Missing out on Magnesium?

Low energy, muscular cramps and spasms, headaches, eyelid twitches, poor sleep and a decreased resilience to stress could all be signs of magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is an important essential mineral that is used in over 300 biochemical processes in the body and is specifically required for proper muscle and nerve function. Magnesium plays a major role in regulating blood pressure and is essential for strong teeth and bones. Because it is so widely used by the body, it is not surprising that is can easily become depleted.

Magnesium deficiency is surprisingly common.

Some research indicates 60% of people have low levels of this vital nutrient. Poor diet, especially consumption of excess sugar and refined carbohydrates, stress and some medications are the most common causes of depletion, and these factors may increase your daily demand. Profuse sweating during intensive exercise of physical work can also be a factor as magnesium is a valuable electrolyte. In these circumstances it may be beneficial to use a magnesium supplement.

Which foods contain magnesium?

Of you are feeling stressed and are suffering from fatigue then upping your intake of green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, avocado and whole grains is recommended as these foods are all good sources of magnesium. Good quality dark chocolate is also rich in this vital mineral giving you’re a great excuse to indulge once in a while! Unfortunately through, it can be difficult to get enough magnesium from food alone. When selecting a magnesium supplement, it is important to choose a form that is well absorbed. A well absorbed form will ensure the highest possible uptake of magnesium which means better results and less chance of the gastric upset which is commonly a result of taking poorly absorbed forms of magnesium.

So which magnesium supplement should I take?

There are many different forms of magnesium available which all have different rates of absorption. Magnesium diglycinate is a highly absorbed, nutritionally functional form of magnesium and is absorbed easily as an amino acid protein, rather than competing with other minerals for uptake. Clinical studies have shown that magnesium diglycinate is eight times more highly absorbed than magnesium oxide and is very well tolerated.