Magnesium is a mineral that is essential to human health. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth and the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. About 60 to 65 percent of magnesium is found in our bones. Another 25 percent is found in our muscle and the rest is found in body fluids and other cell types. Magnesium is required for the proper growth and maintenance of bones. Magnesium is also required for the proper function of nerves, muscles, and many other parts of the body. In the stomach, magnesium helps neutralize stomach acid and moves stools through the intestine. Magnesium is also well known for its ability to relax our muscles, maintain calmness and healthy blood pressure.
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dietary magnesium is absorbed in the small intestines. Magnesium is excreted through the kidneys.
Like every other mineral essential to good health, it cannot be manufactured by our bodies and must be received through nutrition. 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.
Main article: Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency refers to an intake of dietary magnesium below minimal levels, which can result in numerous symptoms and diseases. These can generally be remedied by an increase of magnesium in diet (see Magnesium Foods) or oral supplements. However intravenous supplementation is necessary for more severe cases.
Although you may not get enough magnesium from your diet, it' s rare to be truly deficient in magnesium. Certain medical conditions, however, can upset the body's magnesium balance. For example, an intestinal virus that causes vomiting or diarrhea can cause temporary magnesium deficiencies. Some gastrointestinal diseases (such as irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and ulcerative colitis), diabetes, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels), kidney disease, and taking diuretics can lead to deficiencies. Too much coffee, soda, salt, or alcohol, as well as heavy menstrual periods, excessive sweating, and prolonged stress can also lower magnesium levels.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include: hyperexcitability, dizzyness, muscle weakness and fatigue. Severe magnesium deficiency can cause hypocalcemia, low serum potassium levels (hypokalemia), retention of sodium, low circulating levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), neurological and muscular symptoms (tremor, muscle spasms, tetany), loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, personality changes and death from heart failure. Magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism and its deficiency may worsen insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes diabetes, or may be a consequence of insulin resistance. Deficiency can cause irregular heart beat.
Main article: Magnesium Rich Foods
Food sources high in magnesium include raw spinach and swiss chard. Very good sources include broccoli, mustard greens, squash, and green leafy vegetables, halibut, blackstrap molasses, turnip greens, pumpkin seeds and peppermint. Several good sources of magnesium include celery, cucumber, green beans, kale and a number of different seeds such as flax seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds.
An easy way to remember foods that are good magnesium sources is to think fiber. Foods that are high in fiber are generally high in magnesium. Dietary sources of magnesium include legumes, whole grains, vegetables, seeds, and nuts (especially almonds). Other sources include dairy products, meats, chocolate, and coffee. Water with a high mineral content, or "hard" water, is also a source of magnesium.
Magnesium and Calcium work together in the body and a diet rich in both is essential. It regulates the movement of potassium in and out of our cells. A diet rich in amino acids has been found to improve magnesium presence in the body. Magnesium supplementation is necessary for those who do not get adequate amounts from their diet. Supplements are made in chelated or non-chelated form. Chelated forms include: magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium aspartate, and magnesium taurate. Non-chelated forms include magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium carbonate. Research has shown that the chelated forms of magnesium absorb better than the non-chelated forms.
Magnesium is involved in giving our bone their strength and structure. It is found in the bone scaffolding together with Phosphorus and Calcium. It is also found on the surface of the bone. This reserve is used by the body in the event of poor diet. When there is not a sufficient supply of magnesium, bones become brittle and lose their flexibility, increasing the risk of fractures. In the the adult years, magnesium is the most important nutrient for bone health.
Magnesium is necessary to prevent nerve cells from becoming overactive. When some nerve cells get overactive they send too many messages to the muscles causing them to overcontract. If this becomes a common occurrence it can lead to muscle spasms, muscle fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle tension and muscle soreness.
Magnesium is involved in the function of over 300 different enzymes. It aids in metabolizing protein, carbohydrates and fats as well as help genes function properly. Without magnesium, certain fuels cannot be stored in our muscles. Because the role of magnesium is so diverse nearly every body system is effected by magnesium deficiency.
People take magnesium to prevent or treat magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in the US. It's particularly common among African Americans and the elderly.
Magnesium is also used as a laxative for constipation and for preparation of the bowel for surgical or diagnostic procedures. It is also used as an antacid for acid indigestion.
