Many people are deficient in magnesium, are you?

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It is quite possible that you may be deficient in magnesium, or even more than likely that your level of magnesium is suboptimal. I know perhaps that’s too bold a statement. Per report in Scientifica Journal  56-68 %  of Americans do not get enough mag from their diets to meet the RDA or the daily recommended allowance,  and that 42 % of young adults have an ongoing primary magnesium deficiency.

Dietary surveys of people in  Europe and united states show that magnesium intake is lower than the recommended amounts, and that people consuming Western-type diets are low in magnesium, and that the dietary intake of magnesium in the united states have been declining for the last  100 years,  per this article  likely due to the increasing use of fertilizers and processed foods.

And while many people in the US and many industrialized nations are likely deficient, many doctors do not routinely test for magnesium deficiency although studies are showing that half of the population in America, is deficient in the mineral.

Moreover, early signs are nonspecific, so really making it difficult for any clues or guesswork and may include decreased appetite, which is not a signal that would scream low magnesium. People think of many other reasons as the cause.

As a result, people are suffering from many chronic illnesses that may be an easy fix. It can easily be said that every illness known to man is associated with magnesium deficiency. According to this article chronic latent magnesium deficiency is an important underlying pathology to many clinical conditions and contributing factor to many illnesses.

It is sad to think that there are many people out there suffering from illnesses that can likely be prevented with simple magnesium supplementation, diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome., and even colorectal cancer per this article 

A magnesium deficiency is a common and widespread cause of many physical and mental problems. Magnesium is required for hundreds of biochemical reactions and processes in the body and its deficiency when chronic ultimately leads to metabolic dysregulation and various illnesses.

Magnesium is the 8th most abundant mineral on the earth’s crust. It is usually tied up with other minerals as for example magnesium carbonate, but the hydrosphere –rivers and oceans are the most abundant source of the biologically available source of magnesium.

Magnesium is an essential electrolyte for all living organisms and is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, after sodium, calcium, and potassium.

As a matter of fact, per this source, magnesium is essential for over 300 enzymatic reactions that regulate many biochemical reactions including DNA and RNA synthesis, muscular contraction, blood pressure regulation, blood sugar control/insulin metabolism, cardiac function, nerve transmission.

Magnesium is also necessary for the structural function of proteins, nucleic acids, and mitochondria. It is found in high concentrations in the mitochondria(the energy factory of the cell) where it helps in energy production through the breakdown of fats, carbs, and proteins for energy.

Although subclinical to moderates magnesium levels are asymptomatic, animal studies show that moderate or subclinical magnesium deficiencies levels prime phagocytic( these are the cells that fight for your health) cells for the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which leads to chronic inflammatory stress and an increased risk of chronic inflammatory disease.

Low levels of magnesium have been linked to many chronic and inflammatory diseases such as asthma, Alzheimer’s, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, ADHD, hypertension, cardiovascular, disease migraine headaches, and osteoporosis(source).

Furthermore, serum or plasma CRP a marker for inflammation is reduced with magnesium supplementation, and various studies, have found that dietary magnesium is inversely associated with chronic diseases.

Why is magnesium deficiency so common today?

There are several factors that have led to ever-increasing magnesium deficiency especially in the developed western world. These include  the following:

Increasing use of processed food

The practice of refining grain to make processed food which removes the germ and bran, the main sources of magnesium in grains such as rice and wheat, in their unprocessed form leaves them now stripped of vital nutrients through processing to make white rice and white flour.

Only 16% of mg and 24% of zinc present in wheat remain after processing in refined wheat. They may look pretty when cooked but they do not do much for nutrition.

 Loss of nutrients after harvest

Also, magnesium levels continue to decline after harvesting through handling, and transport as well as storage after we bring the produce home. When we buy those beautiful leafy green and other products and keep in the fridge for days, they continue to lose nutrients. Some nutrients including magnesium are also lost during cooking by leaching into the water.

Diet choices

Eating synthetic foods high in sugar and additives such as phosphorus in sodas, lunch meats, and hot dogs or soy products that contain phytates, and foods containing tannins such as wine, or oxalates, does not replenish magnesium or other nutrients.

These substances bind magnesium and making it unavailable to the body. Consumption of caffeine and alcohol leads to magnesium renal wasting, especially in chronic alcoholism. I know we have to have our coffee, but just don’t reach out for one too many cups.

