Kefir And Magnesium

Kefir is a fermented drink produced from milk and kefir grains -- small, gelatinous bundles of curdled casein that resemble cauliflower florets. These grains contain lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and yeast. The drink has existed for thousands of years, originating in the Caucasus Mountains in Eurasia. Kefir can vary in taste and composition based on the type of milk used, with cow, goat, rice, soy, sheep and coconut milk all possibilities. Cow's milk, however, is most commonly used.

Nutrition of Kefir

Kefir is full of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. The amounts of each component varies based on the type of milk, the kefir grains and the fermentation process used. Kefir contains around 12 mg of magnesium per 100 g, or about 3.5 fluid oz., of the drink. It is also a good source of vitamins B-1 and B-12, biotin, calcium, folic acid, vitamin K and phosphorus. There is a smaller amount of lactose in kefir compared to regular milk, which may be beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Functions of Magnesium

Kefir is rich in magnesium, which is an important part of neuromuscular transmission; it acts as a muscle relaxer in the contraction-relaxation process. Magnesium is required in the processes of fatty acid and protein synthesis. It is also involved in the glycolytic pathway, the metabolic pathway for glucose. One of magnesium's major functions is the stabilization of the adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, molecular structure, which plays an important role in many metabolic pathways in the body.

Magnesium and Calcium

Magnesium is one of the three nutrients important for bone health; calcium and vitamin D complete the trio. Though calcium is the major mineral responsible for bone structure and strength, the body cannot absorb it without magnesium. The presence of adequate amounts of magnesium helps suppress parathyroid hormone, which serves to remove calcium from bone, possibly leading to osteoporosis if unchecked. Kefir contains both calcium and magnesium, and thus may help improve bone health.

Other Health Benefits of Kefir

Regular consumption of kefir can help promote intestinal health because of the probiotics it contains. This includes bowel movement regularity and the reduction of gas and bloating. A review published in a 2003 issue of "Pakistan Journal of Nutrition" states that the possible antitumor, antimicrobial, immune-promoting and cholesterol-lowering functions of kefir are the subjects of multiple research studies. Additional investigations are necessary to determine if kefir is indeed responsible for these health benefits.