Some people use magnesium for diseases of the heart and blood vessels including chest pain, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, high levels of "bad" cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, low levels of "good" cholesterol called high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, heart valve disease (mitral valve prolapse), and heart attack.
Magnesium is also used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, leg cramps during pregnancy, diabetes, kidney stones, migraineheadaches, weak bones (osteoporosis), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), altitude sickness, urinary incontinence, restless leg syndrome, asthma, hayfever, multiple sclerosis, and for preventing hearing loss.
Athletes sometimes use magnesium to increase energy and endurance.
Some people put magnesium on their skin to treat infected skin ulcers, boils, and carbuncles; and to speed up wound healing. Magnesium is also used as a cold compress in the treatment of a severe skin infection caused by strep bacteria (erysipelas) and as a hot compress for deep-seated skin infections.
Some companies that manufacturer magnesium/calcium combination supplements promote a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio as being ideal for absorption of these elements. However, there is no credible research to support this claim. Claims that coral calcium products have ideal combinations of magnesium and calcium to cure a variety of diseases and conditions are being carefully evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Naturally found in meat, seafood, nuts, and whole grains, magnesium is absolutely necessary for proper muscle and nerve function. It also aids in the body's absorption of calcium and plays a key role in the strength and formation of bones and teeth. Moving into the cardiovascular system, magnesium helps stabilize the rhythm of the heartbeat and helps prevent abnormal blood clotting in the heart, thereby regulating blood pressure and significantly lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. Because of its vital role in muscle relaxation, magnesium can be very helpful in dealing with chronic muscle cramps, stiffness, muscle injuries, and even fibromyalgia.
Other health benefits of magnesium include:
eclamptic seizures
osteoporosis
sugar level
back pain
leg cramps
psychiatric disorders
migraines
fatigue
loss of appetite
nausea and vomiting
depression
anxiety
asthma
bursitis
high cholesterol
high blood pressure
constipation
dry skin
infertility
insomnia
neuropathy
rheumatoid arthritis
diabetes – in fact, over 80% of adults with Type II diabetes have tested magnesium deficient; people with diabetes who supplement with magnesium have improved insulin and glucose levels
Medical and health specialists often highlight the importance of including adequate vitamin and mineral intake in our daily diet. Magnesium is such an essential mineral that aids the human body to absorb calcium and plays an important role in formation and strengthening of teeth and bones.
Magnesium helps in:
Preventing Asthma: Chronic asthma patients may be able to normalize their breathing with help of magnesium supplements that aids in relaxing bronchial muscles and normalize breathing. Even wheezing and breathlessness can be relieved through administration of intravenous magnesium.
Keeps bone healthy: Magnesium is directly related to the bone density. Inadequacy of this mineral could be a cause of osteoporosis. Magnesium helps in regulation of calcium levels in the body along with vitamin D, copper, zinc etc. Magnesium along with calcium and Vitamin D should be taken throughout the growing up years and adulthood, since it eliminates the chances of developing osteoporosis in later years.
Essential during pregnancy: Magnesium is one of the vital elements during pregnancy. Proper intake of magnesium supplements during pregnancy is extremely beneficial for reducing osteoporosis risk and increasing the pain tolerance level, thereby resulting in a smooth delivery process and in optimization of blood pressure too. Magnesium sulfate is best treatment for preventing eclamptic seizures in expectant mothers who have hypertension.
Treats back pain and cramps: Magnesium helps treating people with severe backaches by relaxing back muscles, kidney stress and muscular tension. Magnesium also helps in absorption of calcium, which may lead to healing of the bones. Symptoms of cramps in leg as well as fatigue are normally visible due to magnesium deficiency. Proper intake of magnesium supplements acts as a cure for improving the leg cramp problem.
Prevents heart attack: Deficiency of magnesium results in heart diseases leading to fatal results. Deficiency of magnesium brings too many hazards for your heart. Magnesium protects the heart from irregular heartbeats and tenderly shields your heart from any damage. Magnesium actually calms the nerves and mediates digestive processes and prevents problems like vomiting, cramps, indigestion, abdominal pain, flatulence, and constipation.
Prevents constipation: Magnesium provides quick relief from constipated condition. High dosage of water soluble magnesium supplements is known to bring sound relief for severe constipated state. The laxative property of magnesium relaxes the intestinal muscles, thereby helping to establish a smoother rhythm while passing bowel. Magnesium also has another property of attracting water, which in turn softens the stool and helps it to pass easily.
