Magnesium

Magnesium: A Vital Mineral for Bone Strength and Vitality

Magnesium is a very busy mineral and electrolyte found in our tissues, bones, muscles, and brain. It is involved in an incredible 600 biochemical reactions throughout the body. These include DNA and protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, insulin metabolism, reproduction, and, last but certainly not least, bone health. Indeed, Magnesium is one-half of the popular Cal-Mag pairing, so widely recommended and used worldwide for bone health and the development of strong teeth.

This incredible mineral is also recognized as the "relaxation mineral." It can help build the body’s resilience to stress, lift mood, improve sleep quality, soothe the symptoms of depression and anxiety, alleviate PMS symptoms, and help calm the nervous system. Moreover, because of its role in regulating muscle and nerve function, magnesium can relieve painful cramps and muscle spasms, including those associated with restless leg syndrome, as well as menstrual and gastrointestinal cramps.

With this being said, a surprising number of Canadians are deficient in magnesium. Some sources report that upwards of 70% of the population may be magnesium deficient, largely due to modern farming practices that have caused a drastic reduction in the magnesium content of food. This has tremendous implications for Canadians' health, as low magnesium levels have been associated with several conditions, including Alzheimer's, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Severely low magnesium left untreated, can be life-threatening and result in seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery vasospasm, and sudden death.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Magnesium in Bone Health

• Essential Mineral For Strong Bones and Teeth
• Helps Normalize Blood Sugar
• Promotes Healthy Mood Balance
• Natural Relaxant
• Supports Healthy Blood Pressure and Heart Health

Identifying Who Benefits Most from Magnesium for Bone Health

A quality magnesium supplement may be recommended to improve bone density and help prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Further, research has shown that magnesium supplementation may help slow the progression of existing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Because of its multiple other medicinal properties, magnesium supplementation may also be recommended to help with healthy mood balance, stress overload, sleep problems, muscle tics, and cramps, as well as to help relieve pain/chronic pain conditions, including migraines and fibromyalgia.

Explore Our Range of Magnesium Supplements: Potency, Forms, and Formats

Potency

Magnesium is one of the most popular dietary supplements. Unsurprisingly, it comes in all sorts of potencies, typically in the 250–400 mg range, and the recommended daily dose is usually between 310–420 mg.

Forms

There are various forms of magnesium, each offering its advantages. The type of magnesium you need should be based on your health status and needs. From a strictly bioavailability and absorption perspective, research seems to point to the citrate, chelate, and glycinate forms as being preferred. Beyond these, there is also aspartate, chloride, lactate, L-threonate, malate, orotate, oxide, sulphate, and taurate. If you aren't sure which form of magnesium is right for you, speak to the staff at your neighbourhood health supplement store for a little advice.

Formats

Magnesium supplements can be purchased in capsules, tablets, liquids, chewable, gummies, and even powder forms, which can be conveniently added to your smoothie or shake.

Concluding Insights: Why Magnesium Supplements are Essential for Bone Health

Low magnesium can be caused by various underlying conditions, including diabetes, existing GI conditions, alcohol use disorder, and aging. Low magnesium or deficiency can be treated effectively with a quality oral magnesium supplement. If you suspect you may be deficient in magnesium or are concerned about your bone health, speak to a qualified naturopathic physician about adding magnesium (or a Cal-Mag supplement) to your daily regimen.