You may find it surprising to learn that although magnesium is found in every cell throughout your body, the body is actually incapable of making magnesium on its own. While your body needs this essential mineral to function, about 50% of adults in the U.S. get less than the recommended daily amount of magnesium.
So, how much should the average person be getting in magnesium daily? The amount of magnesium your body needs depends on factors such as age and gender. A general rule of thumb is that women over the age of 19 need 310 milligrams a day (more if pregnant), and men under 30 years of age need 400 mg a day.
Magnesium Deficiencies
If your body is low on magnesium, you could experience the following symptoms, and it may be time to consider talking with your healthcare professional.
- Muscle twitches and cramps
- Mental health conditions
- Signs of osteoporosis (such as brittle finger nails, receding gums, weak grip, loss of height and bone pain)
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- High blood pressure
- Asthma
- Irregular heartbeat
The Power of Magnesium
The good news is, there are many ways that magnesium may “magically” benefit your body.
1. May promote heart health
Getting down to the heart of the matter, magnesium plays an important role in keeping your ticker going strong. One study showed that magnesium supplements improved multiple risk factors for heart disease, such as triglyceride, bad (LDL) cholesterol, good (HDL) cholesterol, and blood pressure.
2. May support healthy blood sugar levels
Looking to kick your sugar cravings to the curb? Magnesium supplements may help control blood sugar levels. Other studies have found that about 48% of patients with type 2 diabetes have low blood levels of magnesium.
3. May combat depression
The sense of feeling “blue” can stem from low levels of magnesium. Magnesium is known to play a critical role in brain function and mood. One study showed that those under age 65 with the lowest magnesium intake had a 22% greater risk of depression.
4. May boost exercise performance
For people who are physically active, especially older adults, magnesium may boost exercise performance. Taking the proper amount of this mineral is important because when exercising, more magnesium is needed by the body than when in a state of rest. This major mineral helps move blood sugar into muscles and helps dispose of lactate acid build up causing fatigue and muscle soreness.
5. Supports biochemical reactions
Magnesium is involved in more than 600 biochemical reactions. About 60% of the magnesium in your body occurs in bone, while the rest is found in muscles, soft tissues, and fluids. Your body uses magnesium in many ways including converting food into energy, creating new proteins from amino acids, helping create and repair DNA and RNA, assisting with muscle movements and regulating the nervous system.
6. Fights against inflammation
Inflammation in the body is a warning sign that something is amiss, and if left untreated, it can lead to chronic diseases. Low magnesium intake is one of the conditions linked to increased levels of inflammation. Studies have concluded that magnesium supplements decrease levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker, in patients with chronic inflammation. While other research links magnesium deficiency to increased oxidative stress, which is related to inflammation.
7. May help prevent migraine attacks
If you’ve ever experienced a migraine, you know how painful this type of headache is and can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. Research has been linked that people who get migraines are more likely to have a magnesium deficiency.
8. May promote bone health
As we age, our bones become more fragile, especially in women. Magnesium is critical for maintaining bone health and protecting against bone loss. Up to 60% of your body’s magnesium is found in your bones and studies have shown that low levels of magnesium is related to a higher risk of osteoporosis.
9. May support better sleep
Are you having a hard time getting your zzz’s? If so, then magnesium supplements may be the answer you need to drift off to dreamland. People with sleeping problems can turn to this natural remedy to help with insomnia since magnesium regulates neurotransmitters. One study shows that older adults who supplement with magnesium were able to lower the amount of time it took to fall asleep by an average of 17 minutes. Another study linked an increase of magnesium intake with better sleep quality and longer sleep duration.
10. May help reduce anxiety symptoms
If you’re feeling anxious and stressed, try supplementing with magnesium. Studies have shown that magnesium may help prevent and treat anxiety. Stress can wreak havoc on your body in many different ways and naturally decreasing anxiety and managing stress with magnesium can help make you feel better.
Magnesium Supplements
You can get magnesium from both food and supplements. Try adding food sources higher in magnesium to your diet including pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, spinach, almonds and cashews. Supplements, especially nutraceutical grade supplements like Minerals Advanced(™), provide about 60% of the daily recommended amount of magnesium. Minerals Advanced contains restorative minerals for healthy bone density* and:
- Aids in healing, connective tissue production and repair, red blood cell formation, and muscle and immune function*
- Aids in the maintenance of healthy cartilage, teeth, and gums.*
- Aids in healing, connective tissue production and repair, red blood cell formation, and muscle and immune function*
- Prevents deficiencies of vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium*
As with any supplement, it’s best to consult with your doctor before taking any magnesium supplement, even though these supplements are generally well tolerated, safe and readily available.
*Source: healthline.com