In this blog, we delve into the world of magnesium, one of the most commonly used supplements, yet often misunderstood in terms of its functions and benefits. Our journey begins with an exploration of magnesium’s role in the body, its varieties, and their unique properties.
The Essential Nature of Magnesium
Magnesium, vital like water and oxygen, cannot be produced by the body nor stored for long periods. Hence, a constant external supply is necessary. This can be through water, daily food, and supplements, especially as modern diets often lack sufficient magnesium.
Why Magnesium is Important
The European Food and Safety Association (EFSA) recognizes magnesium’s support in various bodily functions. Let’s delve into these roles:
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Bones: Magnesium, in tandem with calcium, maintains bone health. An imbalance between these minerals can be detrimental. The relationship is like a wall where calcium is the bricks and magnesium the cement, both crucial for bone structure and integrity.
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Cell Division: Our bodies, made of billions of cells, rely on proper cell division to avoid disorders, including cancer. Magnesium positively influences these processes, offering protection against disturbances.
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Protein Synthesis: Magnesium aids in building body proteins, essential for muscle function, memory, and organ operation.
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Electrolyte Balance: Magnesium supports maintaining the balance in our body’s water and mineral content, crucial for preventing various disorders.
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Energy: Magnesium plays a role in converting fats and carbohydrates into usable energy, especially in ATP production, vital for muscle energy.
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Oral Health: Adding magnesium
to your oral care routine, such as through magnesium gel or oil in toothpaste, promotes healthy teeth, complementing the roles of calcium and vitamins A, D, and K2.
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Mental Function: Magnesium contributes to memory, learning, concentration, and mental relaxation. It’s increasingly recognized for its potential in managing a range of behavioral disorders, including those on the autism spectrum, as well as in conditions of stress and mood disturbances.
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Muscle Health: Known for its benefits to muscles, magnesium plays a critical role in both muscle contraction (aided by calcium) and relaxation. This includes the heart, which is also a muscle.
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Fatigue and Sleep: Magnesium regulates melatonin, influencing sleep patterns. Adequate magnesium levels can improve sleep quality, thereby reducing tiredness and fatigue.
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Nervous System: Magnesium is essential for the nervous system, facilitating complex movements and signal transmission throughout the body.
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Different Forms of Magnesium and Their Effects
Magnesium comes in various forms, like magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium citrate. While both are bioavailable, citrate is more suited for muscular absorption, and bisglycinate better supports mental and cognitive processes due to its ability to penetrate the brain.
Magnesium: A Supplement, Not a Drug
Magnesium is a naturally occurring macro-mineral found in food and water, increasingly used to maintain health and well-being. It’s not a lab-created drug and generally has minimal side effects.
Magnesium in Healthcare
While rarely prescribed by general practitioners and not covered by health insurance, magnesium is essential in intensive care settings. Most patients in such units exhibit magnesium deficiency, necessitating supplementation.
Concluding Thoughts
Magnesium’s role in maintaining health and preventing intensive care admissions is a part of a broader healthy lifestyle approach. The noticeable effects of magnesium supplementation will be discussed in our next blog.
Written By Jaap van Slooten of Zechsal, who regularly publishes on magnesium, conducts lectures, workshops, and training sessions.