Sugar

We know that sugar is bad for us, but we may not realize that there is so much sugar in so many foods. And the sad truth is that it doesn’t matter what form of sugar, sucrose dextrose, or fructose. To the body sugar is sugar. Too much sugar in the diet can affect magnesium levels.

Magnesium regulates blood sugar and insulin, and when there is too much sugar, metabolic syndrome and diabetes can happen. These conditions lead to magnesium excretion by the kidneys.

Also, sugar a very large molecule requires a lot of magnesium to metabolize it. t takes 28 molecules of magnesium to metabolize just one molecule of sugar molecule! (source).

Too much calcium

Calcium is added to everything. In milk and in cereals. People tell you to make sure you have enough calcium for your bones. While calcium is required for healthy bones calcium also requires magnesium for proper absorption. Magnesium and calcium are supposed to exist in a well-controlled ratio.

Studies show that magnesium maintains calcium in the liquid form in the blood. If the magnesium is deficient then calcium calcifies causing lots of problems such as kidney stones, calcified arteries, gi problems with motility issues, and joint problems.

Drinking Water Purification

Water can be a good source of magnesium if it came from the deep wells or glacial runoff, but most bottled water is from surface water such as rivers which are not such great sources. Some purification methods such as distilling lead to the complete removal of minerals from drinking water processed by distillation, desalination and reverse osmosis.

Increasing diabetes both type 1 and 2

Research shows that hypomagnesia is correlated with diabetes incidents, and the incidents of diabetes are ranging from 13.3 to 47.7% in the US. And the reason for the low levels of magnesium in these cases is due to poor oral intake, decreased gut absorption, and chronical renal loss due to autonomic neuropathy, and drugs such as proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux.

People with diabetes are also much more likely to have kidney issues which prevent reabsorption of magnesium and so a lot more magnesium is lost in the urine.

Also, people living with diabetes are likely to be on medications such as hypertensive meds such as Thiazides which also lead to deficiency. Extensive studies have reported a significant correlation between magnesium deficiency and type two diabetes.

Modern farming practices

Practices of cultivation using fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous have to lead to depletion of soil magnesium because potassium and phosphorous found in these fertilizers are antagonists of magnesium.

And because plants require magnesium to thrive, hybrid crops are bred to withstand such depleted soil conditions and these are not magnesium rich.

Use of certain medications

Medications such as antidiuretic,  some birth control pills aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, cyclosporins, amphotericins B, insulin, corticosteroids, bronchodilator lead to loss of magnesium.

Reduced Gut absorption.

This can be caused by gi issues such as Crohn’s disease, celiac UC, leaky gut, IBS, increased yeast in the gut from excessive sugar, antibiotic treatments, and use of PPIs to treat the ever-present acid reflux, and use of laxatives and small bowels resection all reduce magnesium absorption.

Vitamin D deficiency.

Magnesium is required to turn vitamin D into its active form. Then, in turn, the active form of vitamin D allows increased absorption of magnesium and calcium and normal parathyroid hormone which also regulates magnesium and calcium. Vitamin D when sufficient can increase calcium and magnesium absorption by up to a whooping 300percent ( source)

Aging

Older people have in many cases reduced intake of magnesium-rich foods and are more likely to have reduced absorption due to other health issues. Aging reduces magnesium absorption by up to 30%.

Hormonal imbalances

Hormones such as parathyroid hormone regulate both calcium and magnesium. If this hormone is unbalanced it will lead to magnesium deficiency. Diabetes, which also leads to magnesium deficiency is caused by an imbalance in insulin and insulin is a hormone.

Increased stress

Stress has no doubt increased in modern day living.  This also contributes to magnesium deficiency and lead to a high need for magnesium. Stress conditions, require more magnesium due to increased nerve activity, increased muscle movements, all lead to increased magnesium use.

Sweating

Unlike calcium, the body does not easily hold on to its magnesium, and magnesium is easily lost through situations such as heavy sweating during exercise. Or the heavy sweating of menopausal women.

This depletes magnesium and compounds other symptoms of menopause such as irritability, weight gain, depression, and increased stress, worsening body aches, that are likely to co-exist in menopause.

There are many causes of magnesium deficiency in the population today and this list is by no means exhaustive. You can find a more comprehensive list of conditions that can lead to magnesium deficiency in this article.

