Have you ever been to the doctor, had a blood test and noticed the magnesium count on the results? Have you rushed out and purchased magnesium supplements – sometimes marketed as ‘super pills’? Do you know what magnesium is for and why you need it?
Magnesium is involved in more than 300 chemical reactions in the body, and your body needs it for many tasks.
- Muscles need this mineral to contract
- Nerves need it to send and receive messages
- It keeps your heart beating steadily
- It keeps your immune system strong.
According to one expert, Dr Bruce Bistrian, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, magnesium deficiency is rare and he is skeptical about the use of magnesium supplements for otherwise healthy people.
“The kidney has an extraordinary ability to reduce magnesium loss in urine, and thus achieve magnesium balance on a wide variety of intakes,” he explains.
Professor Bistrian says that for people who have trouble absorbing magnesium from food — such as those with coeliac disease, kidney problems, alcoholism, or chronic digestive problems — supplements can be useful. Medicines (including some antibiotics) can also interfere with magnesium absorption, making a supplement necessary.
But what about the claims that magnesium supplements can improve energy, sleep cycles, and body aches?
“There’s no evidence to my knowledge that it would be effective for those symptoms,” says Professor Bistrian.
He says the best and simplest way to maintain a healthy magnesium level is to eat the right foods.
“Most people get enough magnesium from foods such as green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and fish.”
Professor Bistrian says if you’re concerned about low magnesium, ask your doctor for a blood test.
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