What is magnesium?

What is magnesium and its essential function in the human body.

Magnesium comes in many forms. Some of it’s known names are magnesium amino acid chelate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium oxide dolomite and magnesium sulfate. Bones and teeth contain about 70% of the human body‘s magnesium. Magnesium is essential to the functioning of the human body because it transmits nerve impulses, causes the contraction of muscles and is integral to healthy development of teeth and bones.

Magnesium can be found in a variety of dietary sources. The best dieteray source of magnesium is in the green, leafy vegetables. However, magnesium can also be found in many nuts and whole grain foods as well as soybeans. Many different varieties of seafood are also excellent sources for your intake of magnesium. In many areas, hard drinking water is also a prime source for magnesium.

Even though it is so important to proper functioning of the human organism, magnesium deficiency is not uncommon. Severe magnesium deficiency often occurs in individuals who have overstimulated nervous systems. Individuals with magnesium deficiency will be restless, confused and suffer from palpitations. They may also be highly irritable, easily or chronically depressed and in some cases they will experience tremors and disorientation. It has been suggested that an inadequate dietary intake of magnesium may be a contributing factor to the development of coronary artery disease and can also lead to stones in the kidneys where deposits of calcium result.

Supplements may be useful with certain medically diagnosed conditions which involve impaired absorption from the intestine, or when estrogen containing medications are being taken. Estrogen can reduce blood magnesium levels of magnesium and lead to deficiency if those taking them are not receiving enough magnesium through dietary sources.

Recommended intakes of magnesium vary widely, but the common agreement among professionals seems to be between 50 to 400 milligrams daily. Of course, before starting any form of supplementation you should consult your health care practitioner.