Hot New Topics > Understanding the important role of Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral, being the fourth most abundant cation in the body ( after sodium, potassium and calcium ). It is required in the biological function of at least 360 enzymes in the human body, and it plays a fundamental role in many cell functions. These functions include: energy transfer, storage and use; protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism; maintenance of normal cell membrane function and the regulation of parathyroid hormone secretion. Systemically, magnesium lowers blood pressure and alters peripheral vascular resistance. Abnormalities of magnesium levels can result in disturbances in nearly every organ system, and can cause potentially fatal complications such as ventricular arrhythmia, coronary artery vasospasm and sudden death from myocardial infarction.

Some of the more common clinical symptoms of magnesium deficiency are:

General fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Dementia, Epilepsy, Pre-menstrual Syndrome, Infertility, Pregnancy Pre-Eclampsia, Cardiovascular Diseases ( Hypertension, Vasospasm, Myocardial Infarction, Elevated Blood Lipids, Thrombosis, Arrhythmia, Angina, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Coronary Heart Disease ), Neuromuscular Conditions ( Muscle Cramping and Spasms, Athletic Performance, Tension Headaches and Migraines ), Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Toxicity, Alcohol and Toxic Metals.

Current research indicates that in most Western countries a sufficient magnesium supply is difficult to achieve, particularly in view of the increased demand for magnesium associated with common diets and lifestyles. Environmental factors such as soil quality, agricultural practices and air pollution also affect the magnesium content of the food supply. Common drugs and alcohol have dramatic effect on magnesium levels, resulting in urinary excretion of this vital mineral.

Stress triggers the loss of magnesium. Your hormonal response to the stress mobilize cellular magnesium into the plasma, resulting in renal losses,

Stress takes many forms, including Psychogenic ( worry, anxiety, fear ), inflammatory ( immune activation from auto immunity, allergy, infection ), toxic or hormonal. Any of these situation can lead to or worsen a magnesium deficiency.

Another vital action of magnesium is as a calcium channel regulator. The passage of calcium through a membrane is the physiological trigger or control for many functions: muscle contraction, nerve impulse, and many cellular secretions such as insulin, neurotransmitters, gastric acid and enzymes. Magnesium is the balancing ion, regulating and controlling the movement and activity of calcium, and is therefore a vital part of all these functions.

Everyone needs magnesium supplement. You need to talk to your practitioners about which biochemical form of magnesium is most suited to your need. Magnesium absorption and bioavailability is more important than just taking it. The optimal form of delivery is Glycine Chelation. It is readily absorbed as an amino acid complex, to provide rapid serum delivery.