Magnesium is required for more than 300 functions of the human body’s biochemistry, including energy, DNA, brain and muscle function.[1] As it’s the fourth most abundant mineral in your body, it’s important to consider what it does and the benefits it provides.
Magnesium may help in the prevention of muscular cramps and spasms, due to its role in neuromuscular transmission (where contact is formed between a muscle fibre and motor neuron). Magnesium has also been a popular option for sleep, as insomnia is often a common symptom of magnesium deficiency.[2]
Research has found that magnesium supplementation can have positive effects on exercise performance in magnesium-deficient individuals.[3] This could be due to the fact that energy production relies on magnesium, with several of the chemical reactions requiring magnesium as a co-factor for the enzymes to work.
Magnesium can be found in foods such as nuts, seeds, spinach, avocados, bananas and wholegrains, with the humble pumpkin seed taking out top spot as the highest quality source of magnesium. The recommended daily intake for women is 320mg each day, while men need 420mg.
There has also been increasing interest in the use of magnesium topically on the skin, with research determining whether the application of magnesium trans-dermally will raise the magnesium levels within the body.
The Magnesium Pro Spray from Amazing Oils contains pharmaceutical grade magnesium designed specifically for topical relief from aches and pains.[4]
Find it at your local Blooms The Chemist.
[1] Magnesium in diet. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002423.htm
[2] The association of sleep and pain: An update and a path forward. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4046588/
[3] Update on the relationship between magnesium and exercise. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17172008
[4] Magnesium Pro Spray is a TGA Listed product (AUST L: 299947).