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Magnesium and its role

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Magnesium is the eight most abundant mineral found in nature.

Symbol – Mg

Atomic Number – 12

Group in periodic table – 2

Period – 3

Melting point – 650°C

Boiling point – 1090°C

  • Magnesium ignites easily in air and burns with bright flame, therefore, it is used in fireworks and sparklers.
  • The first person to recognize Magnesium as an element was Joseph Black in 1755.
  • It is solid at room temperature.
  • It is found in sea water most abundantly. Water which contains magnesium in high quantity is bitter in taste and can develop rashes on skin.
  • Magnesiun Oxide (MgO), known as magnesia, can be used in some antacids.
  • Magnesia when combined with water forms Magnesium Hydroxide Mg(OH)2, known as milk of magnesia, which is used in antacids and laxatives.
  • Epsom salt – (Hydrated Magnesium Sulphate MgSo4.7H2O) is used to treat minor skin abrasions
  • Magnesium is also used in homeopathy as a biochemic salt known as magnesium phosphate 6x (mag phos) which helps in decreasing muscle cramps and pain. It is more beneficial when taken in Luke warm water.
  • Magnesium is used by plants for very important function called photosynthesis and hence, in its absence there would be NO LIFE. Fortunately we have abundant Magnesium present in nature.
  • Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in our body. It acts as a ‘helper molecule’ in the biochemical reactions performed by enzymes.
  • It is beneficial in variety of important reactions such as, conversion of energy from carbohydrates, proteins, fats; regulates neurotransmitters; helps in repair of RNA and DNA; helps in contraction and relaxation of muscles and many more important reactions.
  • Magnesium is excreted out of body via kidneys through urine.

Benefits of Magnesium

  • Fights depression
  • Helps in lowering Blood Pressure
  • Helps to treat Type 2 Diabetes
  • Helps in reducing inflammatory conditions
  • Prevents migraine
  • Improving PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
  • Prevents osteoporosis

Requirement

General requirement ———————250mg – 350mg     

Upto 6 months of age ——————— 30 mg

7 months to 3 years ———————- 75mg – 80mg

4 years to 8 years ————————–130mg

9 years to 13 years ————————240mg

14 years to 18 years ———————-360mg – 410mg

** Females require more magnesium during pregnancy

** People who are addicted to alcohol require more magnesium

** Males who do lot of physical work require more magnesium

Food Sources of magnesium

Highest source – Almonds, spinach, cashews, peanuts, soy milk, black beans

Moderate sources – Peanut butter, bread – whole wheat, avocado, potato, rice, yogurt, cereals, oatmeal, kidney beans, banana, milk

Other low to moderate sources – Raisins, broccoli, apple, carrot

Magnesium Toxicity

Magnesium increase can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramping of abdomen.

Magnesium toxicity can cause hypo-tension, facial flushing, depression, severe cramps and lethargy which can further proceed to muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, extreme hypo-tension, irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest.

For magnesium supplements and related medications, please consult doctor before consuming any medicine.

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