Overlooked but Vital

When compared to the publicity calcium receives, magnesium remains a poor second cousin. Yet magnesium is vital to hundreds of enzyme reactions and has more health benefits attributed to it than any other mineral including calcium. Shaky hands, nervousness, muscle spasms, irregular or rapid heart beat - all respond favorably to magnesium.

Magnesium is an important electrolyte which helps absorb calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. Magnesium is required for the B vitamins to work properly and is absolutely necessary for the utilization of thiamine. It is essential for the synthesis of protein, the metabolism of carbohydrates, the acid-alkaline balance and numerous other vital biochemical reactions. We couldn't live without magnesium. But without studying biochemistry, how can we specifically benefit from supplemental magnesium?

Protection from Heart Disease

Mounting evidence shows that low magnesium levels contribute to higher heart disease rates. [i.e. Researchers have discovered that eastern Finland has a considerably higher heart disease rate than western Finland. Eastern Finland also has lower levels of magnesium in diet and drinking water.]

Phyllis Herman, M.Ed., M.S. and writer: "An abundance of scientific evidence now indicates that magnesium deficiency is the likely culprit in sudden death from heart attack, as well as a significant factor in cases of angina, arrhythmia, stroke, and high blood pressure."

"Moreover, Richard Passwater, Ph.D. and Elmer Cranton, M.D. have stated that 'too much emphasis has been place on high cholesterol levels rather than low magnesium levels as a major cause of heart attacks.' they further suggest that risk from sudden death cause by heart attacks could be reduced to between 50% and 75% were appropriate magnesium supplementation used." [Trace Elements, Hair Analysis and Nutrition, 1983]

Magnesium deficiency contributes to an increased risk of clotting, as well as hardening and narrowing of the arteries through a build-up of cholesterol deposits. [American Journal of Cardiology, April 1989]

When a heart attack takes place huge quantities of magnesium are lost from the heart muscle, weakening it and making it vulnerable to potentially fatal arrhythmias. When administered intravenously it has proven to be an effective heart beat regulator and stabilizer.

Magnesium relieves angina. This excruciating pain is caused when coronary arteries go into a spasm, constrict the blood flow and starve the heart of oxygen. Writer Croft Woodruff: "The magnesium acts as a relaxant, relieving the spasms and permitting the blood to flow normally to the heart muscle."

Magnesium and Blood Pressure

Magnesium, according to Woodruff, lowers blood pressure in much the same way as calcium cannel blockers - by relaxing the muscle in the artery wall - but without the side effects of the drugs.

Phyllis Herman: "Recent studies on the chemistry of hypertension have shown again and again that susceptible individuals with diets deficient in magnesium and calcium have a significantly greater risk of developing hypertension, regardless of sodium intake."

Magnesium and Asthma

Magnesium can stop and asthmatic attack. When administered intravenously it acts as a powerful muscle relaxant causing the muscle cells in the bronchial tubes of the lungs to open, allowing the asthmatic to breathe more freely.

Magnesium and Diabetes

When blood sugar levels are chronically high they have a diuretic effect on the body, washing away essential minerals including magnesium. Although physicians recommend potassium supplements to counteract this effect, they overlook the need to replace the lost magnesium. In fact, magnesium is necessary for the cells to utilize the potassium.

Croft Woodruff: "It has been shown that diabetics with the lowest levels of magnesium have the highest rate of retinal bleeding and suffer blindness as a result."

Magnesium for Your Bones

Over 70 percent of the body's magnesium is stored in the bones. Although calcium is touted as the mineral for healthy bones, calcium absorption is inhibited if there is not enough magnesium. Bone fractures will not heal without adequate levels of magnesium.

The metabolism of essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6) is magnesium dependent. Since EFA's are involved in immune, neurological and circulatory functions, it is not difficult to appreciate the vital role magnesium plays in maintaining good health.

Source: Natural Factors

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Scientific References

Herman, Phyllis, "Magnesium to the rescue: mighty mineral prevents heart attack, relieves stress, PMS, and depression."

Woodruff, Croft, "Magnesium: the orphan mineral."

Faelten, Sharon et al. "The Complete Book of Minerals for Health." Rodale Press, 1981.