Important mineral for muscle health
THE muscular system is made up of more than 600 muscles; each a discrete organ constructed of skeletal muscle tissue, blood vessels, tendons and nerves. It consists of various types of muscle, each of which play a part in all bodily functions. These muscles help us to move, lift things, pump blood throughout your body and even help you breathe. There are three muscle types:
Skeletal muscles – Skeletal muscles are the only voluntary muscle tissues in the human body, which means they are controlled consciously.
Cardiac muscles –The heart is a specialised involuntary muscle. It pumps blood throughout your body, changing speed to keep up with the demands put on it.
Smooth muscles – Smooth muscles work in the digestive system to move food along and push waste out of the body, as well as keep our eyes focused without us having to consciously do so.
Magnesium, an abundant mineral in the body, is responsible for the regulation and proper functioning of more than 300 enzyme processes in our body, including neuromuscular transmission and muscle contraction. A magnesium deficiency may lead to many negative health outcomes, including muscle weakness, insomnia, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Magnesium deficiency symptoms
When magnesium deficiency happens, there is excessive calcium in the muscle, leading the muscles to no longer be able to fully relax, which can cause painful cramps. This is why those who have active lifestyles need to replenish themselves with electrolyte replacement drinks.
This also applies to women and the elderly. For the elderly, magnesium intake tends to be low and intestinal absorption is frequently diminished. As a result, they are at high risk of magnesium deficiency and often experience muscle cramps. For women, magnesium deficiency can intensify menstrual pain and may lead to premature contractions during pregnancy.
As mentioned, magnesium deficiency can affect heart health and lead to conditions such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), palpitations and high blood pressure. The deficiency has also been associated with severe asthma. Researchers believe a lack of magnesium causes the airways to constrict, causing breathing difficulties.
Magnesium amino acid chelate
To obtain the many benefits of magnesium without experiencing side effects, one can consider taking a magnesium amino acid chelate such as magnesium glycinate. “Chelate” means that the magnesium is bound to amino acid, a protein naturally found in the body.
Moreover, magnesium amino acid chelate is one of the most gut-friendly magnesium supplements. Hence, those who experience diarrhoea when on magnesium supplementation can consider switching to magnesium amino acid chelate instead.
The current recommended intake of magnesium is 400mg to 420mg for men and 310mg to 320mg for women.
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A magnesium deficiency may lead to many negative health outcomes, including muscle weakness, insomnia, high blood pressure and heart disease.