Magnesium is an important mineral in the daily metabolic processes in all of us. The mineral is needed in every cell of the body. About half of the stores are found in cells of the organs and tissues and the other half is in the bones where it combines with phosphorus, calcium and K2 to form bone.

Magnesium happens only in 1% concentration in the blood and the body has to work very hard in order to keep levels constant. It is required to carry out a variety of biochemical functions including enzymatic activity. The recommended dietary allowance for men is 410 mg up to age 18, 400 mg to age 30 and 420 mg for 31 and above. The recommended daily allowance for females is 360 mg up to age 18, 310 mg up to age 30 and 320 mg for ages 31 and above.

Researchers have found that magnesium will protect the cells from a variety of toxins such as aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium and nickel. Evidence is now mounting a low levels will contribute to the heavy metal deposition in the brain that precedes Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s.

In addition to the before mentioned conditions a deficiency in magnesium has also been clinically associated with anxiety disorders, arrhythmia, arthritis, asthma, autism, cavities, chronic fatigue syndrome, congestive heart failure, constipation, depression, diabetes types one and two, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, hypoglycemia, infantile seizures, heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, PMS, Raynaud’s and thyroid disorders.

Symptom solve magnesium deficiency can also include increased menstrual cramps, urinary spasms, difficulty swallowing provoked by eating sugar, photophobia, noise sensitivity, insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, Agoraphobia and premenstrual irritability. Individuals can also suffer from cardiovascular symptoms including palpitations, heart arrhythmias, angina, high blood pressure and mitral valve prolapse.

According to several nationwide studies the diets of most adults are deficient in magnesium and the diets of non-hispanic black Americans are more deficient than Hispanics or non-hispanic whites. Apart from the deficiency in the diet it is also excreted through the urine or through the gastrointestinal system if there is a disorder. The excessive or chronic diarrhea and vomiting can also lead to a magnesium deficiency.

Other causes of a magnesium deficiency can be related to decrease in the absorption or intake, lost through disease and illness or due to genetic disorders.

Diagnosis of this deficiency is rather limited since laboratory testing is of limited value. This year a magnesium can be normal in spite of a significant deficiency. There is a magnesium loading past in which the patient collects 24-hour urine sample on the total magnesium is measured. After this the individual is given an injection of a specific amount of magnesium and another 24-hour urine specimens collected. If the body retains more than a certain amount that it is concluded that the body is deficient. However, the best diagnosis is done through a combination of signs and symptoms which improve as a therapeutic trial of either oral or injected magnesium.

Those who are deficient you can change the situation by drinking water from mineral rich springs, having bottled spring water delivered to the home or installing carbon filters at the sink and shower since trace minerals are small enough molecules to be able to make it through carbon filter. Others may find it more convenient to take a mineral supplement in liquid or pill form or to use natural rock salt for cooking.

It is not difficult to get enough magnesium in your diet on a daily basis in order to take care of the magnesium needs that we all have in order to function appropriately. But it does mean that we must be intentional in our nutritional goals.