Magnesium: The Least Appreciated Mineral

Magnesium is often considered the forgotten mineral and remains one of the least appreciated minerals in human health, despite the importance of magnesium for health. Due to the well-established advantages of well-known minerals like calcium and iron, its advantages and relevance among people are overshadowed

The Spotlight

Magnesium has just lately come into the public eye as arising science is placing magnesium at the center of attention as vital to its advantages on heart function, muscle, bone, and brain function, and overall health.

Magnesium is critical for over 600 enzyme systems in the body that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, energy production, bone development, cardiovascular benefits, stabilization of DNA structure, and activation of Vitamin D.

Mighty Magnesium: Role in Health and Benefits

Role in Health

• Regulates heart muscle function
• Serves as cofactor for enzymes
• Maintains heart rhythm
• Regulation of blood pressure
• Helps nerve transmission
• Helps neuromuscular coordination
• Regulates blood glucose
• Contributes to electrolyte balance
• Helps with the relaxation of muscles
• Downregulates stress hormones
• Activates energy molecule - ATP
• Stabilizes DNA structure
• Activates Vitamin D
• Supports bone density

Benefits

• Support muscle and nerve function
• Supports healthy bones
• Supports sleep and relaxation
• Support energy production
• Relieves constipation
• Reduces fatigue and tiredness
• Relieve muscle cramps
• Lowers blood pressure
• Maintenance of normal blood glucose concentration

We can get Enough Magnesium from the Diet

Most people can get enough magnesium by eating a healthy diet with a variety of foods. Leafy greens are a good source of Magnesium as Magnesium in nature is a component of the chlorophyll present in plants that gives green plants their colour. Besides, leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, and potatoes are rich sources of Magnesium.

If we can get enough magnesium from the diet, then why a supplement?

Magnesium supplements offer a convenient solution for increasing magnesium levels in the body. This is particularly beneficial when dietary intake of magnesium is consistently low, such as in cases of consuming a diet high in refined foods, excessive alcohol dependence, certain medication usage, or the presence of conditions like Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, or type 2 diabetes. Exercise and sweat loss in athletes increase magnesium loss and apparently increases magnesium requirements by 10-20%. These factors can contribute to a severe deficiency of magnesium within the body. Nevertheless, it is imperative to consult with your doctor prior to initiating any supplementation regime.

Some studies indicate that the levels of magnesium in soils may be lower compared to previous years, and the processing of food can result in a reduction of magnesium content in plant-based foods that naturally contain this mineral. 

Signs you could have if you are magnesium deficient

In general, a mild to moderate deficiency of magnesium is unlikely to cause noticeable symptoms. Moreover, the body has mechanisms to conserve magnesium levels when they are low, such as reducing the amount excreted in urine and increasing absorption in the digestive system.

But severe deficiency can result in the following clinical signs:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Muscle cramps or twitches
• Headaches, more like migraine
• Loss of appetite
• Heart palpitations
• Sleep disturbance, stress, and anxiety
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Eyelid spasms

Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium supplements are available in various forms, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences between these forms is crucial in determining the most suitable option for your needs. In both natural sources and supplements, magnesium is chelated, or combined, with another molecule to create a compound. This chelation process enhances the stability, absorption, and bioavailability of magnesium. Let's examine some commonly used magnesium supplements on the market.

1. Magnesium Hydroxide: This form is utilized as an antacid and in laxatives. It can be found in over-the-counter products like milk of magnesia. However, it has poor bioavailability.
2. Magnesium Oxide: This inexpensive form is frequently used in supplements. Unfortunately, it has poor bioavailability and can cause digestive discomfort, particularly at higher doses.
3. Magnesium Citrate: Considered one of the most popular magnesium supplements, it effectively boosts magnesium levels and relieves constipation. It has good absorption and bioavailability, acts as a laxative, and generally has minimal side effects.
4. Magnesium Glycinate: This form is highly effective and preferred for its calming and relaxing effects, which can improve sleep quality. It boasts good absorption and bioavailability, is safe and well tolerated, and has minimal impact on stomach emptying. However, it may not be suitable as a laxative.
5. Magnesium Orotate: Magnesium Orotate is known for its protective role in heart disease. However, it is a more expensive option.
6. Magnesium Threonate: This particular form of magnesium supplement has shown the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially enhancing cognition and memory.

By understanding the characteristics of these different forms of magnesium supplements, you can make an informed decision about which one best suits your specific needs.

What we offer

We offer two highly effective forms of Magnesium supplements that are known for their superior absorption, bioavailability, safety, and well-tolerability. 

• Unived Magnesium Glycinate: Promotes muscle, nerve, bone and sleep health. It may exert a relaxing and calming effect due to presence of Glycine. Has good absorption, bioavailability and tolerability. We offer Magnesium Glycinate in capsule format with a dosage of 650mg.
• Unived Marine Magnesium: Our Marine Magnesium formula is enriched with Aquamin MS, a natural source of magnesium citrate extracted from fresh Irish seawater. This unique blend contains 72 naturally derived trace minerals, offering good absorption and bioavailability. By boosting overall Magnesium levels, it supports muscle and nerve health, bone and sleep health and even acts as a gentle laxative with minimal side effects. We offer Unived Marine Magnesium in soluble powder format with an adequate dosage of 300mg.

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