Many
Americans do not obtain adequate amounts of magnesium in their diets.
Magnesium
is one of the body’s most important minerals. It is required as a
cofactor in hundreds of enzymatic processes within cells. It
helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm
steady, promotes healthy cardiovascular function, supports a healthy
immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps maintain
blood sugar and blood pressure levels already within normal range, and
it is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.
Magnesium
is a major factor in relaxing the smooth muscles within the blood
vessels, thereby reducing peripheral vascular resistance and promoting
a healthy cardiovascular system. Magnesium
also affects circulating levels of norepinephrine and the synthesis of
serotonin and nitric oxide.
Magnesium
positively influences the bone mineral matrix and its ability to
metabolize minerals needed for repair and rebuilding. Scientific
literature documents the need for a wide range of minerals, including
calcium and magnesium, that are vital to maintaining strong, healthy
bones.
Moreover,
there is strong evidence that dietary magnesium intake and
supplementation improves the metabolic profile. Magnesium
has been shown to beneficially impact insulin resistance, serum lipid
profiles, inflammation, endothelial function, oxidative stress and
platelet aggregability.
The
typical dose of elemental magnesium is 100 to 350 mg a day. Higher
doses of 300 mg to 548 mg daily have been shown to help support healthy
blood pressure.
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