Should you take magnesium every day?-Is this a good decision?
Magnesium is an essential mineral for the human body.
According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, magnesium plays a major role in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, it’s important for energy production on a cellular level, it’s essential for nerve function, synthesis of protein, and blood sugar regulation, and it’s a base element for materials of the DNA, RNA, and the bones.
These functions are only the surface of everything that this mineral does for the body. It’s evident that we can’t function properly without its presence.
Let’s learn all about the biological effects of magnesium as well as about the role of magnesium in keeping our health optimal!
What Is the Role of This Important Mineral?
Magnesium or Mg is a chemical element from the group of alkaline earth metals. It’s solid and shiny-grey similar to calcium, radium, strontium, etc.
Magnesium is referred to as the primordial element because it’s thought to have been present since before the formation of the Earth. Magnesium has the ninth-highest environmental concentration in the universe. It’s made by the accumulation of three helium nuclei and one carbon base, usually from the erosion of aging stars.
Magnesium is also present in the crust of the Earth and the seawater. In our bodies, magnesium is the most abundant by mass and takes up the 11th place.
It’s one of the most significant compounds for the smooth functioning of the human body. It participates in the life and functioning of every cell we have. Ongoing research on magnesium is focused on discovering new ways to use magnesium for our overall health and well-being.
7 Ways That The Miracle Mineral, Influences Your Health
- Chromosome support
In a study, magnesium ions were found to play a role in chromosomes.
They influence the condensation of chromosomes or the folding and coiling where the DNA material is held together through proteins in the centromere of chromosomes.
- Important for the communication of cells
Magnesium is vital for the function and structure of cells.
One of the functions of cells is communication with the cells around them to ensure optimal health. Magnesium is a major building block of the cell-signaling molecule known as cyclic adenosine monophosphate.
This molecule is found in different body parts as well as in the immunologic, neurological, and metabolic systems.
- Vital for the brain
Magnesium is necessary for the health of the brain and cognitive functions.
Being a vasodilator, magnesium relaxes the smooth muscles and boosts the blood flow to the brain and the nearby areas.
According to studies, magnesium is also important for the regulation of cortisol and the brain receptors that participate in learning, memory, and cognition.
A form of magnesium known as magnesium I-threonate was found to be good for brain plasticity and cognition.
- It optimizes vitamin D
In a study from 2018 published in the American Osteopathic Association journal, magnesium was found essential for the activation and function of vitamin D. Magnesium helps activate this vitamin that further contributes to healthy bones. Low levels of this mineral and of vitamin D have been associated with heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and skeletal deformities.
- Essential for the sleep/wake cycle
Magnesium is important for the hormone melatonin that’s necessary for the sleep/wake cycle.
In one study, magnesium supplementation contributed to a significant increase in sleep time and sleep efficiency and reduced factors like sleep latency and cortisol concentration.
The study also concluded that melatonin seemed to increase with the introduction of magnesium supplements.
- Prevents constipation
Magnesium is often used in laxatives because it draws fluid into the bowels and contributes to the creation of bulk and pressure needed for bowel movements. Supplementation with magnesium can be useful for people struggling with constipation.
The best form of magnesium for those who struggle with constipation is magnesium citrate.
- May lower the risk of preterm labor
Labor happening before the 37th week is considered pre-term. The uterus contractions cause cervical changes and this may increase the risk of premature delivery.
Magnesium sulfate is given intravenously in case of preterm labor risk. This type of magnesium impedes and slows down the contractions.
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