Magnesium: THE Essential Mineral

Magnesium is an essential mineral that offers a variety of health benefits for women, especially as we age. If women are looking to optimize their supplementation, Magnesium is a key player in every cell of our body. It is involved in over 300 metabolic processes throughout our bodies. It helps keep our bones strong by assisting absorption and use of calcium. It can help mitigate PMS symptoms like anxiety, bloating and cramps. Magnesium can help reduce or eliminate migraines by regulating dilation and constriction of blood vessels. This critical mineral can even reduce every day anxiety by supporting neurotransmitters. It can help balance blood glucose by increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Magnesium can even help regulate bowel movements by working on the muscles of the GI tract.

Now that we know all of the benefits from a magnesium supplement, which one do we choose? There are many types, and they all have different ways they support our bodies. Magnesium Oxide has a low absorption, so it sticks around in the GI tract longer- for this reason it is used mainly as a laxative. Magnesium Citrate has better absorption than Magnesium Oxide and is often used as well for its laxative effects. Magnesium Glycinate is magnesium bound to an amino acid glycine. It has a very high absorption rate and is less likely to cause digestive issues. It helps support relaxation, sleep and magnesium deficiencies. Magnesium Malate is magnesium combined to malic acid which is commonly found in fruits. This version of magnesium is used to support energy production, alleviate muscle pain and fatigue. It helps also with lactic acid clearance. It can be beneficial for women with Chronic Pain or Fibromyalgia. Magnesium L- Threonate is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and thus affects cognitive function. Magnesium Orotate is magnesium combined to Orotic Acid. It can support heart health and athletic performance.

Magnesium is a workhorse of a supplement, and most women will find a tangible benefit from taking it! Before starting any supplement, make sure to have a discussion with your healthcare provider on possible interactions with your other medications. Also make sure to choose a high-quality supplement that is manufactured in a cGMP facility.