Magnesium plays a central role in our bodies and is required in the development of a number of biochemical reactions. It regulates metabolism and is vital to nerve function and muscle maintenance. Magnesium also plays a pivotal role in the immune system, blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular health, red blood cell function, and the development of a number of hormones. Magnesium absorption is influenced by dietary magnesium and supplements may be used to optimize intake of this important mineral.
Magnesium contributes about 5% of the total calories in our diets. Therefore, a nutritious diet can ensure optimal consumption of this trace mineral. Magnesium deficiency can result from a reduced absorption rate in the intestine, as well as from insufficient absorption during sleep or rest. Although the blood levels of Magnesium do not peak immediately after a meal, they remain elevated up to three hours later. Therefore, a multivitamin/mineral supplement may be useful in maintaining optimal nutritional status during the post-meal period.
There are several forms of Magnesium that can be found in commercial products. Some of these supplements are available in chewable tablets, powders, or capsules. Alternatively, there are several forms of dietary supplements that include Magnesium enriched rice cereals, enriched breads, and snack bars. These products are marketed under the trade names Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Shakes, Magnesium Opti-Minerals, Magnesium Twist, Magnesium Whey, and Milk Magnesium. These dietary products provide important amounts of Magnesium, along with other essential vitamins and minerals, which are essential for optimal health.
The most common way to obtain Magnesium into the bloodstream is through the consumption of multivitamins. Multivitamins are designed to provide an optimum amount of vitamins and minerals to meet the requirements of the day. A multivitamin contains a range of different forms of Magnesium that provide different degrees of absorption. The multivitamin package should also contain information about the co-absorption of other nutrients by Magnesium.
The absorption rate of Magnesium and other Magnesium rich nutrients is greater when compared to other minerals and nutrients. It is for this reason that Magnesium supplements are usually preferred over other forms of supplements. Magnesium and calcium do not mix well together. This is because calcium is acidic and Magnesium ions are polar; thus, calcium cannot bind with Magnesium ions. It is only other trace elements that share similar properties with Magnesium that are able to bind with the ion and help with its absorption rate.
Although Magnesium can be found in many food sources, it is best to get your dose of Magnesium from a commercially produced multivitamin/mineral supplement. These multivitamins are manufactured to ensure that they provide Magnesium all through the day without going overboard on the saturate forms of Magnesium. There are a few vitamins nowadays that are synthesized from organic materials and the process is called chem-ics or biotechnology. However, these forms of vitamins are more expensive than the regular forms of vitamins.
One important fact to note is that not all vitamins and other nutrients contain all the key nutrients necessary for human body functioning. Vitamins like Vitamin E, beta carotene, B vitamins etc., are usually present in dosages that are appropriate for the human body’s overall health but are oftentimes not absorbed sufficiently. It is for this reason that it is important to choose a multivitamin that has a complete blend of all the key nutrients such as Magnesium, Chromium, Copper, Zinc and many others.
In the end, it is always wise to go for the best. While there are cheaper multivitamins available on the market, it is also wise to choose the one that has a good track record in the industry. Remember that the cheapest multivitamins are not always the best. Choose carefully and you will be guaranteed of long-term benefits and positive results.
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