Magnesium 101
By Charlene J. Nuble
Magnesium is an important mineral that serves
numerous essential functions in the body. There are more than
300 biochemical processes
in the human body that require the use of the mineral magnesium.
From the center of the human body (the heart), to the framework
(the bones), some of the body’s most fundamental systems
and structures depend on this very vital mineral. For a normal
life and health, sufficient amount of magnesium must be taken
and maintained by the human body daily.
Magnesium
is important to bone health and structure. Indeed, fully half
of the magnesium in the human body is found in the
bones. One important contribution magnesium makes to the bones
is to assist in the production of the hormone calcitonin, which
helps increase the level of calcium in the bones. Magnesium also
controls the acidity of the blood, which is beneficial to bones,
as high acid levels can weaken bone structure.
Magnesium is also believed to play a part in controlling the
neuromuscular activities of the heart and helps to keep the heartbeat
steady and regular. It helps to keep blood pressure levels within
the normal range. For these reasons, researchers have been investigating
the ways that magnesium could affect heart disease treatment
and prevention. If proven positive, this could revolutionalize
the treatment of the disease!
There is also interest in magnesium in relation to diabetes.
That is because magnesium is necessary for insulin secretion
and function and it also plays a big role in controlling blood
sugar. Magnesium serves to assist in turning blood sugar into
energy.
A team player
Working in partnership with a variety of vitamins, minerals and
other nutrients, magnesium serves a wide range of purposes.
It is essential to the health and functioning of the body’s
neurological system and muscular system, serving (among other
purposes) to enable the contraction of muscles and nerves.
How much is enough?
With so many important uses for magnesium, it is important to
maintain sufficient levels of magnesium in the body, since
serious health problems can result from deficiencies of this
essential mineral. Adult males need about 350mg of magnesium
per day, while adult women require 280mg daily with an increase
of up to 420mg per day while pregnant or breastfeeding. Depending
on size and weight, children need between 130mg to 240mg per
day.
Magnesium deficiencies can cause a variety of symptoms of varying
severity. These include significant calcium loss, heart spasms,
irregular heartbeat, nervousness, confusion, loss of appetite,
nausea, vomiting, muscle contractions and spasms, fatigue, and
feelings of weakness, both in general and in the muscles.
Consuming the standard recommended daily intake
levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients is essential
to good health and
the proper functioning of the body and its many systems. Unfortunately,
most people do not achieve this through diet alone.
Using
nutritional supplements to make up the difference between what
you should
eat and what you really do eat is an effective and safe option
provided that you do so with the understanding that the standard
recommended dosage should be used unless advised otherwise
by your personal health care provider.
The
body’s systems
are based upon a delicate balance of chemicals and too much can
often be as harmful as too little. A licensed nutritionist can
help you to make a supplement plan best suited to your individual
dietary needs and health goals.
© Charlene J. Nuble
Charlene J. Nuble can be reached at cjn@inbux.com.
