Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in more than 300 biochemical functions in your body, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. This element boosts your immune system, triggers muscle contractions, supports nerve functions, regulates blood sugar, maintains regular heart rhythm, controls blood pressure, sustains bone strength and participates in protein metabolism.
Dietary Sources of Magnesium
Most food sources contain some magnesium. Good dietary sources of magnesium include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Water also supplies magnesium, as well as other important minerals. Because chlorophyll -- the pigment that makes plants green -- contains magnesium, green vegetables provide one of the richest dietary sources of magnesium, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Effects of Refined Foods
Although magnesium is abundant in your available food supply, most people in the U.S. don't consume enough magnesium, notes the Linus Pauling Institute. Refined grains have replaced whole grains in the U.S. diet. During processing, the bran and germ are stripped from the grain. Magnesium is removed along with these vital parts of the grain during the process, leaving a significant dietary staple deficient in magnesium.
Bone Health
Campaigns focusing on calcium and vitamin D have raised awareness about the mineral's and vitamin's effect on bone health. Magnesium's effect on bone health is less-widely publicized. In fact, your bones store 50 percent to 60 percent of your body's magnesium. Your cells and organs use most of the remaining magnesium. Although your blood carries only about one percent of your body's magnesium, when your blood levels drop -- as with calcium -- your body depletes your bones' sources of the mineral and consequently weakens your bones.
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Magnesium Treatments
Because of its many functions in the body, magnesium has shown positive results in several medical treatment studies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center and Linus Pauling Institute. Magnesium's role in regulating blood sugar levels suggests possible treatment for type 2 diabetes. Because magnesium is required to maintain a regular heart rhythm, it might prevent arrhythmia. Adequate consumption of magnesium has been shown to decrease risk of developing high blood pressure. Magnesium can relieve symptoms of migraine headaches in some people. Magnesium might be particularly effective for women who regularly contract migraine headaches during their menstrual cycles.
Drug Interactions
Magnesium supplements can interact with other supplements and medications, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. You risk overdose if you regularly take antacids and laxatives that commonly contain magnesium. Also frequent use of antacids and laxatives might affect other medications you are taking. Magnesium can decrease absorption of some antibiotics, resulting in reduced effectiveness of the medication. Other antibiotics can decrease the absorption of magnesium, resulting in magnesium deficiency. Diuretics can also lower your magnesium levels. Before taking magnesium supplements, discuss with your doctor whether magnesium can benefit you and whether you risk potential interactions and side effects.
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