BY STEVE BORN
Without taking anything away from the importance of all minerals, it very much appears that magnesium has earned its status as arguably the most important one of all.
Heart Health: One study reported in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed a lowered risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) with higher serum levels of magnesium. Researchers in The Netherlands evaluated the data from nearly 10,000 participants of men and women ages 55 and older. Subjects with low levels of magnesium had a 36% greater risk of CHD death and a 54% higher risk of SCD compared to subjects whose levels of magnesium were categorized as medium.
Lower Diabetes Risk: A second piece of research published in Biomedical and Environmental Sciences is a meta-analysis of 15 articles that discussed the results of 19 studies involving nearly 540,000 men and women participants. These studies examined the effect of magnesium on the incidence of type 2 diabetes. After comparing magnesium intake in each of the studies, a high intake of the mineral was associated with a 23% decreased risk of diabetes. A mere 100 mg/day amount decreased one's risk by 16%. These studies showed that magnesium supplementation helps improve insulin resistance and fasting glucose levels in both diabetics and nondiabetics.
Overall Well-Being: A deficiency in magnesium may also be associated with the progression of many ailments such as hypertension, hypoglycemia and insulin resistance. According to the National Institutes of Health, "Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body." These reactions include muscle contraction, nerve function and carbohydrate metabolism. Magnesium also helps regulate ATP activation, protein synthesis, blood pressure normalization, and blood sugar levels. These are but a few of the processes this essential-for-life mineral is crucial for. Magnesium also supports increases in HDL (good) cholesterol levels and can help lower serum LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
How much magnesium do you need? The DV (daily value) for magnesium is 400mg. However, the ODI (optimal daily intake) of magnesium is 500-750 mg. Even higher amounts (upwards of 1200 mg/day) are being used to address the aforementioned conditions. Unfortunately, while magnesium is contained in a variety of foods, the overall degradation of our food supply has caused the average American intake to decline to amounts significantly below DV levels and ODI levels. Magnesium deficiencies are common. Research shows that approximately 75% of Americans are not obtaining sufficient amounts of this essential mineral. Magnesium toxicity is rare because unless there are problems with kidney function, the body eliminates excess amounts.
NEW for 2016! The Essential Mg formula (100 mg of elemental magnesium per capsule)
- Magnesium bisglycinate is magnesium chelated (bonded) to the amino acid glycine and is touted for its high absorption rates. It's also the form of magnesium considered to have the least amount of potential to cause a laxative effect, common with forms such as oxide.
- Magnesium succinate is magnesium chelated to succinic acid. This compound yields one the highest amounts of elemental magnesium while providing the body with a Krebs cycle intermediate that not only plays a role in energy production, but is also involved in the rebuilding of muscle fiber and nerve endings.
- Magnesium citrate is magnesium chelated to citric acid, a key Krebs cycle intermediate noted for its ability to help alleviate fatigue as well as playing a role in relieving symptoms of asthma and hypertension.
- Magnesium malate is magnesium chelated to malic acid and it's the most common form of magnesium used for alleviating fibromyalgia. Malic acid (malate) is a Krebs cycle intermediate, touted for its energy enhancing, fatigue-alleviating effects. Malic acid also supports enhanced exercise performance by counteracting the buildup of lactic acid.
- Magnesium taurinate is magnesium bonded to the amino acid taurine. Because both magnesium and taurine are associated with cardiovascular health, magnesium taurate is often referred to as the "heart health" form. Among its many benefits, taurine assists in regulating heartbeat and muscle contractions.
After spending weeks tirelessly working on the formula, we're totally psyched to unveil the ultimate magnesium product - Essential Mg. Now that you know about the myriad benefits of magnesium, incorporate NEW Essential Mg into your supplement regimen. Ensure that you're getting enough of this truly 'essential' mineral and you'll enjoy improved athletic performance and better overall health.
