Magnesium’s role in the body:

• An essential mineral for overall health of heart, muscles and nervous system
• Works with calcium to maintain strong bones
• Essential for muscle contraction and nerve function
• Helps relax muscle lining breathing passages and lungs
• Helps in glucose metabolism and the release of energy
• Essential in many enzyme systems
• A magnesium-rich diet may reduce the risk of asthma attacks, abnormal heart rhythm and coronary artery spasm, calcium oxalate kidney stones; and may improve chronic fatigue syndrome.

RDA: Men - 320mg; Women - 270mg

Deficiency: Magnesium deficiency is found more commonly in some patients with hypertension (and those on diuretic drugs), diabetes, migraine, irregular heartbeat, osteoporosis and asthma. It is also common in elderly people, dieters, pregnant women, alcohol drinkers, and athletes.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, confusion, tremors, loss of coordination.

Alcohol increases magnesium loss from body.

Good food sources: Wholegrains, seafood, soybeans and other legumes, nuts, and seeds are all good sources of magnesium.