Why you need it? Magnesium is needed for bone, protein, and fatty acid formation, making new cells, activating B vitamins, relaxing muscles, clotting blood, and forming ATP—the energy the body runs on. Insulin secretion and function also require magnesium. Magnesium regulates the absorption of calcium and is involved in the structural integrity of bones and teeth. If it is deficient in the bones, the bones may be dense but have poor trabecular integrity and thus be brittle. In both Finland and the Netherlands, there is a high ratio of calcium to magnesium intake (4 to 1) and the rate of osteoporosis is the highest in the world. Deficiency Symptoms: Fatigue, irritability, weakness, muscle tightness or spasms, dysmenorrhoea, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, nerve conduction problems, anorexia, insomnia, sugar cravings, poor nail growth, anxiety. Good Food Sources: Nuts and grains, beans, dark green vegetables, fish and meat.
Precautions: GRAS - Generally recognized as safe. No adverse reactions, side effects or overdose symptoms expected when taken within the recommended amounts. Diarrhoea is the most common adverse effect from magnesium. Excessive magnesium can actually lead to a magnesium deficiency if it causes chronic diarrhoea. Magnesium also competes with calcium and can induce a calcium deficiency if calcium intake levels are already low. About 800 mg of elemental magnesium will generally cause loose stools but some people may be able to tolerate much higher doses. Individuals with kidney failure must be cautious about magnesium supplementation since they may experience toxicity symptoms. Magnesium deficiency may be caused by any condition which increases loss or shifts the electrolyte balance, (such as renal disease) or diuretic therapy (such as antihypertensive medications). Magnesium in the form of supplements should be avoided while using Tetracycline. Magnesium interferes with tetracycline absorption and reduces its effectiveness by chelating the drug. This interaction occurs not only with supplemental magnesium but also with many antacids which contain aluminum magnesium hydroxide. Digoxin: if given without magnesium may exacerbate digoxin toxicity. The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. Neither the information provided nor products supplied or offered should be construed to be in any way substitutes for medical attention or prescribed medication. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any supplements or herbal remedies if you are suffering from an undiagnosed illness or if you are on prescribed medication.
