The mineral magnesium functions as a coenzyme with over 325 enzymes
for cell, nerve and muscle function, regulation of body temperature, energy
metabolism, DNA/RNA synthesis, and the formation of bones. The majority
of the body’s magnesium (60%) is found in the bones. Only 1% is
found in the blood, about 40% is found in tissue cells. Nearly 3/4 of
the American population fails to consume enough magnesium from the diet.
Because magnesium is an essential co-factor for several enzymes that
convert carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy, magnesium supplements
may play a role in energy metabolism. Due to the role of magnesium in
conducting nerve impulses, supplements have been promoted for support
of heart function. Magnesium is also important in bone health because
it increases calcium absorption and calcium utilization.
Dietary Sources: Food sources include artichokes, nuts,
beans, whole grains and shellfish. Too much can cause nausea, vomiting
and diarrhea.
Dosage: The Daily Value for magnesium is 400mg per day,
but requirements may be elevated somewhat by stressors such as exercise
and when taking calcium supplements for bone building or prevention of
bone loss.
Side Effects: Excessive magnesium intake can cause diarrhea
and general gastrointestinal distress. When this symptom occurs, the dosage
is cut back or the form of magnesium is switched.
(Source: www.supplementwatch.com)
Research Overview
Magnesium is essential to the workings of 350 different enzyme systems
in the body.
Magnesium deficiency triggers or causes the following 22 conditions and
magnesium treatment is used in their treatment.
1. Anxiety and Panic attacks- Magnesium (Mg) normally keeps adrenal stress
hormones under control.
2. Asthma- Both histamine production and bronchial spasms increase with
Mg deficiency.
3. Blood clots- Mg has an important role to play in preventing blood clots
and keeping the blood thin - much like aspirin but without the side effects.
4. Bowel disease - Mg deficiency slows down the bowel causing constipation,
which could lead to toxicity and malabsorption of nutrients, as well as
colitis.
5. Cystitis- Bladder spasms are worsened by Mg deficiency.
6. Depression-Serotonin, which elevates moods, is dependent on Mg. A Mg-deficient
brain is also more susceptible to allergens, foreign substances that can
cause symptoms similar to mental illness.
7. Detoxification- Mg is crucial for the removal of toxic substances and
heavy metals such as aluminum and lead.
8. Diabetes- Mg enhances insulin secretion, facilitating sugar metabolism.
Without Mg, insulin is not able to transfer glucose into cells. Glucose
and insulin build up in the blood causing various types of tissue damage.
9. Fatigue- Mg-deficient patients commonly experience fatigue because
dozens of enzyme systems are under-functioning. An early symptom of Mg
deficiency is frequently fatigue.
10. Heart disease- Mg deficiency is common in people with heart disease.
Mg is administered in hospitals for acute myocardial infarction and cardiac
arrhythmia. Like any other muscle, the heart muscle requires Mg. Mg is
also used to treat angina, or chest pain.
11. Hypertension- With insufficient Mg, spasm of blood vessels and high
cholesterol occur, both of which lead to blood pressure problems.
12. Hypoglycemia- Mg keeps insulin under control; without Mg episodes
of low blood sugar can result.
13. Insomnia- Sleep-regulating melatonin production is disturbed without
sufficient Mg.
14. Kidney Disease- Mg deficiency contributes to atherosclerotic kidney
failure. Mg deficiency creates abnormal lipid levels and worsening blood
sugar control in kidney transplant patients.
15. Liver Disease leading to liver failure- Mg deficiency commonly occurs
during liver transplantation.
16. Migraine- Serotonin balance is Mg-dependent. Deficiency of serotonin
can result in migraine headaches and depression.
17. Musculoskeletal conditions- Fibrositis, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms,
eye twitches, cramps and chronic neck and back pain may be caused by Mg
deficiency and can be relieved with Mg supplements.
18. Nerve problems- Mg alleviates peripheral nerve disturbances throughout
the whole body, such as migraines, muscle contractions, gastrointestinal
spasms, and calf, foot and toe cramps. It is also used in treating central
nervous symptoms of vertigo and confusion.
19. Obstetrics and Gynecology- Mg prevents Premenstrual Syndrome; prevents
dysmenorrhea (cramping pain during menses); is important in the treatment
of infertility; and alleviates premature contractions, preeclampsia, and
eclampsia in pregnancy. Intravenous Mg is given in obstetrical wards for
pregnancy-induced hypertension and to lessen the risk of cerebral palsy
and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Mg should be a required supplement
for pregnant mothers.
20. Osteoporosis- Use of calcium with Vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption
without a balancing amount of Mg causes further Mg deficiency, which triggers
a cascade of events leading to bone loss.
21. Raynaud’s Syndrome- Mg helps relax the spastic blood vessels
that cause pain and numbness of the fingers.
22. Tooth decay- Mg deficiency causes an unhealthy balance of phosphorus
and calcium in saliva, which damages teeth.
Material excerpted from Dean, Carolyn. The Miracle of Magnesium (2003
Ballantine Books: New York, NY), 2003. pp. 5-7.
The following citations reflect the 22 conditions noted above, giving
ample evidence of its absolute requirement in the human body. Some citations
also deal with the deficiency of magnesium in the soil and therefore in
the human diet and deficiency in the human organism.
Magnesium
Citations (570)
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