Signs of deficiency

As may be expected, deficiency in magnesium affects nearly every cell, organ, and function and so there are many signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency

Symptoms of deficiency include the following:

• Foggy brain. difficulties concentrating, poor memory, seizures, tremors, vertigo
• Muscle spasms, cramps such as twitches, muscle cramps as in leg cramps  abdominal cramps as shown in this case study
• Palpitations and hypertension
• Decreased glucose tolerance and insulin resistance increased the risk of metabolic syndrome.
• Vitamin D and bone metabolism disturbances
• Low levels of PTH and vitamin D
• Fibromyalgia.
• High blood pressure, mitral valve prolapse, stroke, pulmonary hypertension
• Dental caries,   narrow jaw, and crooked teeth  in children from mag deficient mothers osteoporosis
• Kidney stones
• Gut disorders such as constipation
• Lack of appetite
• Body odor
• Stress, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, agitation
• Headaches
• Extreme fatigue, lethargy, weakness, including chronic fatigue syndrome
• Backaches
• Headaches
• Chest tightness and, CAD, arrhythmias, CHF, decreased heart pump functions
• Increased blood triglycerides and cholesterol.
• Difficulty breathing, Asthma
• Cold in the extremities
• Depression research shows a large correlation between mag deficit and major depression in this  study
• Dysmenorrhea,  and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, PMS
• Obesity
• Hyperactivity
• Thyroid disorders
• Myopia
• Low-stress tolerance
• Loss of appetite, bulimia, anorexia
• Sleep disturbances
• Muscle spasm, cramps, in soles of feet, legs,  facial muscles, musculature, carpopedal
• Alleviates PMS symptoms especially when combined with vitamin b6 per study
• Insulin resistance elevates blood sugars and metabolic syndrome
• Urinary spasms
• Tetany, excessive muscle contractions
• Autoimmune disorders, such as arthritis (Source)

Benefits of magnesium

Considering that magnesium is involved in so many metabolic and cellular reactions in the body, it can only be expected that it has very many benefits. Here are some reasons to elevate your magnesium intake.

Improved sleep

Magnesium may be the missing link between you and restful full energy-restoring sleep. Per this 2011 double-blind study, supplementing with magnesium and melatonin and Zinc improved the sleep of residents in a long-term care facility.

A study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that magnesium supplementation improved sleep in elderly patients and this study magnesium improved signs of restless legs syndrome.

But Magnesium given its role in nerve conduction, neurotransmitter, and a neuromuscular function assist in restful sleep for all and not just the elderly. For instance, just taking a bath using Epsom salt which is magnesium sulfate assist in restful sleep.

Energy production

Magnesium is required for the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to produce energy in ATP the energy unit synthesis.

Without magnesium, no ATP, no energy. So if your energy is lagging, while there may be other reasons, have a doctor check some labs including magnesium levels.

Enzyme activation

Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions.

Prevent calcification

One very important magnesium function is that it controls how much calcium gets into the cell. Magnesium and calcium exist in a well-controlled ratio. We have magnesium to thank every day our bodies have not turned into stone.

Sometimes we come close when this ration is disturbed. It is the job of magnesium to stand at the gate of the cell and quickly usher some calcium into he cell to do a function such as conduction of an impulse for muscle contraction and then calcium is again quickly ushered out.

Another problem of too much calcium in the cell is that it causes calcification in the body, hardening tissues that are supposed to be pliable such as blood vessels. Sometimes this hardening causes kidney stones especially in the presence of substances such as oxalates.

Kidney stones are no fun so anyone who suffers from this may want to try magnesium supplements especially when taken with potassium can greatly reduce the formation of calcium oxalate.

Mg binds oxalate in the stomach thus reducing the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stone. Per this article in a study that followed 64 patients over three years calcium oxalate stones formation was reduced by a significant 85%.

Muscle contraction and relaxation

Next time you walk or run batt your eyes, wink, eat, or perform any action that requires muscle to contract and relax, thank magnesium.

Magnesium is a calcium antagonist and assists to regulates muscle contraction and relaxation. Without magnesium, the body and the muscles would be in a constant state of contraction causing twitches, tremors, and tetany. So take a moment to think of how well your body works, then vow to eat some spinach. Seaweed would be better though.

Blood pressure control

Magnesium was found to reduce both systolic and diastolic diabetic hypertension in patients with low magnesium. Magnesium is vital for the cardiovascular system.

