Magnesium health

Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in soft tissue. The average adult body contains about 20 to 28 g of magnesium with about 60 per cent of this present in the bones, and the rest in the muscle, soft tissue and body fluids. Magnesium is found in high concentrations inside cells, particularly those of the brain and heart. Research into the role of magnesium is increasing in clinical importance as growing evidence suggests that magnesium deficiency may play a role in a number of disorders.

Benefits

Metabolism

Magnesium is a co-factor in over 300 enzyme reactions, particularly those involving the metabolism of food components and the formation of new compounds essential for good health. All enzymatic reactions requiring the energy storage molecule, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), require magnesium. It is also needed for protein synthesis, DNA manufacture, fatty acid synthesis, anaerobic breakdown of glucose; and the removal of toxic substances, such as ammonia, from the body.

Bone

Magnesium is vital for healthy bone structure.

Interaction with calcium

Calcium interacts with magnesium in many body processes, such as the regulation ofblood vessel tone and contraction of muscles, including heart muscle. Calcium stimulates muscles and contracts blood vessels, while magnesium relaxes muscles and dilates blood vessels. Magnesium can contribute to calcium balance by affecting the hormones which control calcium absorption and metabolism, and also influences calcium at the cellular level by interacting with calcium transport mechanisms.

Ion transport

Magnesium is involved in the maintenance of the membrane electric potential and the transport across membranes of sodium, potassium and calcium. Magnesium is involved in nerve impulse transmission.

Hormone action

Magnesium is necessary for the action of a compound which plays a vital role in transmitting messages from hormones and other stimuli which cause chemical reactions inside cells. Magnesium also enhances insulin secretion, and helps it to move into cells, thus facilitating sugar metabolism.

Magnesium
Magnesium health
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Magnesium sources
Magnesium recommended daily
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Magnesium interactions

Other Minerals:

Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Electrolytes
Potassium
Sodium
Chloride
Fluoride
Iodine
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nickel
Phosphorus
Selenium
Silicon
Sulfur
Vanadium
Zinc