Prevents diabetes and regulates sugar level: The health benefits of magnesium are contributed towards diabetic patients also, as this mineral helps to improve insulin reaction to blood sugar level. Magnesium supplements are vital for all diabetic patients as many suffer from magnesium deficiency. Magnesium aids in regulating blood sugar status, thus promoting normal blood pressure. Hypertension is one of the major reasons for an impending heart attack. People with high blood pressure usually have magnesium deficiency. Therefore, extra nutrients and mineral supplements with magnesium content are vital for them to avoid any medical complications.
Cures psychiatric disorders: Magnesium is known to cure worst forms of psychiatric dysfunctions such as panic attacks, stress, anxiety and undue agitations.
Cures migraine: Migraine attacks badly affect many Americans, especially, the female gender magnesium supplements and liquids considerably reduces the severity of such attacks and may also help in reducing the rate of recurrence.
Produces collagen: Magnesium is important for producing proteins that are slowly transformed into collagen. Collagens are naturally occurring proteins mostly found in fibrous tissues like tendon, ligament and skin. It is also present in cornea, bone, the gut, cartilage, blood vessels, and intervertebral disc.
Absorb minerals: Magnesium helps to absorb vital minerals and vitamins like sodium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Mineral absorption usually occurs within the small intestine and this benefit of magnesium ensures the detoxification of many harmful toxins in our body.
Activates enzymes: Magnesium also helps in boosting the energy production in the body and activation of enzymes to create cellular energy.
Controls bladder functions: Many women who have blabber problems and frequent urge to urinate may find relief by taking magnesium supplements. Urinating problems can come from varied reasons like nephritis, infections, or sometimes interstitial cystitis; however regular intake of magnesium can bring great relief to this ailment.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Taking magnesium seems to relieve symptoms of PMS including mood changes and bloating in some women. Taking magnesium by mouth also seems to prevent premenstrual migraine.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD seem to have lower magnesium levels. Limited research suggests that magnesium might help ADHD in children with low magnesium levels.
Restless leg syndrome: Limited research suggests that taking magnesium might decrease the amount of movement and increase the amount of sleep in patients with restless leg syndrome. However, the role of magnesium, if any, in restless leg syndrome is uncertain since some people with the condition have high levels of magnesium in their blood, while other people with the condition have low magnesium levels.
Diseases of heart valves (mitral valve prolapse): Taking magnesium seems to reduce symptoms of mitral valve prolapse in people with low magnesium levels in their blood.
Chest pain (angina) due to artery disease: Taking magnesium seems to reduce pain attacks in people with coronary artery disease.
Kidney stones: Taking magnesium seems to prevent the recurrence of kidney stones, but other medications such as chlorthalidone (Hygroton) may be more effective.
Hearing loss in people exposed to loud noise: Taking magnesium seems to prevent hearing loss in individuals exposed to loud noise.
Metabolic syndrome (a condition that increases risk for diabetes and heart disease): People with low serum magnesium levels are 6-7 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome than people with normal magnesium levels. Higher magnesium intake from diet and supplements is linked with a 27% lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome in healthy women and a 31% lower risk in healthy young adults.
Preventing stroke: There is some evidence that getting more magnesium from the diet might decrease the risk of stroke in men. However, there is no proof that taking magnesium supplements has this same effect.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), when given by an injection (shot): This must be done by a healthcare provider.
Fibromyalgia pain, when used with malic acid.
The recommended daily amount of magnesium for a healthy adult is 300-500 mg, and there are several different ways to boost the body's supply of this important mineral. While magnesium capsules are easy and very popular, they are the least efficient way to get magnesium levels to normal, because the body absorbs only about 40% of what is taken in a capsule. A drink made with magnesium powder is a good way to supplement, and can be a wonderful way to end the day – taken at bedtime, magnesium helps the muscles to relax and the body to sleep more deeply. Magnesium can also be absorbed through the skin via a gel or an oil. Magnesium gel or oil can be applied directly to the skin, put in a foot soak or a bath, or even mixed in with soap and shampoo. Magnesium is safe for everyone, including children, and can be very helpful in correcting disorders and promoting overall health.
Magnesium is available in many forms. Recommended types include magnesium citrate, magnesium gluconate, and magnesium lactate, all of which are more easily absorbed into the body than other forms. Time release preparations may improve absorption. Ask your health care provider.
