The Invisible Deficiency

InvisibleDeficencyMagnesiumJacquie Eubanks RN BSNUbiquitous in nature, magnesium is found in the earth’s crust, seawater, plants, animals, and of course, the human body. Essential to plant, animal and human life, magnesium is critically important to every human bodily cell and organ, especially the heart and kidneys. Magnesium plays crucial roles in energy production, proper RNA and DNA stability and function, protein formation, muscle movement, and nervous system regulation. Magnesium is essential for the maintenance of electrolyte balance, the structural development and maintenance of healthy bones, and the facilitation of enzymatic functions that are responsible for hundreds of biochemical reactions. Simply put, the body requires an adequate amount of magnesium to sustain proper bodily functions, from a steady heartbeat, to cellular processes, to detoxification, to protein, carb, and fat metabolism, and more.

Research shows that dietary consumption of magnesium is suboptimal in close to 75% of Americans. Currently, a blood test is used to measure serum or blood levels of magnesium to check for deficiency. As most magnesium in the human body is stored in bones and muscles, with only about 1% circulating in the blood, clinical blood serum testing may not successfully identify low magnesium levels, making it quite possible to be deficient and not know it. Early signs of deficiency might include weakness, unexplained fatigue, headaches, sleep disorders, and gastrointestinal issues. If deficiency worsens, more serious symptoms such as muscle cramping and spasms, numbness and tingling, abnormal heart rhythms, and seizures may occur.

Prolonged stress, medications, improper diet, medical conditions, nutrient depleted soil, and certain lifestyle factors may all contribute to lower than optimal magnesium levels. Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with vitamin D and magnesium absorption, lowering the amount available to cells. Caffeinated beverages and a high sugar diet can cause the kidneys to excrete magnesium and other minerals. As magnesium absorption decreases with aging, seniors, who are more likely to be taking medications that deplete magnesium, are at high risk for deficiency. Lower serum magnesium levels are typically seen in those with type 2 diabetes, while those with higher dietary magnesium intake have lower rates of insulin resistance and lowered risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It may be surprising that proper magnesium levels are not always considered in chronic disease prevention and management. Low blood levels of magnesium, associated with decreased intake, as well as increased losses, may be one of the most underdiagnosed nutritional deficiencies. In fact, widespread magnesium deficiency is a commonly overlooked and preventable risk factor for diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. To put a halt on deficiency, limit coffee, colas, sugar and alcohol, address prolonged stress, and check with your doctor about magnesium loss through medications.

Adjusting your diet to more Include magnesium rich foods, such as nuts, greens, garlic and beans, and supplementing with sufficient amounts of dietary absorbable magnesium helps to improve magnesium levels. Taking a warm bath with Epsom salts added will provide muscle relaxation along with increased magnesium absorption. As magnesium is an element vital to multiple bodily functions, those interested in optimizing their nutritional health should consider supplementation as an easy and effective way to boost dietary intake of magnesium and help lower the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Chelated magnesium, including magnesium taurate and magnesium glycinate, provides a high level of bioavailability, absorption, and intestinal tolerance, and is ideal for correcting deficiencies.

Professional Supplement Center carries many high quality supplements in support of optimal health and function:

Magnesium ChelateMagnesium Chelate by Designs for Health: Magnesium bisglycinate chelate is a highly absorbable and bioavailable form of elemental magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine, to eliminate unfavorable gastrointestinal issues associated with magnesium supplementation. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Magnesium Taurate...Magnesium Taurate by Douglas Laboratories: One serving provides 400 mg of fully reacted magnesium taurate complex in support of overall health and function. Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, and yeast free, vegan formulation.

 

Magnesium (glycinate...Magnesium (glycinate) by Pure Encapsulations: This highly rated product provides bioavailable magnesium chelate, along with vitamin C, in support of nutrient metabolism and proper enzymatic and physiological functions. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Chelated Magnesium ...Chelated Magnesium by Douglas Laboratories: This formula provides elemental magnesium amino acid chelate in support of a wide range of fundamental cellular reactions. Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, and yeast free, vegan formulation.

 

Magnesium Chelate...Magnesium Chelate Powder by Designs For Health: This highly absorbable magnesium bisglycinate provides 300 mg per serving in a great-tasting natural orange flavored powdered formula. Gluten free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Although excess amounts of magnesium are processed and excreted through the kidneys, excessive amounts are never recommended. Should you have any questions about magnesium supplementation or are taking medications, please consult a healthcare professional before beginning any supplement program.

References:
Magnesium. http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/12/magnesium
Magnesium (Mg). https://www.britannica.com/science/magnesium
Magnesium. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
Nutrigenomic Support to Lower Risk of Diabetes. http://healthcareinstituteforclinicalnutrition.com/clinical-tools/nutrigenomic-support-to-lower-risk-of-diabetes/
Deciphering Magnesium. http://blog.professionalsupplementcenter.com/deciphering-magnesium
Magnesium. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/magnesium

 

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