Magnesium

Q: I have had low energy for some time and recently read about magnesium being helpful for this problem.  I purchased some chelated magnesium and to my benefit it worked.  I feel much better now.   Do you know how magnesium increased my energy?

A: Magnesium is a very important mineral and plays a role in many functions in the body. It is also a common deficiency.  It is second to calcium as the most plentiful mineral in the body.  Magnesium is extremely important for bone formation and, for some, is helpful for mineralization problems such as bone spurs.  Magnesium can have a calming effect.  It is also helpful in chronic pain, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes.  Magnesium is used as an effective laxative in the form of magnesium citrate, and is also the ingredient in Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate).  

Half of the magnesium in your body is stored in bone tissue.  It is important because of its essential role in more than 300 fundamental biochemical cellular reactions.  This means it can act as a spark plug for many of the chemical reactions that occur in your body on a continuous basis.  This is where the increase in energy comes.  Magnesium is required to make energy on a cellular level.  Without it, your body is limited in its ability to make ATP (cellular energy), and therefore, is limited in the application of all the bodily processes that need ATP.

Magnesium is the missing ingredient in many osteoporosis therapies, as most of the emphasis has been put on calcium.  Calcium supplements should contain magnesium in a 2:1 ratio.  The most common magnesium supplement is the oxide form, which is poorly absorbed and is often used as a tablet filler.  Chelated magnesium uses a chelating agent (consider it like a vehicle) that is usually a protein to carry the magnesium.  Chelating agents can carry minerals in but may also carry nutrients out. I prefer magnesium chloride or gluconate as an oral source because of its better absorption.  You may allso find magnesium chloride in a liquid form that can be added to water or juice.  

Health Topics are written for general informational purposes only. This information should not be used for diagnosis, as a recommendation for treatment, nor should it be considered a replacement for consultation with a healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider.