Magnesium is an essential mineral that serves several functions in the body such as contraction of muscles, function of enzymes, protein production, energy production and energy transport. Magnesium aspartate is one of the most absorbable forms of magnesium. It is chelated, or attached, to aspartic acid, an amino acid present in protein rich foods. This helps the body absorb the magnesium. Magnesium aspartate is used in disease prevention, treatment and as a mineral supplement.
Cardioprotective Agent
Magnesium aspartate helps protect the heart by diminishing myocardial calcium uptake, which is responsible for cardiac hazards. Magnesium and potassium deficiencies are a risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias. Basic treatment for this condition includes potassium and magnesium supplementation, according to the National Institutes of Health.
A study by A. Wischnik, et al., published in the November-December 1982 issue of "Zeitschrift fur Geburtshilfe und Perinatologie" used pregnant wistar-rats to study the effects of magnesium aspartate as a cardioprotective agent and as an anticontraction medication. The study found that magnesium aspartate supplementation reduces intestinal calcium absorption and lowers myocardial calcium uptake.
Migraine Headache Treatment
Magnesium aspartate is used to treat migraines. Migraine sufferers have lower levels of magnesium in both red and white blood cells, according to the Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institue. Taking magnesium supplements increases the cellular levels of magnesium in individuals with migraines. This reduces headache frequency.
A double blind study by F. Wang, et al., published in the June 2003 issue of "Headache" studied children aged three to 17 years who had a history of moderate to severe headaches. The group given the magnesium had significantly lower headache severity. They concluded that magnesium supplementation for migraines reduce the number of headaches. Larger trials on magnesium supplementation for migraine sufferers are recommended.
Muscle Cramps
Magnesium is responsible for muscle contractions. Magnesium deficiency can cause cramps such as charley horses or muscle spasms, according to the National Library of Medicine. Magnesium aspartate supplementation can help alleviate muscle aches and cramps.
Restless leg syndrome, RLS, is a neurological disorder that causes unpleasant sensations in the legs and uncontrollable urges to move them. The exact cause of RLS is unknown, but one of the treatments is magnesium supplementation for possible deficiencies, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Magnesium Aspartate as a Cardioprotective Agent and Adjuvant in Tocolysis with Betamimetics
- National Institutes of Health: Therapy of Cardia Arrhythmias. Clinical Significance of Potassium and Magnesium Aspartate in Arrhythmias
- National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus-Magnesium in Diet
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute-Magnesium
- National Institutes of Health: Oral Magnesium Oxide Prophylaxis of Frequent Migrainous Headache in Children
Member Comments