We've been told many times that calcium is essential for strong bones, and iron is needed for energy. However, we also know that lead causes illnesses as well as birth defects, and mercury is even worse. When it comes to metallic trace elements, it's difficult to know what is a good thing … and how much of a good thing is too much! So today we are examining magnesium in alternative health products, starting a series of posts where we look at the important of minerals to the body.
What is magnesium?
Magnesium itself is a metallic element. It occurs naturally in biology as the MG2+ ion. The element is easily excreted through the kidneys in excess amounts, so while there is no benefit in taking slightly more than the recommended daily allowance, there is little risk also. Alternative health products will usually include close to the recommended daily allowance.
Why do we need it? The close-up view
The basic reason that our bodies require magnesium is that it binds to adenosine triphosphate in order to make this molecule, the main source of energy in cells, usable by our bodies. Also, DNA and RNA synthesis processes require magnesium to bind to the phosphate compounds in cells, to ensure stable synthesis.
Why do we need it? The big picture
Looking at the big picture of body function, the following organs and processes require sufficient magnesium:
- Blood pressure and flow is kept healthy by Mg
- Kidney function
- Heart muscle strength and electrical function in the heart
- Usage of energy from fat and sugar
- Excretion of toxins from the blood
- Support parathyroid function and antagonized thyroid hormone
Why do we need alternative health products with magnesium?
Most American adults get around ¾ of the recommended daily intake of magnesium. If you don’t eat enough leafy greens, nuts, seeds or bran, you may need an alternative health product containing, or focused on, magnesium.
What scientists are finding about magnesium-focused alternative health products
Colorectal cancer is quite common in the Western world, and is thought to be encouraged by large amounts of meat in the diet. However, calcium and magnesium together play quite a large part in protecting against colorectal cancer.
Preterm babies born quite a while before their due date are at increased risk of developing cerebral palsy. However, University of Adelaide researchers have discovered that giving mothers who are at risk of preterm birth magnesium sulphate injections can greatly reduce the risk of their infants developing the disease. This alternative health product protects the baby's brain, with no long lasting effect on the mother. There are several uncomfortable side effects, including flushing, sweats, nausea and headaches. However, the benefits are thought to outweigh these temporary conditions.
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