Essential for more than 300 reactions in the body and needed by every organ, magnesium, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, is essential for optimal health. Magnesium is particularly crucial for the kidneys, heart and muscles; it also helps energy production, is important for bones and teeth and regulates some vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D and zinc. Low magnesium levels can cause restless leg syndrome, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, irritability and even seizures. The University of Maryland notes that people who suffer with ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis and diabetes are at particularly risk of low magnesium levels.
A doctor should always be consulted before taking any magnesium tablets.
Coronary Artery Disease
The coronary arteries are the main blood vessels that bring nutrients, blood and oxygen to the heart, explains the MayoClinic.com. Damage to these arteries, usually caused by the build up of cholesterol, leads to coronary artery disease. The narrowing of the arteries caused by cholesterol reduces blood flow leading to angina, or if the blockage is complete can cause a heart attack.
In a study published in a 1994 issue of "Magnesium Research," researchers found that low magnesium levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiac events, such as angina or heart attacks, and magnesium supplementation seems to reduce angina attacks in people with coronary artery disease. To help support heart health the University of Michigan recommends 200 to 300 mg of magnesium twice a day.
Hearing Loss
In a study published in a 1994 issue of the "American Journal of Otolaryngology," researchers studied the affect of magnesium on hearing. The subjects involved in the study were military training recruits, repeatedly exposed to loud noises while using earplugs. The team found that 167mg of magnesium aspartate a day helped to reduce damage done to hearing when exposed to loud noises.
Migraines
Migraines are a chronic form of headache, explains the MayoClinic.com. They are very painful and can last for days; patients also commonly suffer from nausea and sensitivity to noise and light.
In a study published in a 1996 issue of "Cephalalgia," researchers studied the affect of magnesium on migraine sufferers, who had on average 3.6 migraines a month. The team found that 600mg of magnesium a day for 12 weeks, decreased the frequency and intensity of migraines.
References
- University of Maryland: Magnesium
- Mayo Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease
- "Magnesium Research": Should magnesium therapy be considered for the treatment of coronary heart disease? II. Epidemiological evidence in outpatients with and without coronary heart disease: Lasserre B, Spoerri M, Moullet V, et al :1994
- University of Michigan Health System: Angina
- "American Journal of Otolaryngology,": Oral magnesium intake reduces permanent hearing loss induced by noise exposure: Attias J, Weisz G, Almog S, et al: 1994
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