One of the most important minerals in the body, magnesium, is also one that a majority of adults are deficient in. An estimated 75% of Americans age 14 and older are deficient in magnesium, and that can have very serious consequences. Magnesium is an essential element in hundreds of body functions, and deficiency can have devastating results.
Bones and Muscles
Most people know the importance of magnesium for bone health. Magnesium is helpful for calcium absorption and metabolism. Too high intake of calcium without magnesium can result in arterial calcification and heart disease. Taken in a proper ratio, calcium and magnesium are highly effective for improving bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
Muscularly, magnesium is important for transmitting electrical signals through the muscles. What many people don't realize is this also includes the heart!
Heart Health
Studies have shown that people with higher intakes of magnesium have lower chances of arterial calcification, as well as hypertension. Additionally magnesium has been used as part of a treatment for congestive heart failure, due to it's ability to reduce the risk of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
Magnesium also helps relax "smooth" muscle cells, like those in veins and arteries, which may help reduce blood pressure.
Anxious?
Lower levels of magnesium seemingly increase anxiety levels. This is believed to be due to activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, glands that control stress response.
In addition, magnesium may help improve sleep. By reducing anxiety, and calming nerves, magnesium supplements have shown to improve sleep efficiency, and to reduce early morning waking.
Digestion
A key component in the digestive process, magnesium is used in enzyme production. From saliva, the start of the digestive process, all the way to stomach acid, magnesium is critical. Deficiency in magnesium doesn't allow the body to produce enough enzymes, resulting in digestive inefficiency. This can start as gas and bloating, but also become a larger issue like GERD, acid reflux, and constipation.
A simple mineral, but a truly essential one, magnesium plays an important role in the body If there isn't enough, serious issues may arise. Here are a few supplements we carry with magnesium.
Carlson Labs Magnesium 350mg
A 350mg dose of magnesium oxide. A high concentration of elemental magnesium is found in this form, but it can be difficult for the body to absorb.
Now Foods Magnesium 400mg
A 400mg blend of Magnesium Oxide, Citrate, and Aspartate. Citrate has a lower amount of elemental magnesium than oxide, but is more easily assimilated into the body. Aspartate is a combination of magnesium and aspartic acid, which are critical players in cellular energy production.
