Magnesium for Overall Health
Magnesium (Mg) is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and the eighth most abundant element found in the earth’s crust. Magnesium is also found in the sea, in plants, and in animals. It is naturally present in many foods, can be added to food products, available as a dietary supplement, and present in some medicines (such as antacids and laxatives). It is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium also contributes to the structural development of bone and is required for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Magnesium plays a role in the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, a process that is important to nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm. Approximately, 50% to 60% of the Mg in a human body is present in the bones and most of the rest in muscle and soft tissues. It is safe to say, magnesium plays a major role in our overall health.
Many foods we eat on a regular basis are high in magnesium, particularly green leafy foods, fruits, seeds and nuts. However, since magnesium is constantly used by our bodies, and the magnesium stored in our bones can be drawn upon and utilized, we do need to intake magnesium on a daily basis. Most of us do not get enough magnesium from the foods we eat, so magnesium supplementation is essential.
Magnesium supplements come in a wide range of forms, but the most widely sold are tablets and capsules. Liquid forms and powdered drink forms are also available. Magnesium for supplementation comes in several forms of salts, such as; citrates, lactates, gluconates, several other salts, and the most widely used Magnesium salt is Oxide. It is the most widely used Mg salt for supplements primarily due to the high level of Mg present. The Mg content of Magnesium Oxide is approximately 58% compared to <20% for most other forms used in supplements. Due to its high Mg level, Magnesium Oxide is used almost primarily in tablets and capsules in order to reduce the size of the tablet or the number of tablets suggested per serving. Magnesium Oxide has a neutral taste and is typically very white in appearance, making it ideal for tablets. The solubility of Magnesium Oxide is low so it is rarely used in soluble applications where the beverage is clear and complete solubility is required. However, magnesium oxide does come in a fine powder form and can be very suitable in applications where the liquid is opaque or the viscosity is high so the magnesium oxide can remain in suspension.
STAUBER has been supplying Magnesium Oxide for supplements since the foundation of the company over 40 years ago and is one of the largest distributors of Magnesium Oxide in the US. We offer a wide range of magnesium oxide products in various densities. Please contact your STAUBER rep for more information or contact us at here or at (714) 441-3900.
by: Patrick Stano
