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Up to 75% of North Americans are missing the recommended daily allowance of magnesium in their diets. Poor magnesium! Magnesium is responsible for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. If you are deficient in magnesium, you are twice as likely to suffer from a cardiovascular event (example: heart attack, stroke). This is my pharmacist plea for you to supplement your diet with magnesium.

Table 1. Recommended Dietary Allowance for Magnesium in Adults. (Source: Medline Plus)
Adult Males | 400 to 420 milligrams |
Adult Females | 310 to 320 milligrams |
Pregnancy | 350 to 400 milligrams |
Breastfeeding Women | 310 to 360 milligrams |
What does magnesium do?
As stated above, magnesium is important to over 300 biochemical processes in our bodies. It helps with inducing sleep, necessary for steroid hormone production, maintains normal heart rhythm, and assists with nerve function, just to name a few functions.
How can magnesium get depleted?
Magnesium depletions can happen for variety of reasons or in combination. When our food is processed, naturally occurring magnesium may be lost in the process. Alcoholism, artificial fertilizers, caffeine consumption, excess sugar intake, and a low magnesium diet may all be other reasons for a magnesium deficiency.
Common medications may also deplete magnesium. Examples include certain antibiotics, cholestyramine, corticosteroids, digoxin, diuretics, oral estrogens, and oral contraceptives containing estrogen. (Caution: Do not stop any medications without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first). However, to counteract a magnesium deficiency, you can easily supplement magnesium with a professional-grade product.
Types of magnesium
Not all magnesium products are the same. There are various forms of magnesium that impact the bioavailability (that is how much the body will absorb) in a given product. Below are the different types and where they fit into treating different conditions.
Magnesium oxide
Only about 4% is absorbed by the body
Used in milk of magnesia for example to improve digestion and prevent constipation
Magnesium chloride
Used for sleep, digestion, bone health
May cause diarrhea more frequently when compared than other magnesium products
Magnesium sulfate (aka epsom salts)
Used commonly as a foot soak or in baths for sore muscles
If taken by mouth, works as a laxative
Magnesium citrate
Over 90% is absorbed by the body
Used for constipation, sleep, support cardiovascular and bone health, and to help calm the mind and body
Magnesium glycinate
Supports bone health, but more importantly may help best to support relaxation and sleep because of the amino acid glycine which can cross the blood-brain barrier
Magnesium orotate
Supports the cardiovascular system and supports the repair of tissues in athletes and improves stamina and performance
Magnesium malate
Highly absorbed by the body. Preferred form of magnesium in patients with fibromyalgia to reduce pain and tenderness since malic acid (malate) is involved in the Krebs Cycle which makes energy for the body
Magnesium L-threonate
Crosses the blood-brain barrier and used to improve brain functioning
Magnesium Food Sources
Almonds: 1/4 cup = 105 mg (milligrams) of magnesium
Oatmeal: 1 cup of cooked oats = 57.6 mg
Spinach: 1 cup (uncooked) = 157 mg
Black Beans: 1/2 cup = 60 mg
Sesame Seeds: 1 ounce (roasted) = 101 mg
Sunflower Seeds: 1/4 cup = 128 mg
Banana: 1 banana = 32 mg
Avocado: 1 medium sized avocado = 58 mg
Cashews: 1/4 cup = 89 mg
Dark chocolate: 95 mg in one square
Things to consider before adding a magnesium supplement
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have kidney disease or pregnant or lactating. If you are taking certain medications such as bisphosphates or certain antibiotics, consult your doctor or pharmacist first.
As always you can contact the team at Ally Pharmacy to consult with you on a vitamin/supplement plan that is designed just for you. Can't wait to hear from you!
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS: These products are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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