Magnesium is a mineral that is essential to normal body function. Magnesium is a vital component in the development of teeth and bones, and it also activates enzymes and regulates the level of calcium within the body. Although rare, a magnesium deficiency can be treated by taking magnesium glycinate, a form of chelated magnesium.
Magnesium Glycinate
According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, the typical adult human body contains about 25 grams of magnesium, which is found primarily in bones and muscle. Magnesium is an essential element in more than 300 different metabolic reactions within the body. Among these are the production of energy, the synthesis of molecules, cell signaling, cell migration and the transportation of ions through cell membranes. Magnesium enters the body through the ingestion of food such as grains, nuts and leafy green vegetables.
Benefits
When it's necessary to take a magnesium supplement, there are some benefits to using magnesium glycinate instead of other types of magnesium. As the website of the NutriChem Compounding Pharmacy and Clinic points out, magnesium glycinate is easier on the bowel than other types of magnesium, which can be disruptive to the digestive system. Magnesium oxide, for example, can lead to constipation, while magnesium citrate, magnesium sulphate and magnesium chloride may cause loose stool and diarrhea. In addition, magnesium glycinate is easily absorbed by the body. In fact, magnesium glycinate is absorbed better than any other form of magnesium, and is five times more absorbable than magnesium oxide.
Side Effects
Toxicity from taking magnesium glycinate is rare, although it may result if taken by someone with kidney disease or in the midst of kidney failure. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, signs of magnesium toxicity include nausea, mood changes and general fatigue. In addition, an excessive dose of magnesium glycinate can also result in diarrhea and abdominal cramping, an unfortunate side effect of magnesium's ability to stimulate the muscles of the colon.
Depression
An additional benefit of magnesium glycinate may be its role in treating depression. A study published in the March 2006 issue of "Medical Hypotheses" found that magnesium ions regulate the flow of calcium ions, which helps to regulate the production of neuronal nitric oxide. If a person is suffering from a deficiency of magnesium, this could upset this flow, resulting in damage to neurons that may manifest as depression. Taking a supplement such as magnesium glycinate, concluded the study, could prevent this neuron damage and thus prevent the ensuing depression a magnesium deficiency could cause.
References
- NutriChem Compounding Pharmacy and Clinic: Magnesium Glycinate:Frequently Asked Questions
- "The Miracle of Magnesium"; Carolyn Dean; 2003
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute: Magnesium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Rapid Recovery From Major Depression Using Magnesium Treatment; G.A. Eby, et al.; March 2006
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