Magnesium supplements probably aren't at the top of your shopping list. In fact, Magnesium is probably the furthest thing from your mind.
Yeah, it seems that Calcium is the 'top dog' around most parts.
Many people may not be receiving enough Calcium from their diets; this is especially true for women.
However, Calcium may not be fully absorbed without adequate levels of Magnesium in the diet. (and Vitamin D too, I might add)
Also, taking Calcium alone may cause problems such as constipation. Magnesium, taken at half the dosage of Calcium counteracts its constipating effects.
In the body, it performs numerous functions, including:
Aiding in the growth of bones
Helping the heart to maintain a steady rhythm
Aiding the functioning of muscles and nerves
It works as a laxative when taken in large doses
Strengthening tooth enamel
When taken in small doses, it works as an antacid
Supplementation may be necessary for individuals with inadequate dietary intake of Magnesium, abuse drugs or alcohol, have recently undergone surgery, or have a chronic or wasting illness. Research Studies
One study was done to see if there was a connection between Magnesium intake and the risk of developing type 2 Diabetes.
At the start of the study, 85,060 women and 42,872 men with no prior history of Diabetes were selected. Every 2 to 4 years, these individuals answered a questionnaire concerning their Magnesium consumption.
A report from the American Diabetes Association states that a diet high in Magnesium can lower the risk of developing Diabetes, especially in those that are overweight.
The women were followed for 18 years while the men were followed for 12 years. At the end of the study, 4,085 women and 1,333 men had been diagnosed with Diabetes.
The researchers found an inverse association between levels of Magnesium consumption in these individuals and their risk of developing Diabetes.
Another study was done to see how effective Magnesium was in relieving Migraine Headaches.
In this study, individuals were divided into two groups. One group received Magnesium while the other group received placebo.
51 present of the individuals taking Magnesium supplements reported fewer headaches, compared to 31 percent of the placebo group.
Additionally, in one French study, the patients had much lower levels of Magnesium than the controls did.
Also, the results of a study of 40 individuals with Migraines who were given this mineral were impressive. Of the 40, only 8 didn't experience relief, with the remaining 32 seeing complete relief within 15 minutes.
Moreover, in a 12-week, double-blind study, individuals were given either 600 mg. of Magnesium daily or placebo. At the study's end, 41.6% of those given Magnesium experienced relief, compared to 15.8% of the placebo group.
Other Benefits
According to Dr Oz, Magnesium supplements can help individuals with Asthma, as Magnesium functions to relax the bronchial tubes.
Other studies have shown Calcium, when taken in conjunction with Magnesium, can help lower blood pressure. Take a combination of 500 milligrams of Calcium along with 250 milligrams of Magnesium to reduce blood pressure.
500 milligrams of Calcium plus 250 milligrams of Magnesium may helpindividuals with insomnia. Both of these minerals relax the nervous system.
Magnesium supplements may also prevent the formation of Kidney Stones. However, some studies have not found it to be an effective treatment for this condition.
It may also be an effective treatment for Motion Sickness.
250 milligrams of Magnesium, taken twice daily, may help with Muscle aches and cramping. Magnesium is a muscle relaxer.
Google news reports the University of Michigan has found Magnesium, along with Vitamins A, C, and E, may protect against hearing loss.
In animal studies, guinea pigs given those vitamins an hour before exposing them to loud noise were protected from hearing loss.