Magnesium: the heart hero mineral for day and night

There is no question that magnesium is a star amongst minerals when it comes to optimal health and wellbeing. 

Most people think of muscles when they hear about magnesium, but this important mineral is also essential for healthy heart function, energy production, nervous system health, bone strength and blood sugar metabolism.^1,2 

Being deficient in magnesium may therefore impact cardiovascular health, learning and behaviour, blood sugar metabolism, energy levels, migraine headaches, muscular complaints, bone health and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).^3,4 

About one third of the magnesium in our body is located in our muscles, where it is used for muscle contraction and relaxation.² Therefore, having low levels of magnesium can lead to muscular complaints in any muscle in the body.  

Getting the most out of magnesium

How well do you know your magnesium supplement? Do you know if you’re absorbing it? And if it’s getting to where it needs to go? 

Magnesium shows up in all different forms in different supplements. When you see a magnesium amino acid chelate form, this means that the magnesium molecule is attached to an amino acid. Amino acids are building blocks of protein, and are readily recognised by the body as such, so they’re well absorbed into the bloodstream, along with anything that’s piggybacked onto them.⁵ 

Magnesium orotate and aspartate forms are important for heart health but also carry magnesium directly into the cells that need it most. Aspartate is required for energy production. ¹⁰

Ask your healthcare practitioner for a high quality, practitioner-only magnesium formula that is suitable for your specific needs.

Cardiovascular health

Magnesium levels in the body may be reduced due to poor diet, certain medication, increased levels of stress and strenuous exercise.^4,6,7
Low magnesium levels can impact healthy muscle contraction and relaxation, which helps to relieve muscle tension and cramping.⁸

With the heart being one of the most important muscles in the body, it is no wonder that good magnesium levels over the long term are important for cardiovascular health. Magnesium is essential for maintaining the proper function of the cardiovascular system.⁹ 

Research has shown that magnesium supplementation can also decrease symptoms associated with PMS including fluid retention, mood swings and dysmenorrhoea.⁴

An energy spark

Stress is prevalent in many of our day-to-day lives. Stress, both physical and emotional, can cause excess magnesium loss.⁴ In addition to supporting the body during times of stress, both magnesium and B vitamins assist in the production of energy.⁴ 

A good night’s sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is something that alludes many people. Factors that can influence poor sleep range from stress, poor diet choices, an overactive mind to shift work and an increased stimulant intake. 

For all its roles in energy production, our hero mineral magnesium is also an important mineral for relaxation particularly when it comes to muscles and the nervous system. The role of magnesium is to modulate normal and healthy muscle contraction and relaxation.⁴ When we want to sleep, we want adequate muscle relaxation in order to be able to get to sleep and have a restful night. 

Speak to your healthcare practitioner for more information about looking after your health with an individualised treatment regimen that includes a combination of a balanced diet, high-quality supplementation and exercise. To find a healthcare practitioner in your local area, use our Find a Practitioner service.

What to look for in your magnesium supplement

• Magnesium amino acid chelate for enhanced absorption and intestinal tolerance of magnesium.
• Added L-glutamine for muscle repair and recovery.
• Added B vitamins to support energy production. 
• Added sour cherry to improve sleep duration, efficiency and quality.
• Added activated B6 for symptomatic relief of PMS including muscular pains and cramps.

References

1. Department of Health and Ageing, National Health and Medical Research Council, Ministry of Health. Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Commonwealth of Australia, 2006.  
2. Higdon J, Drake VJ. Magnesium. Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center, 2007 http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/magnesium/index.html 
3. Hendler SS, Rorvik DM. PDR^® for nutritional supplements, 2nd ed. Montvale: Thomson Reuters, 2008.
4. Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements: an evidence-based guide, 3rd ed. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2010. 
5. Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. Advanced nutrition and human metabolism, 4th ed. Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth, 2005. 
6. Seeling M. Consequences of magnesium deficiency on the enhancement of stress reactions: Preventative and therapeutic implications ( a review). J Am Coll Nutr 1994;13(5):429-446
7. Nielsen F, Lukaski H. Update on the relationship between magnesium and exercise. Mag Res 2006;19(3):180-189
8. Howatson G, Bell P, Tallent J, et al. Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality. Eur J Nut. Epub ahead of print
9. Pizzorno J, Murray M. Textbook of Natural Medicine. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. St Louis. USa. 2006
10. Zeana C. Magnesium orotate in myocardial and neuronal protection. Rom J Intern Med 1999;37(1):91-7.