Other familiar sources are magnesium hydroxide (often used as a laxative or antacid) and magnesium sulfate (generally used orally as a laxative or in multivitamins, or added to a bath). Some magnesium can be absorbed through the skin.
Be sure to check with your health care provider before taking magnesium supplements and before considering them for a child. Under certain circumstances, such as certain heart arrhythmias or preeclampsia, a doctor will give magnesium intravenously (IV) in the hospital.
It is a good idea to take a B vitamin complex, or a multivitamin containing B vitamins, because the level of vitamin B6 in the body determines how much magnesium will be absorbed into the cells.
Dosages are based on the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) issued from the Food and Nutrition Board of the United States Government's Office of Dietary Supplements, part of the National Institutes of Health.
Pediatric
Do not give magnesium supplements to a child without a doctor's supervision.
Children 1 - 3 years of age: 40 - 80 mg daily
Children 4 - 8 years of age: 130 mg daily
Children 9 - 13 years of age: 240 mg daily
Males 14 - 18 years of age: 410 mg daily
Females 14 - 18 years of age: 360 mg daily
Pregnant females 14 - 18 years of age: 400 mg daily
Breastfeeding females 14 - 18 years of age: 360 mg daily
Adult
Males 19 - 30 years of age: 400 mg daily
Females 19 - 30 years of age: 310 mg daily
Males 31 years of age and over: 420 mg daily
Females 31 years of age and over: 320 mg daily
Pregnant females 19 - 30 years of age: 350 mg daily
Pregnant females 31 and over: 360 mg daily
Breastfeeding females 19 - 30 years of age: 310 mg daily
Breastfeeding females 31 years of age and over: 320 mg daily
A person's need for magnesium increases during pregnancy, recovery from surgery and illnesses, and athletic training. Speak with your physician.
Never take larger doses of any supplement without first talking to your healthcare provider.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches:
magnesium citrate 1830 mg in 3 divided doses for up to 3 months.
trimagnesium dicitrate 600 mg (24 mmol) daily for up to 3 months.
For reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches in children: magnesium oxide 9 mg per kg in 3 divided doses for up to 16 weeks.
For treatment of low magnesium levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: 50 mL magnesium chloride solution (containing 50 grams magnesium chloride per 1000 mL of solution) daily for 16 weeks.
For weak bones (osteoporosis): 150-750 mg/day has been used as a single agent or in combination with calcium or other supplements.
For premenstrual syndrome (PMS): 200-360 mg/day.
Magnesium supplements can sometimes cause side effects. These side effects can include nausea, diarrhea and cramps. In very rare cases, the side effects may include dizziness, fainting and trouble breathing.
An extreme overdose of magnesium is rare, but can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose can include blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, slow heartbeat and trouble breathing. In extreme cases a magnesium overdose may also cause a coma.
If you suspect you're having side effect due to magnesium, you may want to avoid supplements. Foods rarely cause any side effects. Never diagnose or treat magnesium side effects yourself.
Magnesium is safe for most people when
taken by mouth or when the prescription-only, injectable product is
used correctly. In some people, magnesium might cause stomach upset,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects.
Doses less
than 350 mg per day are safe for most adults. When taken in very
large amounts, magnesium is possibly unsafe. Large doses might cause
too much magnesium to build up in the body, causing serious side
effects including an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure,
confusion, slowed breathing, coma, and death. Check with your
healthcare provider to find out what amounts are right for you.
Magnesium is safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women when taken by mouth in the amounts recommended. These amounts depend on the age of the woman. Check with your healthcare provider to find out what amounts are right for you.
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Since magnesium is excreted by the kidneys, people with heart or kidney disease should not take magnesium supplements except under their doctor's supervision.
It is very rare to overdose on magnesium from food. However, people who ingest large amounts of milk of magnesia (as a laxative or antacid), epsom salts (as a laxative or tonic), or magnesium supplements may overdose, especially if they have kidney problems. Too much magnesium can cause serious health problems, including nausea, vomiting, severely lowered blood pressure, confusion, slowed heart rate, respiratory paralysis, deficiencies of other minerals, coma, cardiac arrhythmias, cariac arrest, and death.
