The Benefits of Taking Magnesium Supplements
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium for adults is 400 milligrams (mg) per day. Magnesium is available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. It also can be found in many foods, including green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It’s involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions, including energy production, nerve and muscle function, and protein synthesis. And yet, many people don’t get enough magnesium through their diet.
That’s why experts recommend supplementation to the make the most of this mineral’s many benefits. Because magnesium is so important for so many bodily functions, it’s no wonder that taking magnesium supplements can offer a multitude of benefits. Some of the most common benefits of magnesium supplements include:
Table of Contents
Improved Sleep Quality
One reason that magnesium can improve sleep quality is because it helps to regulate the body’s stress response. When the body is stressed, it releases adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can interfere with sleep and cause difficulty falling or staying asleep. Magnesium can help to calm the body and reduce the release of stress hormones, which can improve sleep quality.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
Magnesium is an important mineral that helps promote relaxation and stress relief. It is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, and is needed for energy production, muscle contraction, nerve function, and healthy bones. When magnesium levels are low, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.
Energy Production
Magnesium is essential for energy production and many other bodily processes. Magnesium is needed for the body to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the body. Magnesium is also necessary for the body to use carbohydrates and fats for energy. Additionally, magnesium is necessary for the body to produce and use protein for energy. Magnesium is important for the health of the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells. Magnesium deficiency can lead to reduced energy production and fatigue. Supplementing with magnesium can support healthy energy levels.
Healthy Bones
Magnesium is a mineral that is important for the growth and maintenance of bones. A lack of magnesium can lead to bones that are weak and are more likely to break. Magnesium helps keep bones strong by contributing to the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for the structure of bones. Magnesium also helps regulate calcium levels, which are important for bone health. When calcium levels are too high or too low, magnesium helps to bring them back into balance. A diet that is rich in magnesium can help to promote healthy bones and reduce the risk of bone fractures.
Nerve Function
Nerve function is critical for human health. It allows us to move, feel, think, and breathe. Magnesium is involved in nerve function and helps to keep the nerves working properly. Nerve function is dependent on a number of things, including the presence of magnesium. Magnesium is necessary for the production of energy in the cells of the body, including the cells of the nervous system. It also helps to keep the cells healthy and functioning properly.
Muscle Relaxation
Magnesium is sometimes referred to as the “relaxation mineral” because of its ability to improve muscle function and promote relaxation. One of the key ways that magnesium promotes relaxation is by helping to preserve healthy levels of calcium in the muscles. When calcium levels get too high, the muscles can become tense and tight. Magnesium helps to keep calcium levels in check, which in turn helps to promote relaxation.
If you’re thinking of taking a magnesium supplement, it’s important to choose one that’s high-quality and that contains magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, or magnesium threonate. These forms of magnesium are better absorbed by the body than other forms, such as magnesium oxide.
Make sure to speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. And always follow the supplement label instructions.
