Magnesium

Supplements for Magnesium Deficiency

Many researchers have determined that a great many Americans are deficient in magnesium. One of the problems has been that magnesium has been consistently depleted in our soils. Due to potassium and phosphorus fertilizers, which prevent the plant's ability to uptake magnesium, even our food sources have lower magnesium levels. Since the American diet is high in carbohydrates and fat, our need for magnesium is increased. Stress and physical activity also deplete our stores of magnesium.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiency symptoms include: impaired contraction of smooth muscles, constipation, urinary spasms, menstrual cramps, difficulty swallowing (or a lump in the throat), photophobia (sensitivity to light) and loud noise sensitivity.

If the central nervous system is affected, the following symptoms can develop: insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks, hyperactivity and restlessness. In addition, patients can suffer from numbness, tingling, and other abnormal sensations.

Cardiovascular symptoms of magnesium deficiency include: palpitations, heart arrhythmias, angina due to spasms of the coronary arteries and high blood pressure. Another possible sign of magnesium deficiency is the craving for salt. For those that need to take a lot of magnesium, we recommend a magnesium powder such as Pure Encapsulation Magnesium.

Supplementation with the chelated form of magnesium assures both better absorption and that you are getting magnesium from a supplement because you may not be getting the proper amounts from your food.