|
|
| Proper name |
Magnesium |
| Category |
Mineral |
| Functions |
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions. Most important
involve energy production, nerve transmission, muscle relaxation, synthesis
of DNA and RNA, temperature regulation, detoxification and the formation
of health bones and teeth. Over 30 clinical trials indicate magnesium is
a useful adjunct to a program of lowering blood pressure. Magnesium increases
the elasticity of blood vessels, increases oxygenation to the heart muscle
by improving the ability of the heart to contract, inhibits platelet aggregation,
reduces blood clotting and blocks calcium uptake in the heart muscle. The
effects of magnesium are similar to the effects of Aspirin, Coumadin, Procardia
and ACE inhibitors such as Vasotec. Magnesium is nature's number one medication
for the heart. Magnesium deficiency can result in sudden cardiac failure.
Intravenous magnesium following heart attack can cause a 70% decrease in
the death rate of heart attack patients during the month following the attack.
Asthma is improved by magnesium supplementation. Low magnesium is associated
with increased incidence of asthma. Pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms of cramping,
pain and irritability are improved with magnesium supplementation. Muscle
pain and stiffness are improved with magnesium supplementtation. Magnesium
is useful in the treatment of insomnia and nervous stress. Constipation
can be treated with magnesium. |
| RDA |
350 mg per day for men and 300 mg per day for women. |
| Therapeutic
dose |
Up to 1,000 mg per day. |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Diets high in refined carbohydrates, meat and dairy products are deficient
in magnesium. The USDA estimates that approximately 75% of Americans do
not ingest the RDA of magnesium. 25% of diabetics demonstrate low levels
of magnesium. Cardiovascular disease including increased incidence of hypertension,
atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke are all associated with magnesium
deficiency. Kidney stones (calcium not uric acid type), cardiac arrhythmia,
muscle cramps, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, confusion, depression, fatigue,
loss of appetite and other GI disorders, "restless legs", nervousness and
osteoporosis are also associated with magnesium deficiency. |
| Toxicity |
Magnesium acts as a laxative when taken in excess. Magnesium is also easily
excreted by the kidneys. It is nearly impossible create toxicity with excess
magnesium intake. |
| Best
forms
|
Magnesium gluconate, citrate, chloride, acetate, lactate and aspartate are
all highly absorbable |
| Food
sources |
Magnesium
is found in whole grains, nuts, soybeans, cocoa, seafood, peas and green
vegetables. |
| Lab
tests |
Serum and urine magnesium |
| Drug
interactions |
The
following drugs deplete magnesium: Benzthiazide, Bumetanide, Chlorothiazide,
Chlorotrianisene, Chlortetracycline, Cholestyramine Resin, Corticosteroids,
Demeclocycline, Diethylstilbestrol, Digoxin, Doxycycline, Estrogens (conjugated
or esterified), Ethacrynic Acid, Furosemide, Hydrochlorthiazide, Hydroflumethiazide,
Indapamide, Methyclothiazide, Metolazone, Minocycline, Oral Contraceptives,
Oxytetracycline, Penicillamine, Polythiazide, Quinestrol, Quinethazone,
Tetracyclines, Torsemide, Trichlormethiazide. |
| Nutrient interactions |
Magnesium can be depleted by excessive calcium intake. Magnesium can substitute
for manganese in some biochemical reactions. |
| Metabolism |
The average adult
contains about 25 grams of magnesium. About 70% of bodily magnesium is
combined with calcium and phosphorus in bone.
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