Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that causes bones to gradually become weaker and thinner, resulting in postural changes and making the individual extremely susceptible to bone fractures. Areas commonly affected are the spine, wrist and hips. Bone is at its strongest when a person is around the age of 30, and thereafter begins to decline. In many cases, the underlying cause of bones becoming weaker is a lower content of minerals, one of which is magnesium.
Background
Magnesium malate is a complex of magnesium and malic acid particularly suited to supporting muscle function and energy production. Magnesium is an important cofactor in over 200 enzymatic reactions in the body and works with calcium to maintain healthy bones. Malic acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally in fruits and some vegetables. Within the body, malic acid acts as an active transporter of magnesium, which consequently enhances magnesium absorption. It is therefore a useful addition in magnesium supplements.
Magnesium Benefits
The body uses magnesium for calcium metabolism and the synthesis of vitamin D, both of which are essential for bone formation. Magnesium works positively in reducing bone loss by suppressing the rate at which bone renews itself. A review published in ''Clinical Calcium'' also found that magnesium deficiency caused a significant decrease in bone formation in animal models. However, it is unknown whether low levels of magnesium directly contribute to osteoporosis in humans.
Magnesium Malate
Magnesium malate is particularly suited to supporting energy production and for this reason is most often used by athletes during exercise. However, as magnesium is an important mineral in bone formation and improves absorption and retention of calcium, magnesium malate should be considered a useful supplement in helping to prevent osteoporosis. To further enhance the use of this supplement in bone maintenance, it should be combined with a calcium rich diet.
Side Effects
In some people, magnesium malate can cause intestinal problems such as diarrhea, bloating and cramping. Taking a break from these supplements may help symptoms subside. When taken in large amounts, magnesium is possibly unsafe and may cause a build up of magnesium in the body. The latter can lead to side effects such as low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. If you have kidney or heart problems, always check with your doctor before you start any magnesium supplements.
References
- National Osteoporosis Society: Healthy Bones- Facts About Foods
- "Clinical Calcium"; Nutrition and Bone health: Magnesium and Bone; Y. Ishimi; May 2010
- ''Prescription for Nutritional Healing''; Phyllis A.Balch, CNC.; 2010
- BioCare: Magnesium Malate
