Magnesium taurate is a combination supplement that combines two well-known anti-anxiety agents, magnesium and taurine. The combination of the mineral and amino acid can help to quell some physiological and emotional symptoms of disorders on the anxiety spectrum. Each ingredient works in a different capacity to treat symptoms, like irritability and muscle tension, by being transported through the cell membrane and either correcting a deficiency within the body or adding to the anti-anxiety mechanism of the body. Magnesium taurate is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and all its anti-anxiety capacities are not fully understood, but the supplement is used with success by both orthodox and naturopathic medical professionals in clinical practice.
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency is a well-known cause of anxiety. The condition is relatively widespread in non-industrialized and industrialized nations alike because of a lack of magnesium-rich foods, like leafy greens and nuts, in the majority of adult diets. Poor lifestyle choices, like the abuse of alcohol, can contribute significantly to the condition as well. Irritability, fatigue and general feelings of anxiety top the list of symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency and it is for this reason that magnesium levels are considered routinely when an anxiety disorder is suspected.
Taurine Deficiency
Taurine is an amino acid that plays a major role as an inhibitory neuromodulator. The stress response is initiated in response to a fearful or stressful situation and is then mitigated by neurochemical inhibitory processes. If taurine or other similar inhibitory amino acids are deficient, the process cannot complete and chronic generalized anxiety can occur. Taurine, in particular, regulates the sodium/potassium and magnesium exchange between cells, regulating their chemical communication. Obsessive thoughts, restlessness and agitation are some symptoms that are linked to taurine deficiency. Taurine can be ingested naturally from protein-rich sources, like fish and organ meats.
Recommended Dosage
The National Academy of Sciences recommends that women get at least 320 mg of magnesium daily and men get at least 420 mg. There is no official dietary requirement for taurine because the body tends to make what it needs from vitamin B-6 and other amino acids, but in the case of supplementing for the treatment of anxiety, 6 g per day is the usual dosage that is given in conjunction with magnesium. It can take up to six weeks for the body to replenish a depleted store of depleted magnesium and taurine and the dosage can be adjusted accordingly at this time. Magnesium taurate is a calibrated supplement that takes into account both sets of allowances and is formulated accordingly.
Safety
Magnesium taurate is considered generally safe and there is an extremely low chance of overdosing. Talk to your doctor before beginning a magnesium taurate regimen.
