Magnesium Facts

Magnesium is a very important mineral needed by the human body. Magnesium was isolated in 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy. It has several important functions. It is needed by every cell of your body. About half of your body's magnesium stores are found inside cells of body tissues and organs. The other half are combined with the minerals calcium and phosphorus in bone. Only one percent of this important mineral in your body is found in blood. Your body works very hard to keep blood levels of magnesium constant [1].

Magnesium is responsibe for over than 300 enzymic reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, and bones strong. It is also involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis[2].

Magnesium regulates active calcium transport and plays an important part in maintaining strong bones. It is essential for many other important functions. A significant portion of the symptoms of many chronic disorders are identical to symptoms of magnesium deficiency.

Vegetables of the green varity, such as spinach provide magnesium because the center of the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium. Other foods, such as nuts, seeds, and some whole grains are also good sources of magnesium[3].

Magnesium while it occurs in many foods, it is usually found in very small amounts. As with most nutrients, daily needs for magnesium cannot be met from a single food. The magnesium content of refined foods is usually very low[4].

The Recommended Dietary Allowance;

Life-Stage	Men	Women	Pregnancy	Lactation
Ages 14 - 18	410 mg	360 mg	400 mg	360 mg
Ages 19 - 30	400 mg	310 mg	350 mg	310 mg
Ages 31 +	420 mg	320 mg	360 mg	320 mg