Magnesium competes with calcium for absorption and can cause a calcium deficiency if calcium levels are already low. Some medications may lower magnesium levels in the body. These include chemotherapy drugs, diuretics, digoxin (Lanoxin), steroids, and certain antibiotics.
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use magnesium without first talking to your health care provider.
Aminoglycosides -- Concomitant use with magnesium may cause neuromuscular weakness and paralysis.
Antibiotics -- Taking magnesium supplements may reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, and nitrofurantoin (Macrodandin). Magnesium should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking these medications. Quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics include:
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
Tetracycline (Sumycin)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
Minocycline (Minocin)
Blood Pressure Medications, Calcium Channel Blockers -- Magnesium may increase the risk of negative side effects (such as dizziness, nausea, and fluid retention) from calcium channel blockers (particularly nifedipine or Procardia) in pregnant women. Other calcium channel blockers include:
Aamlodipine (Norvasc)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Felodipine (Plendil)
Verapamil (Calan)
Medications for diabetes -- Magnesium hydroxide, commonly found in antacids such as Alternagel, may increase the absorption of some medications used to control blood sugar levels (particularly glipizide or Glucatrol and glyburide or Micronase). If you take these medications to control blood sugar, your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
Digoxin (Lanoxin) -- Low blood levels of magnesium can increase negative effects from digoxin, including heart palpitations and nausea. In addition, digoxin can cause more magnesium to be lost in the urine. A doctor will monitor magnesium levels in people taking digoxin to see whether they need a magnesium supplement.
Diuretics -- Diuretics known as loop (such as furosemide or Lasix) and thiazide (including hydrochlorothiazide) can lower magnesium levels. For this reason, doctors who prescribe diuretics may recommend magnesium supplements as well.
Fluoroquinones -- Concomitant use with magnesium may decrease absorption and effectiveness. Flouroquinones should be taken a minimum of 4 hours before any products containing magnesium.
Hormone Replacement Therapy -- Magnesium levels tend to decrease during menopause. Clinical studies suggest, however, that hormone replacement therapy may help prevent the loss of this mineral. Postmenopausal women, or those taking hormone replacement therapy, should talk with a health care provider about the risks and benefits of magnesium supplementation.
Labetol -- Concomitant use with magneisum can slow heart beat abnormally and reduce cardiac output.
Levomethadyl -- Concomitant use with magnesium may precipitate a heart condition called QT prolongation.
Levothyroxine -- There have been case reports of magnesium containing antacids reducing the effectiveness of levothyroxine, a medication that treats underactive thyroid.
Penicillamine -- Penicillamine, a medication used to treat Wilson's disease (a condition characterized by high levels of copper in the body) and rheumatoid arthritis, can inactivate magnesium, particularly when high doses of the drug are used over a long period of time. Supplementation with magnesium and other nutrients may reduce side effects associated with penicillamine. If you take penicillamine, a health care provider can determine whether magnesium supplements are right for you.
Tiludronate (Skelid) and Alendronate (Fosamax) -- Magnesium may interfere with absorption of medications used in osteoporosis, including alendronate (Fosamax). Magnesium or antacids containing magnesium should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking these medications.
Others -- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin and tobramycin), thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide), loop diuretics (such as furosemide and bumetanide), amphotericin B, corticosteroids (prednisone or Deltasone), antacids, and insulin may lower magnesium levels. Please refer to the depletions monographs on some of these medications for more information.
The following reviews have been selected:
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53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent alternative treatment for migraines, April 13, 2007
By
Beth Cholette "doctor_beth" (Upstate NY USA)
After reading a wealth of research about the effective use of Magnesium for treating migraines (including the book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Migraines), I decided to try it for myself. It took some time to find the right product, however, as you need to use a form of Magnesium that ends in "-ate" (and avoid those that end in "-ide," such as Magnesium Oxide). I found this... brand, which contains Magnesium Citrate, in the natural foods section of my grocery store. The particular form I buy contains 200 mg tablets, but this version sold... contains 400 mg tablets, which is the recommended daily dosage for migraine treatment. Once I began taking the recommended dose, I saw a reduction in the frequency of my migraines over the course of 1-2 months. The authors of the book mentioned above recommend using Magnesium in conjunction with two other substances, B2 (Riboflavin) and the herb Feverfew, but Magnesium alone has worked extremely well for me. Highly recommended!
