Seventy percent of people do not have sufficient body stores of magnesium
Added 26.05.2009
Magnesium at a glance.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is vital for over 300 biochemical reactions in our body. It is a component of enzymes required for the synthesis of ATP and for the release of energy from ATP. Magnesium is also a component of enzymes involved in muscle contraction and protein synthesis. Half of all the magnesium in our body is found in bone; the rest is distributed throughout our tissue and organ cells. We can get magnesium from nuts, whole grains, legumes, dark green vegetables, seafood and meats.Are you getting enough magnesium?
According to studies, most likely you are not since 70% of people do not have sufficient body stores of this mineral. This is possibly due to the fact that we don't consume sufficient magnesium from dietary sources.Magnesium is good for your bones.
Scientific studies support the fact that magnesium is needed for bone health. One particular study found that for every 100 mg per day increase in magnesium, there was about a two percent increase in whole-body bone mineral density. Researchers believe that magnesium deficiency can interfere with and change calcium metabolism and the hormones that regulate calcium.What else can magnesium do for you?
- Regulates blood pressure.
- Protects against heart disease.
- Decreases risk of diabetes.
- Decreases risk of metabolic syndrome.
- Improves brain function and memory.
- Prevents tooth decay.
References:
National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements.
Ryder, K.M. & all. "Magnesium intake from food and supplements is associated with bone mineral density in healthy older white subjects." Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. November, 2005.
Tosiello, L. "Hypomagnesemia and diabetes mellitus. A review of clinical implications." Archives of Internal Medicine. 1996.
Peacock, J.M. & all. "Relationship of serum and dietary magnesium to incident hypertension: the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) Study." Annals of Epidemiology. 1999.
Ryder, K.M. & all. "Magnesium intake from food and supplements is associated with bone mineral density in healthy older white subjects." Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. November, 2005.
Tosiello, L. "Hypomagnesemia and diabetes mellitus. A review of clinical implications." Archives of Internal Medicine. 1996.
Peacock, J.M. & all. "Relationship of serum and dietary magnesium to incident hypertension: the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) Study." Annals of Epidemiology. 1999.
Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:
There has been a lot of media attention regarding calcium's role in osteoporosis, but very little about how important magnesium is for your bones. The correct ratio between magnesium and calcium is crucial not only for bone and joint health but also for your heart, your muscles etc. Look for an osteoporosis supplement that not only contains calcium but also the right amount of magnesium, vitamin D3, vitamin K2, silicium and boron, and make sure you get all the other vitamins and minerals that support the effect.
