What are the health benefits of magnesium?

Most people think of muscle health when they think of magnesium. But magnesium does so much more! In fact, it is involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions in the body, making it essential for not only muscle health, but also for energy production, nervous system health, bone health, women’s health and even cardiovascular health.  

Magnesium is often called the master mineral, and for good reason. It supports hundreds of important processes necessary to keep your body functioning at its best. Here is a quick look at the important role magnesium plays in whole body health.

Muscle health

You can’t overlook the importance of magnesium when it comes to muscle function. Magnesium works with calcium to coordinate muscular contractions and produce movement. If you’re someone who exercises a lot, you may not realise that you have higher requirements for magnesium to keep those muscles firing!

Energy production

Magnesium supports energy production as it is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats eaten in the diet. At a cellular level, the body produces energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and magnesium helps the cells produce this ATP.

A healthy stress response

Magnesium is important for healthy nervous system function and a healthy stress response in the body. It helps to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is the body’s main stress system. High levels of stress can deplete magnesium stores, making it a key mineral to consider during periods of ongoing stress.

Bone health

While it’s important to consider calcium for bone health, did you know that magnesium is just as important? Magnesium supports bone health and assists in the development of bones and teeth. In fact, approximately 50-60% of magnesium stores in the body are in the bone!

Cardiovascular health

You may not immediately think of magnesium when it comes to the cardiovascular system, but if you think about the heart as a muscle, it makes sense. The heart needs magnesium to pump and maintain heart muscle contraction and rhythm.

Women’s health

Did you know that magnesium can help relieve symptoms of premenstrual tension (PMT), including menstrual cramps and pain? Period cramps and pain are caused by hypercontractility (intense or prolonged muscle contractions) of the muscle layer of the uterus, and given magnesium’s role in muscle function, it makes sense that it can help. Studies show that magnesium has beneficial effects after two months of supplementation[1].

Pregnancy

Magnesium supports a healthy pregnancy due to its range of biological reactions and its structural role in bone formation. The recommended dietary intake of magnesium increases from 320mg to between 350mg and 400mg per day during pregnancy[2].

How do you get enough magnesium?

Given its role in every body system, ensuring adequate magnesium intake is key. Make sure your diet includes green vegetables, legumes, peas, beans and nuts, which are all good sources of magnesium. Avoid refined carbohydrates, as these are lacking in this important mineral.

If you're looking to increase your magnesium intake, explore Herbs of Gold Magnesium Supplement Australia to find a form that suits your needs.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.