Magnesium Facts

Who discovered Magnesium and what are the benefits?

Magnesium Facts: Who discovered magnesium?

Magnesium dates back to 1808 when Sir Humphry Davy, of England is credited with producing this element.

However, the consistent form was not prepared until 1831 by Antoine Bussy.

Although Sir Davy wanted to name this element magnium, the current name of magnesium is what it ended up being called.

The name actually comes from a Greek word that was the name of a district in Thessaly. This district was called Magnesia.

Magnesium is the seventh in line when it comes to elements found in abundance inside the crust of the Earth.

Magnesium Facts: The importance of magnesium

Magnesium is required by more than 300 enzymes to increase their reaction rate, including the enzymes that occur when required to produce DNA and RNA.

It is essential to the cells of every living organism on the face of the earth including plants that will begin to have yellow leaves if there is a magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is crucial to the human diet.

The vast majority of people do not receive enough magnesium in their diet. This is why it has been suggested that several health problems are linked to this deficiency.

For instance, there may be a correlation between magnesium deficiency and ADHD, osteoporosis and asthma.

Magnesium Facts: The role it plays in the body

Magnesium works similar to calcium. The bones are made stronger by magnesium intake and it also helps muscles to contract naturally.

A regular heart beat is also related to the intake of magnesium.

In addition, there are indications that magnesium helps to keep the body's immune system functioning properly to fight illness and disease.

In fact, it may keep certain diseases at bay. The major part of the human body that contains the most magnesium is the skeleton.

The levels at which this element is supposed to exist in the cells is normally from 0.7 to 1.0 mmol/L (millimoles per liter).

However, there can be a deficiency without the levels appearing low. When it comes to the amount of magnesium recommended on a daily basis, men should have 420 mg per day and women should have 320 mg per day.

High amounts of magnesium taken by older men and women seems to be linked to a higher bone mass. In addition, magnesium is said to protect against acid that is produced by certain diets. More about the benefits of magnesium here.

Magnesium Facts: How the body absorbs magnesium

Magnesium is taken in by the gastrointestinal tract.

The varying levels of protein received by the body have an effect on the amount of magnesium the body can take in. Both high and low levels stop the body from absorbing this element.

Magnesium is flushed from the body via urine. There are several foods and drinks that are quite good sources of magnesium. Cereals, vegetables, spices, coffee, tea and cocoa are a few.

The vegetables that contain the most valuable source of magnesium are the leafy green vegetables. This is because they include chlorophyll in their leaves. Chlorophyll is very rich in magnesium. You can find more foods high in magnesium here.

It is practically impossible to overdose on magnesium that is taken in through food and drink since it is filtered through the kidneys.

Magnesium Facts: Avoiding a deficiency

A higher rate of magnesium deficiency is associated with alcoholism. This deficiency can be handled by providing magnesium orally.

The safest amount is most likely no more than 800 mg per day. This is dependent upon the health of the person taking the supplement.

If there is a problem with heart disease or kidney disease this should not be taken without consulting a doctor. The suggestion has been made that people who have constant magnesium deficiencies may not be able to absorb magnesium as readily as others.

In order to fully absorb magnesium the body must also have sufficient Vitamin D. This can be obtained by spending time in the sunlight or taking a supplement.

Learn more about the symptoms of magnesium deficiency here.

Learn more about a magnesium overdose here.

Find information on magnesium and high blood pressure here.

Magnesium Facts: Supplement Forms of magnesium

One of the supplement forms of magnesium are magnesium oxide, which is the compound that is used more frequently. It is used in multivitamins and supplements of minerals.

However, these supplements are not absorbed by the body well. In a 500 mg tablet approximately only 12 mg are taken by the body.

Magnesium carbonate is another supplement that has approximately 125 mg of magnesium in a 500 mg pill. It is another supplement that is not absorbed well.

Chelated magnesium is combined with glycine and lysine. This is one of the supplements that is easily absorbed by the body. Normally 100 mg tablets are the typical dosage.

Magnesium orotate is another supplement that is easily absorbed by the body, but there are only about 31 mg of magnesium in a 500 mg tablet. A higher intake of 3000 mg allows about 186 mg of magnesium to be taken in by the body.

Magnesium citrate is absorbed much easier than magnesium oxide. The 500 mg supplement will contain about 80 mg of magnesium.

There is a type that can be mixed with hot water and has 205 mg of magnesium in a teaspoon.

Another supplement, magnesium maleate has 56 mg of magnesium in a 500 mg tablet. Magnesium gluconate has 27 mg of magnesium in a 500 mg tablet and is easily taken in by the body.

All of the aforementioned supplements are absorbed more readily by the body when they are taken with breakfast, lunch or dinner. Read more about magnesium supplements here.

One of the best ways to supplement magnesium is to combine it with calcium in a calcium magnesium supplement.

Magnesium Facts: Conclusion

As you can see, magnesium has been around for quite a while.

The benefits are essential to the human body as well as plants and animals. There are several supplements available for those who may not get enough magnesium from their diets.

Be aware that many of these do not absorb well by the body so this still may not be a sufficient amount for the average person.

If you suspect that you may need additional magnesium, you should first consult with your doctor. If he/she is in agreement, you may get the most valuable magnesium from the foods you eat.

If this is not working, taking a supplement may ensure you are getting the right amount of magnesium.

Solgar Chelated Magnesium is a recommended product.