Magnesium Blood Test UK – Home Kit – £49

Clarity – A Doctors’ View

Nutritionist and dietician Dr. Lia Sennet of Medical Hope discussed this trace element and how it affects our health.

What is it and its functions? “Magnesium is a co-factor in over 300 enzymes and is one of the most present mineral salts in the body. Our body contains roughly 20-28 grams, of which 60% is contained in the bones, 39% in the soft tissues, and 1% in the blood”, adds Dr Sennet

It is responsible for various processes within the body:

Magnesium contributes to the transmission of muscle and nerve impulses, the production of energy from glucose, the construction of the bones, the metabolism of lipids and insulin, and the formation of proteins, and it can play a significant influence in many scenarios.

In particular, it is used by women subject to pre-menstrual syndrome (physical pain near to the period), those who are approaching menopause, and athletes who sweat a lot and feel weary. Additionally, those who frequently have headaches after a workday and those who have recovered from the flu are especially anxious.

Symptoms of insufficient levels

The expert also points out various symptoms can develop when magnesium levels are low, or the body consumes too much.

Furthermore, “Mental weariness, poor clarity, anxiousness, decline in mood, cramping. But eyelid tremors, gastritis, constipation, headaches and premenstrual pain are also the most typical warning signals.”

The causes of a low-level report and those most at risk

Also, Scientific evidence suggests that roughly 70% of Westerners lack this mineral salt. The causes are various: alcohol misuse, prolonged ingestion of medications (in particular proton pump filters or diuretics), intestinal diseases or disorders (such as extended diarrhea), or, more simply, a low intake of foods high in magnesium.

Moreover, “Digestive disorders, gastrointestinal or serious inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, can limit the take up of magnesium in the body, as can alcohol abuse or the use of drugs, such as diuretics” , according to the physician.

Disorders take away and need to be replaced. “Pregnant women, professional athletes or stressed people might also have a shortfall – says Sennet. However, the rationale is that they consume more or have a greater demand for it. Given its numerous roles, one can think of a bad level even when there are muscle difficulties, with the emergence of cramps, cervical tension, or lumbago. Also, an anxious-depressive mood, with asthenia, nervousness and sleep troubles, is a warning indication. They are typical at some times of life, such as menopause.”

Food sources

The average daily magnesium needed in an adult is 200-240 mg.

But foods of plant origin are notably rich in them, such as whole grains, legumes, dark chocolate, fruit, dried fruit and green leafy vegetables (for example, spinach and broccoli). But at the same time, the doctor explained that modest quantities are found in white meats, such as chicken, turkey, and fish. Furthermore, the cereal that contains the most is wheat bran, followed by dried fruit and legumes (sweet almonds, cashews, peanuts, hazelnuts and beans).

“It is necessary to remember – says the expert.

Plant sources can interact with the absorption and somewhat diminish its bioavailability due to their inclusion of oxalates and phytates. These two anti-nutrients inhibit the consumption of mineral salts. However, this does not indicate that cereals and legumes should not be preferred as sources. Conversely. As indicated, they include bigger quantities than meat and fish, thus even if bioavailability may be lowered, the consumption remains ok.”

Water can also be a source; so-called functional waters full of mineral salts are available on the market.

Supplements: the proper one must be chosen

But when the food is not enough to satisfy the needs of this mineral salt, supplements might be taken. However, this must always be prescribed by the doctor (depending on the type of patient and the problem exhibited), as each preparation includes different quantities and has a varying degree of absorption by the body.

There are complex, not pure, supplements available on the market. For example, lactate and citrate are two types of organic magnesium that are more soluble and therefore more edible than inorganic forms like oxide or chloride.