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36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Magnesium ratings, April 13, 2011
By
Ray D. Ator (Seattle, WA)
Insulin resistance -- central to type 2 diabetes -- is associated with reduced intracellular magnesium and can be mitigated with magnesium. It has been demonstrated that insulin resistance in skeletal muscle can be reduced by magnesium administration. You can find more information by doing an internet search for "magnesium diabetes". I have found that magnesium is helping control my insulin resistance.
The most common magnesium supplements are magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, chelated magnesium (magnesium glycinate), magnesium orotate, magnesium citrate, magnesium maleate and magnesium gluconate. These supplements provide different amounts of elemental magnesium (the constituent that matters) and also vary significantly in their bioavailability (absorption).
Magnesium oxide is the most dense magnesium compound and the one most often used in mineral supplements and multivitamins. It contains 300 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet, but is extremely poorly absorbed. Only about 4% of its elemental magnesium is absorbed or about 12 mg out of a 500 mg tablet.
Magnesium carbonate contains 125 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet, but is poorly absorbed.
Chelated magnesium (magnesium glycinate) is magnesium bound in a complex of glycine and lysine. It is easily absorbed and highly bioavailable. The magnesium (elemental) content per tablet or capsule is usually 100 mg.
Magnesium orotate contains only 31 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet. However, it is well absorbed and has been found highly effective in daily intakes of 3000 mg (186 mg elemental).
Magnesium citrate contains 80 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet. It is far better absorbed than is magnesium oxide. The water soluble form... contains 205 mg of elemental magnesium per teaspoon, is totally soluble in hot water and is highly bioavailable.
Magnesium maleate contains 56 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet.
Magnesium gluconate contains 27 mg of elemental magnesium per 500 mg tablet. It is easily absorbed and quick acting.
All forms of oral magnesium supplements are better absorbed when taken with a meal.
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Reason for taking: High blood pressure
Reviewer: Red, 75 or over Male, 12/15/2011 3:42:49 PM
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
I had restless legs in bed at night also my left cheek bone in my rear, when i sit to long it was very painfull.I was in Hospital in Naples Fla. with Depression and and while i was there they gave me a magnesium drip.And boy does it work I have been home since after Thanksgiving and still good. So it does work.
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Reason for taking: Attention deficit-hyperactivit...
Reviewer: Josie, 35-44 Female, 12/5/2011 5:37:20 AM
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
I did some research on the internet for natural pain relievers for painful menstrual cramps and it helped 100%. I would take 800mg of Ibuprofen every 4 hours and it did nothing, but when I added the Magnesium (750mg 2x daily) it completely reduced my pain. It also helped my ADHD and anxiety. So much so, that I was able to get off of an anti-depressant (Prozac 40mg) I was taking for several years. Magnesium has been a wonder mineral for me!!!!!
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Reason for taking: Arrhythmias
Reviewer: ann, 65-74 Female, 11/22/2011 4:15:46 PM
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
My cardiologist prescribed magnesium for premature ventricular contractions that were driving me crazy. I take 400 mg in the morning and 400 at night. Have been taking this for 3 weeks now and it is amazing how the contractions have almost stopped. Have not had any GI problems either.
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Reason for taking: General Health & Wellness
Reviewer: allie, 35-44 Female, 11/15/2011 11:25:41 AM
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 4
Comment:
I take 350mg mag pills for many reasons (rosacea, irregular heart beat, PMS) and it works well. Also helps w/hearing loss in people exposed to loud noises. No more [loud noices]!
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Reason for taking: Constipation
Reviewer: diane, 65-74 Female, 10/11/2011 10:45:08 PM
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
i have had problems with constipation for 30 plus years magnisum has worked for me . i am regular every day.i tried many laxetives ,ate lots of fiber you name it i tried it .been on it for almost one year.
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Reason for taking: Other
Reviewer: eliz926, 35-44 Female, 10/9/2011 11:19:52 PM
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
I am 43yrs old and have not had a cycle in over 2 years! I have been suffering with badly broken sleep and night sweats for well over a year! I have tried EVERYTHING, from sleeping pills, over-the-counter, natural and combinations of all and still no success! I finally researched and purchased 500mg of Magnesium and it has changed my life! I still wake up, but don't stay awake for long and wake up feeling as though I've really had rest! WooHoo! I've only had the effects of mild loose stool...other than that I'm fine. My adrenals are so obviously out of whack, that I must be in need of this even with my healthy diet! Sweet Dreams! :)
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