Natural Factors Magnesium Citrate 150mg (Key Lime) - 60 Chew Tabs + BONUS

Magnesium
Magnesium is vital to hundreds of enzyme reactions and has more health benefits attributed to it than any other mineral including calcium. Magnesium, along with calcium, is a shock-absorber, helping to prevent the body from experiencing excessive stress. It is an important electrolyte which helps the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. Magnesium is required for the B vitamins to work properly and is absolutely necessary for the utilization of thiamine.
Magnesium isan important catalyst for many of the body's chemical reactions, meaning it increases the rate at which chemical reactions occur. Some of the most important chemical reactions that involve magnesium are in the Kreb's cycle, the cycle inside every cell that leads to energy production.Without magnesium the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses is compromised. This can lead to nervous disorders, depression and muscle weakness or twitches.

Magnesium is a useful supplement for PMS symptoms that involves irritability and mood swings. Magnesium also decreases menstrual pain by relaxing the uterine muscles. In pregnancy magnesium acts as a uterine relaxant and can prevent premature labour. Studies show supplemental magnesium in pregnancy also decreases the risk of birth defects such as cerebral palsy.

Magnesium is an important mineral for cardiovascular health. It regulates the heartbeat, prevents the calcification of arteries and relaxes arterial vessels to prevent hypertension. Magnesium has also been researched for its ability to reduce cholesterol, protect against osteoporosis and supporting optimal cell growth.

Do I Need Extra Magnesium?

The body's need for magnesium is increased by heavy exercise, the consumption of alcohol and the use of diuretics, oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Diarrhea, fluoride intake and high levels of zinc and vitamin D increase the body's need for magnesium. Magnesium absorption is decreased by fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K), fatty foods, calcium, cod liver oil and foods containing oxalic acid. Oxalic acid containing foods include almonds, chard, cocoa, rhubarb, spinach and black tea.

What about the Calcium?

Magnesium is more commonly used in a Calcium/Magnesium complex. They are available as tablets, capsules, powders and liquids. Magnesium is found in the same forms as are available in single magnesium supplements. 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. Coral calcium is an option for those who use a calcium/magnesium complex. Coral calcium contains a form of magnesium oxide that has better absorption because it is a naturally occurring magnesium. It occurs in a 1:4 ratio (magnesium:calcium) and is found in a complex with many other minerals.