The Details

What Is Magnesium? Magnesium is a mineral that must be obtained in the diet and is required for life. It is one of the seven essential “macrominerals” that need to be provided by the diet in quantities of at least 100 milligrams per day.

What Does Magnesium Do? Magnesium is required for the function of over 300 enzymatic reactions, including in energy metabolism where it plays a pivoted role.* Magnesium is also required for the synthesis of fatty acids and proteins and the transmission of nerve impulses*.

What Does a Magnesium Deficiency Appear as? Magnesium deficiency is not rare. Dietary surveys consistently show that intakes of magnesium are lower than recommended amounts in the majority of Americans. Magnesium deficiency is particularly common in vulnerable populations, including people with gastrointestinal conditions. High doses of supplemented zinc without magnesium supplementation can also provoke a magnesium deficiency. Early signs of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and nervousness.

What About Magnesium‘s Use? Magnesium increases inhibitory GABA receptor activity, and decreases excitatory NMDA glutamate receptor activity.* Both serve to reset the excitatory-inhibitory balance in order to calm over-excitatory conditions.*

What Form of Magnesium is Best? The Supplement Facts panel on product labels declares the amount of only the magnesium in the product (elemental magnesium), not the weight of the entire magnesium-containing compound (e.g. magnesium oxide). The absorption of magnesium from different kinds of supplements varies, with magnesium coupled with organic and amino acids being absorbed better than magnesium coupled with oxide or sulfate. The citrate form in particular is frequently used to treat constipation.

What Are the Common and/or Important Side Effects of Magnesium? Very-high doses of magnesium are routinely recommended for bowel conditions,* and this mineral is considered to be generally non-toxic. Side effects are rare at usual doses used in supplementation other than possibly loose stools.

Is There Any Laboratory Testing for a Magnesium Deficiency? Your clinician may order an RBC magnesium, which is often considered more useful than measuring blood magnesium.

Why is Magnesium Used in CalmNeeds®?

Magnesium is added to CalmNeeds® due to its calming effects*, which is likely in part due to its role in neurotransmitter receptor activation.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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