuse can result in severe dehydration. Consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning any detoxification protocol.
Exploring Different Types of Magnesium Supplements
There are many different forms of magnesium available on the market, making choosing one difficult. Each type is different in cost and the amount available for absorption. It is difficult for researchers to narrow down which is the best form due to the short half-life of magnesium in the body and difficulties with variations between testing methods. Here are some widely accepted facts:
The least bioavailable forms are magnesium oxide, bicarbonate and carbonate. Because they are less soluble, they are alsomore likely to cause intestinal side effects such as discomfort and loose stools. The magnesium in antacids is also not a good supplemental source because it neutralizes stomach acid and will impair the absorption of other minerals, like calcium.
Magnesium as an amino acid chelate, such as magnesium glycinate or magnesium taurate, is up to 4 times better absorbed than magnesium oxide and can be taken with or without food. Also, magnesium taurate has added benefits for the heart, so you may want to consider this form if you are supplementing for cardiovascular benefits. Magnesium chloride, magnesium citrate, and other magnesium salts are about 30% bioavailable. Magnesium glycinate and citrate are both soluble forms, considered highly absorbable that provide a high elemental mineral content. These are probably the most widely recommended forms.
Understanding Co-Supplementation
Magnesium is commonly used in a Calcium/Magnesium complex. These are available as tablets, capsules, powders and liquids. When choosing a Cal/Mag complex consider the ratio of calcium to magnesium. The most popular is 2:1, calcium: magnesium because calcium is normally recommended at twice the daily amount as compared to magnesium. However, for those individuals in need of extra magnesium 1:1 and 3:2 (Cal: Mag) ratio supplements are available. Many current formulas for bone health will include vitamin D which, promotes the absorption of calcium in the digestive tract.Interestingly, magnesium which is paired with malic acid has been shown to provide significant pain relief for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia.
Coral calcium may contain heavy metals and should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Magnesium may interact with digoxin, certain anti-malarial medications, certain antibiotics, and bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis. Using magnesium as a laxative can result in severe dehydration. People with kidney disease should not take large doses of magnesium.
