The human body requires specific vitamins, nutrients, and minerals to not only function
but to survive: one particular mineral is magnesium.
Magnesium is needed to help muscles, such as the heart, relax and contract. It is also
needed to decrease instances of headaches, build strong bones, improve an individual’s
blood pressure and improve brain health and mood.
Magnesium supplements may be needed if there is a magnesium deficiency. Symptoms
of a magnesium deficiency include anxiousness, fatigue, numbness in the extremities,
irritability, constipation and muscle cramps. Those most at risk for developing a
magnesium deficiency are women over 40 years of age, persons of African descent and
those with alcoholism.
There are over eight different types of magnesium and out of the various types of
magnesium, there are three that prove most beneficial for the human body to function at
its best: magnesium oxide, magnesium malate, and magnesium threonate.
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium oxide is available over the counter and is effective for those with
constipation, high blood pressure, menstrual cramps, and asthma. Magnesium oxide
supplements can be found in most over the counter multivitamins and as a stand alone
supplement.
Magnesium Threonate
Magnesium threonate enables the availability of magnesium on a biological level, which
means that it enables the brain to make sufficient usage of the mineral and reaches the
cells of the brain.
Magnesium threonate is used to improve brain health. It is used to help persons with
learning disabilities and those who have suffered from short term and long term memory
loss. It is also taken to help individuals improve their energy levels when awake and
their ability to adapt to comfortable sleeping patterns.
Magnesium Malate
Magnesium malate is combined with malic acid and malic acid is found in many fruits
that include apricots, blackberries, grapes, lychees, nectarines, oranges. This form of
magnesium is used to improve energy levels, decrease muscular pain from diseases
that affect the nervous system (ex: fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis). Magnesium
malate is also available without a prescription from a doctor.
Magnesium Citrate
Lastly, there is magnesium citrate, which is actually a type of laxative that is usually in a
liquid or powder form, combined with citric acid. This might be recommended by your
doctor if you struggle with constipation, or if you need to empty your bowels before a
procedure. For example, if you need help with digestive issues or constipation, you can
take brands like Natural Calm, which is magnesium citrate with citric acid.