Magnesium is an essential mineral that the body can only obtain through food. It helps metabolize carbohydrates and fat, and synthesize protein and DNA. It also helps the body heal. Magnesium can be found in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, legumes, salmon, and certain fruits.
Magnesium is an essential mineral for humans. Since your body doesn’t produce it, you must obtain it through food (or supplements). Magnesium is found primarily in the skeleton, but also in skeletal muscle and inside/outside of cells. Nearly 300 essential metabolic reactions rely on magnesium.
Magnesium has many functions in the body including:
Magnesium can be found in several foods including:
Common symptoms and resulting conditions of magnesium deficiency include:
However, your individual response could be different. If you suspect a health problem or deficiency in certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.
Note: Magnesium deficiency is very rare due to the abundance of magnesium in foods. High intakes of zinc, fibre, and protein can decrease magnesium absorption, putting individuals at risk for deficiency. In addition, those with gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disorders, and alcoholism are at risk.
Common symptoms of magnesium excess/toxicity include:
However, your individual response could be different. If you suspect a health problem or an excess of certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.
For recipes rich in magnesium, check out any of the Encyclopedia of Food entries for food items listed above.
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Magnesium is an essential mineral that the body can only obtain through food. It helps metabolize carbohydrates and fat, and synthesize protein and DNA. It also helps the body heal. Magnesium can be found in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, legumes, salmon, and certain fruits.