Magnesium is one of the most abundant elements in the human body and plays an elementary role in body functions and metabolism. Some of the essential functions associated with magnesium are:

Magnesium is required for over 300 different enzymes, helping the body to function correctly. Magnesium is one of the most important of all cofactors in the body.

Activities such as cell production or protein synthesis require ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) as a sole energy source in cells. Production of ATP is determined by magnesium. Absence of sufficient magnesium obstructs ATP production and thus normal cell function.

Magnesium is also responsible for facilitating normal DNA synthesis and thus overall cell function.

Magnesium also regulates homeostasis; balancing minerals in the body.

More than half of the magnesium in your body is stored in bones, and the remaining in various tissues throughout the body. Only about 1% of Magnesium is present in the blood.

Healthy levels in a blood test of Magnesium are between 0.75 and 0.95 millimoles (mmol)

If you are experiencing any of the following, you could have low magnesium levels in your body:

Twitching muscles, muscle cramps, RLS, shakes

Irritation, mood swings and fatigue

Unexplained anxiety and mental stress Palpitations Feeling stressed and unable to relax

Not being able to remember things clearly, foggy head Insomnia

Loss of appetite

Resistant to insulin

We deplete mangeismum levels through exerise, when we drink alcohol and many other daily activities.

A consistent poor diet (especially in elderly people or those who don’t have enough to eat)

Type 2 diabetes

Long-term vomiting or diarrhoea

Digestive problems such as Crohn’s disease interfering with absorption

Long-term vomiting or diarrhoea

Kidney problems

Some medicines (for example, fluid tablets and medicines for ulcers or reflux) can cause low magnesium levels if taken for long periods

Alcohol - The most recent advice is no more than 10 standard drinks per week to reduce the health risks from alcohol. That equates to around 1.4 drinks a day.

Early signs of magnesium deficiency can include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Muscle fatigue
Weakness
Shaking
Foggy head
Not sleeping well
Restless leg syndrome
Lack of energy
Mood swings

As deficiency progresses, people can experience:

Lower calcium levels in the blood, known as hypocalcemia

Lower potassium levels in the blood called hypokalemia

Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs

Cramps, muscle contractions and twitching

Seizures

Personality changes

Abnormal heart rhythms

Coronary spasms

Prolonged magnesium deficiency can have an adverse impact on long-term health and increase the risk of chronic diseases, including:

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Type 2 diabetes

Osteoporosis

A simple blood test will show where your Magnesium levels are at.

Yes Magnesium is a safe supplement to take within the recommended levels.

The first sign of excess Magnesium is loose bowels, very high doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea.

When people exercise, are under stress, pregnant women and breast feeding mothers have a higher need for Magnesium.