September 2007: Volume 2 Number 9
Magnesium [Mg] – Magnesium is significant in many cell
functions. It is found in bones, teeth
and activates many enzymes throughout the body. Magnesium is required to
combine with calcium in bone growth and to assist the muscles to relax. A lack
of magnesium can cause calcium to transfer from your bones to soft tissues of
the body through an active transport system that requires energy for this transfer
to take place. This is why some people fatigue so easily. Some professionals
use malic acid with magnesium to treat fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, muscle
aches and pains.
Low levels of magnesium have been associated with migraine
headaches, depression, schizophrenia, sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease,
PMS, psychiatric problems, and diabetes.
Excess magnesium levels have been associated with depressed
skeletal muscle contraction and nerve function. Nausea, vomiting, muscle
weakness, bradycardia, respiratory depression and hypotension are signs of too
much magnesium in the body.
Magnesium stabilizes the enzymes that produce cellular
energy and insulin production. Many people are deficient in magnesium because
there is a shortage of this mineral in our food chain, especially in processed
foods.
Magnesium is absolutely essential to transfer energy
during protein synthesis, contractility of muscles and the excitability of
nerves. Signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency are growth failure, behavioral disturbances,
weakness, tremor, tetany, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
We will discuss Iron (Fe) mineral in our next lecture as a
continuation of the specific uses of minerals or element in our bodies. © Copyright 2007 The Specific Uses of Minerals or Elements
in the Body – Magnesium
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