Introduction to magnesium

Of all supplements right now there seems to be a buzz around magnesium so I wanted to explore its role in the body.

I first became aware of magnesium over a decade ago when my nutritionalist put me being a chocoholic down to a lack of magnesium.  It’s then that I discovered that magnesium can ease PMS and chocolate is a good source of magnesium.  So for all women out there that eat chocolate at certain times of the month, like I used to, don’t beat yourself up, it may be like me and your body is crying out for magnesium.

Magnesium is a mineral that is not just important for the body it is ubiquitous.  It is crucial to:

• Nerve transmission
• Muscle contraction
• Blood coagulation
• Energy production
• Nutrient metabolism
• Bone and cell formation

People get magnesium from their diet, but sometimes magnesium supplements are needed if magnesium levels are too low. Dietary intake of magnesium may be low, particularly among women. Magnesium deficiency is also not uncommon among African Americans and the elderly. Low magnesium levels in the body have been linked to diseases such a:

• osteoporosis
• high blood pressure
• clogged arteries
• hereditary heart disease
• diabetes
• strokes

Foods that are high in fiber are generally high in magnesium.  Magnesium is also found in chocolate, diary products, meats and “hard” water or water with a high mineral content.