It regulates cardiac muscle function, regulates potassium movement in myocardial cells, vasodilation of coronary and peripheral arteries and helps in reduction of platelet aggregation per source.  Without optimal magnesium, many cardiac events can occur including arrhythmias and even stroke

Membrane function

Magnesium regulates ion transports of calcium and potassium across cell membranes and thus regulate muscle contraction, heart rhythm, and nerve impulses.

Pain management

  Magnesium is important in pain alleviation in cases such as neuropathic pain like peripheral neuropathy, pain from malignancies, migraines, PMS, post-herpetic neural pain, and diabetic neuropathy this Pub Med article reports.

Structural role

Magnesium is a component of bone, multiple enzyme complexes, mitochondria, proteins, polyribosomes and nucleic acids(Source), so maintains their structural composition.

Nutrient- metabolic activation

Magnesium is also required for the utilization of vitamin D, B vitamins, and glutathione (Source)

Proteins synthesis

magnesium is involved in DNA and RNA synthesis, the very basics of what makes a living organism. Consider growth and development and reproduction. Vitally important. Or consider the regeneration of your skin. You want a youthful look, optimize your magnesium intake.

Ease Migraines

A Cochrane review recommends magnesium as one of the recommended treatment for migraine headaches. and magnesium supplementation was found to ease migraines, their frequency, duration and intensity with up to 41% per article

Eases depressive symptom

Magnesium has been used to treat depression since 1921 and recovery has even been reported with the use of magnesium glycinate and magnesium tuarinate. An inverse relationship is seen between magnesium intake and the existence of conditions such as depression and anxiety. This can be explained by the fact that magnesium is a required coenzyme in the reaction that converts tryptophan to serotonin, the mood transmitter, (source)

Eases Anxiety

Research published in Neuropharmacology points to a relationship between anxiety and magnesium deficiency.

According to that research, magnesium deficiency caused increased production of hormones that stimulate a stress response and there was a noted stimulation of the HPA, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, responsible for the coordination of stress response, from the brain to the adrenals for the production of stress hormones, corticosterone, and epinephrine.

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It is believed that the activation of the HPA by the CRH ( corticosterone stimulating hormone) which is produced in the hypothalamus leads to the production of corticosterone.

This activation is involved in many autonomic, hormonal and behavioral changes and reactions, and produces anxiety symptoms and stress and reactions.

Magnesium is known also to be a major regulator of the HPA.

Healthy pregnancy

Magnesium, studies show can prevent later metabolic syndrome in adult life.

This study reports that many studies have found mag deficiency can lead to babies who are small for gestational age and lead to an increased risk of insulin resistance in adult life.

And, magnesium is also required to prevent pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in at-risk mothers in later stages in pregnancy. Magnesium is administered IV in these situations and is the drug of choice to abate bad pregnancy outcomes from these conditions.

Energy metabolism

 Many reactions that are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein to produce energy requirements and are dependent on magnesium.

According to this article in Scientifica magnesium is required for the production of the bodies energy molecule ATP, and ATP  the bodies energy source for almost all metabolic functions occurs in as a complex with magnesium, and a high concentration of magnesium is found in the mitochondria, the energy center of the cell.

Prevent depression

Those who suffer depression know how debilitating it is, and also depression on the rise worldwide.

A study in Magnesium Research found that magnesium was as effective as imipramine an antidepressant medication in treating depression.

Another study published in the PLOS journal found that supplementing with magnesium chloride lead to an improvement in the severity of depression in as little as two weeks.

Magnesium may also assist in smoking cessation

studies show magnesium is the antagonist of the NDMDA receptor, as well as the nicotinic receptor both which control dopamine release by nicotine, which explains the great feeling the reward from the nicotine kick. Dopamine is the brains reward neurotransmitter.

Reduces PMS

Per this study and this other study a decrease of PMS and severity with magnesium use.was seen This other study published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery  Research reported decreased PMS when magnesium and vitamin B6 were used together.

Reduction of inflammation

This study published in the Archives of Medical Research found that magnesium lowered inflammation markers in patients low magnesium and prediabetes. Magnesium deficiency was also found to  be a predisposing factor in chronic inflammatory stress  and disease

Decrease insulin resistance and improvement in blood sugar.

Diabetes and diabetes affect 45% of the US population, which in turn leads to heart disease and stroke and is the leading cause of blindness and kidney disease, and studies have shown that individuals who consume diets rich in magnesium are 10-47% less likely to develop full diabetes.

Yet only about 5o percent of the population receive the recommended 400mg to 420 mg magnesium recommended for adult men and 300-310 for women, (source).

