The importance of magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that does not occur naturally in the body, and as such needs to be consumed daily via a wholesome and balanced diet.

The fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, magnesium is crucial for 100’s of reactions and plays several important roles in the health of your body and brain. These include energy creation, protein production, gene maintenance, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control and bone development.

As a result of the decreasing presence of magnesium in food and drinking water, it is becoming more difficult to get sufficient magnesium through diet alone. It is estimated that anywhere up to 70% of Australians may be deficient in Mg.

  • Magnesium deficiency is increasingly recognised as a serious problem for modern-day society and has links to numerous health concerns.

For your muscles

Proper muscular activity and energy production are among the most important functions of magnesium. Without a sufficient level of magnesium in the body, muscles cannot relax adequately, and this can lead to spasms.

People engaging in exercise and physical activity require sufficient levels of magnesium to boost performance – given its role in energy creation, muscle movements, maintaining the properties of cell membranes, electrolyte balance, and fatigue reduction.

For your mind

Due to its role in the regulation of the stress hormones, magnesium is often called the “anti-stress” mineral.

Magnesium is crucial for the functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological functions (concentration, memory and cognition).

Recent studies indicate that magnesium influences the balance of serotonin, known as one of the “happy hormones”, and their mutual interaction.

In times of increased tension and anxiety, which can be a consequence of low intracellular magnesium levels, the body’s reaction to stress can be moderated with the sufficient intake of magnesium.

Stress and magnesium deficiency is linked to:

  • fatigue, weakness and lack of energy

  • nervousness, irritability and emotional oversensitivity

  • concentration problems

  • insomnia

  • headache

For your baby

During pregnancy, eating healthy is crucial, and this means eating good-quality, varied foods, with sufficient quantities of all nutrients that are necessary for the proper growth and development of the baby, as well as health of the mother.

Along with folic acid, iron and iodine, magnesium is one of the most important minerals for a healthy and successful outcome of the pregnancy.

Nutritional needs are increased during pregnancy, so pregnant women are recommended to take around 40 milligrams more than before, that is, between 350 and 400 mg of magnesium per day.