MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is an important essential mineral involved in almost every aspect of the body’s function. Magnesium deficiency is so common, particularly in the elderly. Approximately 60% of the mineral is found in the bones and 26% in the muscles, with the remainder in soft tissue and body fluids. The highest concentrations are found in the liver, heart, kidneys and brain.

Magnesium deficiency is associated with ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Magnesium supplementation is important in preventing and treating osteoporosis and may be helpful in asthma, migraine headaches, kidney stones and strokes.

Calcium gets the headlines, but magnesium deficiency is more likely to be a bigger problem. Some nutritionists believe the ratio of calcium to magnesium should be reversed. High calcium intakes, without additional magnesium, actually inhibits magnesium absorption.

Population studies have shown better survival rates in areas where the water has high levels of magnesium. The difference in death rates probably relates to higher levels of magnesium in the blood, protecting hearts from ventricular fibrillation when heart attacks occur.

There are several kinds of magnesium, such as oxide, citrate, glycinate (chelated) aspartate and orotate. The orotate and aspartate forms of magnesium are not as available. Another form of magnesium, Magnesium Threonate, is able to pass the blood/brain barrier.

Magnesium is an essential cofactor in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body. Magnesium and B6, or P5’P, must be present or the body cannot assimilate and properly use amino acids. P5’P is the more biological (active) form of B6. Unlike B6 there is no fear of toxicity with P5’P, even in children.

Stay healthy!
Lois Dickey, Manager