5 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Magnesium

Here are 5 evidence-based health benefits of magnesium.

5 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Magnesium

1. Magnesium Is Involved in Hundreds of Biochemical Reactions in Your Body

Magnesium is a mineral found in the earth, sea, plants, animals and humans.

About 60% of the magnesium in your body is found in bone, while the rest is in muscles, soft tissues and fluids, including blood.

In fact, every cell in your body contains it and needs it to function.

One of magnesium’s main roles is acting as a cofactor or helper molecule in the biochemical reactions continuously performed by enzymes.

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In fact, it’s involved in more than 600 reactions in your body, including:

  • Energy creation: Helps convert food into energy.
  • Protein formation: Helps create new proteins from amino acids.
  • Gene maintenance: Helps create and repair DNA and RNA.
  • Muscle movements: Is part of the contraction and relaxation of muscles.
  • Nervous system regulation: Helps regulate neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system.

Unfortunately, studies suggest that about 50% of people in the US and Europe get less than the recommended daily amount of magnesium.

2. It May Boost Exercise Performance

Magnesium also plays a role in exercise performance.

During exercise, you may need 10–20% more magnesium than when you’re resting, depending on the activity.

Magnesium helps move blood sugar into your muscles and dispose of lactate, which can build up during exercise and cause fatigue.

Studies have shown that supplementing with it can boost exercise performance for athletes, the elderly and people with chronic disease.

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In one study, volleyball players who took 250 mg of magnesium per day experienced improvements in jumping and arm movements.

In another study, athletes who supplemented with magnesium for four weeks had faster running, cycling and swimming times during a triathlon. They also experienced reductions in insulin and stress hormone levels.

However, the evidence is mixed. Other studies have found no benefit of magnesium supplements in athletes with low or normal levels of the mineral.

3. Magnesium Fights Depression

Magnesium plays a critical role in brain function and mood, and low levels are linked to an increased risk of depression.

One analysis in over 8,800 people found that people under the age of 65 with the lowest magnesium intake had a 22% greater risk of depression.

Some experts believe the low magnesium content of modern food may cause many cases of depression and mental illness.

However, others emphasize the need for more research in this area.

Nonetheless, supplementing with this mineral may help reduce symptoms of depression — and in some cases, the results can be dramatic.
In a randomized controlled trial in depressed older adults, 450 mg of magnesium daily improved mood as effectively as an antidepressant drug.

4. It Has Benefits Against Type 2 Diabetes

Magnesium also benefits people with type 2 diabetes.

Studies suggest that about 48% of people with type 2 diabetes have low levels of magnesium in their blood. This can impair insulin’s ability to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Additionally, research indicates that people with a low magnesium intake have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

One study which followed more than 4,000 people for 20 years found that those with the highest magnesium intake were 47% less likely to develop diabetes.

Another study showed that people with type 2 diabetes taking high doses of magnesium each day experienced significant improvements in blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels, compared to a control group.

However, these effects may depend on how much magnesium you’re getting from food. In a different study, supplements did not improve blood sugar or insulin levels in people who weren’t deficient.

5. Magnesium Can Lower Blood Pressure

Studies show that taking magnesium can lower blood pressure.

In one study, people who took 450 mg per day experienced a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

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However, these benefits may only occur in people who have high blood pressure.

Another study found that magnesium lowered blood pressure in people with high blood pressure but had no effect on those with normal levels.

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