Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme reactions that help regulate the thousands of diverse biochemical reactions in the body. It's is required for energy production in all cells and is considered to be the 4th most important mineral in the body. It is a key component of bone, is required for the synthesis of DNA replication and the all-important antioxidant Glutathione. Glutathione is the body's favourite anti-oxidant and how much you make depends on having the right nutrients and the right genes!

Your body depends on it, to utilise the protein you eat, for your muscle and nerves to function, healthy blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, and a normal heart rhythm. It's also essential in keeping your body's biggest organ, your skin, looking it's best. Also, with everyone taking a Vitamin D these days, this mineral assists in its regulation.

Although green leafy vegetables and nuts and seeds are purported to be a good source of magnesium, this essential element is only found in these foods if it's available in the soil in the first place. Today's farmer is interested in size, growth rate, and pest resistance. How much nutrition is in your vegetables is not high on his list of concerns.

A landmark study in 2004 found a “reliable decline” in the nutrient value of foods compared from 1950 to 1999. It is reported that the orange your grandmother ate would be worth 6-8 oranges today in terms of nutrition. ess magnesium in our food means less in your body and it's estimated that up to 70% of Britons have inadequate levels, with over 50% of teenage girls being grossly deficient.

Show how does this show up in our body? Everything from poor sleep, migraines, mood swings, irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, poor gym recovery, high blood pressure.

Inflammation plays a big role in all chronic illness and this mineral reduces three separate biomarkers form inflammation. One study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19903755) on over 3000 post-menopausal women, increased magnesium intake was responsible for reducing three separate biomarkers for inflammation: CRP (C-reactive protein), TNF (tumour necrosis factor), and IL6 (interleukin-). Magnesium is an elemental min6eral for the body and in order to be absorbed it needs to be bound to another substance. Different supplements are recommended for different reasons.

Chloride or Oxide - can sometimes cause a looser stool, particularly magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts). Sometimes sold as Oxytech or Magnesium Oxide. These are generally used as Osmotic laxatives as the put oxygen in the bowel and make stool more loose. This is the cheapest form of Magnesium to produce and is not generally absorbed by the body. Straight in – straight out.

Citrate - The second most common you'll find on the shelf. It's not bad, but generally also has a laxative effect and not well absorbed by the body.

Glycinate - Much better and well tolerated. Helps to alkalise the body, is used by the muscles well and can address deficiency faster than the ones above.

Malate - Another good choice, best to address muscle spasms and gym recovery.

Magnesium supplementation must be used with great care in patients with kidney disease or severe heart disease (such as high-grade atrioventricular block).   To discuss how to best address your health concerns or which type of magnesium is best for you, get in touch!