A 2010 study published in Diabetes Care by American Diabetes Association found that magnesium lowered blood sugar after following 4,497 people only 330 people developed diabetes and it was found those who did had low levels of magnesium and prevention of diabetic complications caused by microvascular abnormalities.

Microvascular abnormalities lead to amputations, kidney disease, and blindness and stroke. And preventing diabetes, magnesium also prevents other associated complication in depression, anxiety and, sexual dysfunction, and dementia

Lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides

A significant reduction in LDL and total cholesterol and an increase in HDL were observed in diabetic patients treated with 600mg of magnesium for 12 weeks.  And while magnesium all by itself did not lower cholesterol, as a statin drug does, magnesium improved all aspects of dyslipidemia and raising HDL, and lowering triglycerides.

Magnesium improves heart health

Magnesium improves heart health by preventing atherosclerosis and stroke. The Scientifica Journal reports that magnesium deficiency may affect several steps that can lead to the formation of plaques in the vessels.

This is because low magnesium can lead to calcification and accumulation of connective tissue in vessel walls, accumulation of oxalate in the vessel wall,( these are the same deposits that lead to some types of kidney stones). Magnesium deficiency can lead to impaired cholesterol transport,  impaired lipid exchange between the vessel wall and the blood, and increased triglycerides.

Supplementation with oral magnesium was shown to improve endothelial ( walls of blood vessels)  function, (Schwalfenberg, G. K., & Genuis, S. J. (2017).

The same article states that magnesium deficiency is associated with atrial fib and magnesium supplementation was found to reduce atrial fibration and is considered to be a safe and effective treatment in patients undergoing acute atrial fib.

Atrial fib can read to impaired blood flow and cause stroke… Indeed per this article, low magnesium may be the missing key to heart disease prevention. And that to me is simply amazing.

Magnesium supplementation

So far you can see why you may need more magnesium. And if you are not getting it from your food, which is more than likely, then supplementation is the key. Magnesium supplementation was also found to improve mitral valve prolapse and congestive heart failure when supplemented for a year, leading to great improvement or recovery.

Magnesium also eases inflammatory conditions and was a factor in chronic inflammatory stress and disease per this article such as fibromyalgia

Bone health- and prevention of  osteoporosis

Magnesium is required to turn vitamin D into its active form, and vitamin D then supports calcium absorption and metabolism.  and assists in normal parathyroid hormone function.

Per the study cited here, magnesium supplementation increased bone density and decreased fractures. However too high magnesium levels can also decrease bone density, so important to be within the normal ranges.

Magnesium helps in neurologic conditions

Through proper nerve conduction, magnesium prevents diseases such as ADHD, study reports.  Magnesium levels are usually low in ADHD  children and supplementation study found, reduces attention and hyperactivity.

Also for patients with MS, fatigue is usually greater for those with mg deficiency. Furthermore, magnesium may be an adjunct therapy for improving memory in dementia as the level of deficiency correlated with the level of cognition.

Scientifica Journal, referencing evidence from other studies state that there is evidence that several  psychiatric conditions including  schizophrenia may be associated with metabolic changes involving magnesium metabolism and magnesium is being investigated as an adjunct to some psych problems and low levels of magnesium along with elevated aluminum are seen in patient s with Parkinson’s ( source)

Detoxification

Magnesium is required in many detoxification pathways in the body. It is necessary for neutralization of toxins and neutralizing overly acidic conditions that can arise in the body and glutathione the main bodies antioxidant requires magnesium to function.

Ease asthmas symptoms

Although the mechanism may not be clear, it does appear that magnesium deficiency makes those susceptible to asthma to experience more severe bronchospasms, and some studies have shown to improve in acute symptoms when magnesium sulfate 2 gms is administered intravenously(source).

Magnesium may also be beneficial for certain skin conditions

Skin conditions such as dermatitis, per the double-blind controlled study, using a cream containing magnesium and ceramides were found to be superior to hydrocortisone in the treatment of mild to moderate dermatitis. So if you some skin issues this is something you may want to check.

Magnesium may also improve phosphate absorption for the patient in chronic renal failure and alleviate vascular calcification. For patients on hemodialysis, low magnesium can be a  risk factor for sudden cardiac death (source)

Skincare and control of dermatitis

Children with dermatitis were found to have  lower serum magnesium and zinc, and magnesium salts are known to enhance skin hydration and permeability, dermal repair and facilitate epidermal proliferation and differentiation( making of new skin cells)

Helps with proper elimination

How you ask? Well, your stomach and intestines are muscles-smooth muscles that is. They need to contract and relax in the process called peristalsis.

