Is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential to good health. It is important for normal muscle and nerve function, steady heart rhythm, immune system, and strong bones. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis and plays a role in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dietary sources include legumes (e.g. soya bean and by-products), nuts, whole unrefined grains, fruit (e.g. banana, apricots), okra and green leafy vegetables.
Optional mineral statement on nutrition label unless added as a supplement. Magnesium helps build bones and manufactures proteins. Used to release energy from muscle storage and regulate body temperature.
A chemical element found in green vegetables, which is essential especially for the correct functioning of muscles.
A mineral that plays a critical role in energy production within the cells of the body. One of the highest magnesium concentrations is in the brain with its high energy demands. Magnesium is found in tofu, seeds, nuts, whole grains and green leafy vegetables.
An essential mineral that serves as a cofactor in phosphatase- and kinase-catalyzed reactions; these are the reactions that result in the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and Pi. One of the most important of these reactions is the activation of amino acids for protein synthesis through the action of the enzyme aminoacyl-t-RNA synthetase. Another involves the attachment of mRNA to the ribosome. A third is the phosphorylation of glucose to form glucose-6-phosphate.
Magnesium is a macromineral that is essential to normal health. Common dietary sources of magnesium include legumes, whole grain cereals, green leafy vegetables, and nuts. Much of the magnesium in the body is located in the bones, where it provides structure and rigidity to the bone and also acts as a reservoir for nonbone-related functions. These functions are varied and primarily related to roles as a cofactor for many enzymes. Some of the many biochemical needs for magnesium include nucleic acid and protein synthesis, creatine phosphate formation, glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and the regulation of normal blood pressure. Deficiency of magnesium can produce symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and spasms. It may also be related to the development of chronic diseases including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease.
A mineral vital to the formation of bones and teeth, the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, and the work of enzymes (substances promoting biochemical reactions in the body). It is abundant in green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole-grain products, and soy beans; it is also found in various antacids and laxatives. Lack of magnesium can lead to muscle weakness; severe deficiency is sometimes associated with diarrhea, diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse, and kidney and urological disorders and is sometimes found in infants fed on cow’s milk or formula containing insufficient magnesium. Too much magnesium, as in overuse of antacids and laxatives, can cause nausea, disruption of normal heart function, and confusion.
Metallic element essential to normal body functioning.
An essential body mineral, measured in blood and urine to indicate the adequacy of a variety of body functions, including those of muscles and nerves, and of body fluids. Deficiency may indicate malnutrition, glandular hyperactivity, or other abnormalities. Excess levels may indicate dehydration, or inadequate adrenal function.
A metallic element essential to life. The body of an average adult contains about 25 g of magnesium, concentrated mostly in the bones. Magnesium is necessary for the proper functioning of muscle and nervous tissue. It is required as a cofactor for approximately 90 enzymes. A good source of magnesium is green leafy vegetables.
One of the essential mineral elements of the body, found mostly in bone. Deficiency leads to muscular weakness and interferes with the efficient working of the heart. Some magnesium salts are used as drugs, for example magnesium trisilicate and magnesium oxide generally known as ‘milk of magnesia’, a mild antacid and magnesium sulphate (“Epsom salts’), which acts as a laxative.
A white mineral element found in soft tissue, muscles, bones, and to some extent in the body fluids. It is the second most common cation in intracellular fluid. It has an atomic mass of 24.312, an atomic number of 12, and a specific gravity of 1.738. It is a naturally occurring element, being extracted from well and sea water. The human body contains approx. 25 mg of magnesium, most of which is in the bones. Muscles contain less of it than they do of calcium. Concentration of magnesium in the serum is between 1.5 and 2.5 mmol/L.
A vital mineral necessary for bone and teeth formation, muscle contraction, transmitting nerve impulses, and activating numerous enzymes. It can be found in foods such as cereals, milk, nuts, soybeans, and fish.