Magnesium

Magnesium is necessary for the proper function of over 300 enzymes essential for actions such as the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and the heart beat. Magnesium is required for protein synthesis and for releasing energy from the body's carbohydrate stores in the liver. Magnesium also helps in bone building and in the release of energy from food.

What else does it do?

A limited amount of scientific research suggests that normal amounts of magnesium may...

Claims have been made that magnesium can alleviate insomnia, anxiety, depression, irritability, muscle tremors, weakness, fatigue, poor memory, water retention and premenstrual syndrome. However, scientific support for these claims is lacking at the present time.

And if I don't get enough?

Magnesium deficiency can lead to loss of appetite, confusion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, tremors and even uncontrolled muscle contractions. Even a marginal deficiency can contribute to cardiac rhythm abnormalities. Although magnesium deficiency is rare in North America, some population groups may be at high risk for developing magnesium deficiencies. These include:

Magnesium is widely available in fruits, leafy vegetables, grain products and shellfish. Normally healthy people can easily get adequate magnesium from ordinary foods.

Caution

If you have kidney or heart problems, do not take magnesium supplements without consulting a qualified physician. In addition, large doses of magnesium have potentially toxic and even lethal effects.