Magnesium: An Essential Mineral for Health and Energy

Magnesium is very important in our body because it participates in numerous metabolic processes. In our current diet, we have considerably reduced the contribution of this mineral, due to the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture and following very strict weight loss diets, as well as a disordered and unbalanced diet. One of the most widespread health problems in today's society is osteoporosis and the bone fractures it causes. However, it has not been explained that the cause lies in the absence of Collagen, which is the support for calcium phosphate in the bone. The correct diet to form collagen must provide, in the three main meals: protein, magnesium, vitamin C and phosphorus.

What are the healthy properties of Magnesium?

Magnesium helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, contributes to electrolyte balance and normal energy metabolism. It also contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles. In addition, magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis, normal psychological function and the maintenance of bones under normal conditions. Magnesium contributes to the cell division process.

The properties of magnesium are endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in Commission Regulation No. 432/2012 of May 16, 2012, which establishes a list of authorized claims of health properties of foods other than related to reducing the risk of disease and the development and health of children.

What and for whom is Magnesium indicated?

It is indicated for cramps, tics, contractures, anxiety, fatigue and for states with high demand, such as old age, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Also for people with malabsorption or who have a diet poor in this mineral. Adequate magnesium intake prevents muscle problems and facilitates muscle relaxation.

Why does Magnesium have a laxative effect?

The amount of magnesium that we take in and do not absorb continues to the intestine in the form of magnesium ion; It is attracted to water, which makes the stool contain more water and be easier to evacuate. It has an osmotic laxative effect.

Can there be hypermagnesemia in the body?

No, the magnesium that is not absorbed remains in the intestine surrounded by water molecules and will be evacuated through the feces.

What relationship do calcium and magnesium have in the body?

The ratio of some minerals is important when designing a good supplementation plan, since an excess of one can cause a deficiency of another in our body. This is the case of the relationship that exists between calcium and magnesium: the bone consists of an organic part, Collagen, and an inorganic part, calcium phosphate. While collagen is the protein that provides flexibility and strength to the bone, calcium prevents it from deforming, but in no case prevents it from creaking and breaking, as many believe.

What happens if there is excess calcium in our body?

When the Calcium/Magnesium ratio becomes unbalanced in favor of Calcium, this free excess of calcium in the blood adheres to other organs, causing the cladding of arteries, lungs, kidneys, and heart valves.

Calcification of the lungs causes asthma and calcification of the kidneys leads to kidney failure, the formation of oxalate and phosphate stones, and calcium oxalate stones in the urine.

On the other hand, excess calcium can also cause poor absorption of magnesium in our body, since the two minerals compete to be absorbed into the blood by the same transporters. Magnesium deficiency causes a wide variety of symptoms, including tiredness, fatigue, contractures, tics, anxiety, restlessness and insomnia.

All magnesium salts share the healthy properties of magnesium. For this reason, one of the best options is to choose a supplement that contains different salts, to ensure better absorption by the body. If you have stomach and/or intestinal problems, you should choose a single salt, according to the following indications.

• Magnesium carbonate: medium laxative effect; counteracts acidity and is useful for the treatment of hiatus hernia; Natural anti-acid, without aluminum.
• Magnesium chloride: strong laxative effect; not indicated for people with heartburn or gastric reflux; suitable for baths with magnesium salts.
• Magnesium lactate: no laxative effect; It is recommended for children; It does not alter digestive functionality, being suitable for people with digestive sensitivity or diarrheal processes.

How does magnesium help us obtain energy?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a fundamental molecule in obtaining cellular energy. It allows the energy exchange between the cells of our body, so necessary for the development of the chemical reactions that take place in it. Some of these reactions are those that give way to muscle contraction, nervous transmission or the manufacture of new tissues, among others.

and for ATP to be active and participate in this exchange, it must always be linked to a magnesium ion: we must, therefore, ensure optimal levels of magnesium to maintain our dynamism.