These movements require the actions of magnesium, and the nerves controlling them require magnesium in order to send the signals for movement. So constipation may be due to magnesium deficiency as well. But you do have to eat fiber and drink enough fluids as well.

Prevention of migraines or severe headaches

According to a study published in the Journal of Head and Neck Pain 1 out of every 7 people are likely to suffer from migraines.

And its no wonder given the extensive deficiency in nutrients in foods in modern society. Females have even a higher tendency to suffer these migraines, which again may be due to combined triggers such as stress, which leads to more magnesium demand.

This study showed that magnesium sulfate was more effective and worked even faster in reducing headaches than the usual medications such as dexamethasone and metoclopramide.

 Magnesium and aging

And one more thing to consider is that magnesium deficiency may contribute to aging, (source)as already discussed research is showing that magnesium is involved in very many biochemical and metabolic functions including cell metabolism such as RNA and DNA synthesis and maintaining the mitochondria, it is only natural that deficiency would affect aging.

Without proper cell production, and a lag in all the other function, keeping in mind more than 300 biochemical reactions, yes early aging can occur if magnesium deficiency is chronic.

Good Sources of Magnesium

As outlined above, it is evident that magnesium is vital for the proper functioning of nearly all organs and cells in the body, required for many metabolic and cellular functions.

But with declining levels in the soil and our new ways of eating diets that are deficient in micronutrients, it becomes difficult to get enough. Perhaps if one has a plot of land they can grow their own veggies and try that. Failing that, then the next best thing is supplementation.

It’s vitally important to speak with a medical professional to asses your levels and for supplementation advice and follow up to assess outcomes. For supplementation, avoid magnesium oxide as it is not easily absorbed. You may want to try magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate.

There are many magnesium combinations such as magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide magnesium taurate, magnesium surface, magnesium chloride. Magnesium may also be used typically used as magnesium oils spray such as this one which makes it easy to absorb since it bypasses the gut and renal systems avoid wasting.

Please note: Too much magnesium can be toxic, so make sure to talk to your doctor before taking supplements. While hypermagnesemia is rare, it is always better to be safe, with medical advice.  However, food sources are safe. 

Sources of Magnesium

• Seaweeds/kelp
• legumes, such as black beans
• avocado
• yogurt, kefir,
• figs,
• bananas
• nuts and seeds, such as pumpkin seeds
• leafy greens such as spinach, swiss chard, kale. nettle
• dark chocolate
• see weed/kelp

How much magnesium? This depends on age and sex

The following are the current recommended daily allowances

Source: National Institute of Health; Office of dietary supplements.

Chrolophyll, and thus green vegetables such as spinach are the major source, nuts seeds, and unprocessed cereal, legumes are also rich, water about 10 %, fish, fruit, low content of mag in diary except in milk

[click_to_tweet tweet=” Per the 2005-2006 NHANES united states study, about half of all adults in the united states” quote=” Per the 2005-2006 NHANES united states study, about half of all adults in the united states”] have inadequate magnesium intake. Studies also have shown that chronic magnesium deficiency is associated with increased risks of atherosclerosis, hypertension,  arrhythmias, stroke changes in lipid metabolism insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes,  osteoporosis,  depression, and many neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, research shows that magnesium deficiency may be a linked that can explain interactions between inflammation and oxidative stress, with the aging process and many age-related diseases. So you want to age gracefully, I say leverage your magnesium levels, and eat that spinach.

Related article: Natural ways to heal inflammation for better and vibrant health

The question remains. Are eating foods that are magnesium-rich? Are you optimizing your magnesium intake? If you have a chronic illness or are under a lot of stress, have your magnesium levels checked by your doctor.

Here are Some  magnesium products I love

 

To further educate yourself in regard to magnesium and its functions, and deficiency outcomes, this book is a great resource,

References

Gröber, U., Werner, T., Vormann, J., & Kisters, K. (2017). Myth or Reality—Transdermal Magnesium? Nutrients, 9(8), 813. http://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080813

Eby GA, Eby KL, Murk H. Magnesium, and major depression. In: Vink R, Nechifor M, editors. Magnesium in the Central Nervous System [Internet]. Adelaide (AU): University of Adelaide Press; 2011.Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507265/Dietary Magnesium and Chronic Disease