enzyme systems that regulate a huge range of chemical reactions in our bodies. These include muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, blood glucose control, energy production, and blood pressure regulation. It is involved in the formation of DNA and important antioxidants, as well as it transports calcium and potassium across cell membranes so that our hearts beat regularly. All of this is also just the tip of the iceberg. (1)
Where Do We Store Magnesium?
We store Most of the magnesium in our bodies in our bones and soft tissues. Very little is left to float in the bloodstream. Normal blood magnesium levels (serum magnesium) are between 0.75 and 0.95 millimoles per liter. If your levels are below that 0.75 mark, you are considered to have hypomagnesemia or magnesium deficiency. You can do blood tests for magnesium levels, but this does not necessarily indicate how much of the mineral you have stored in your cells. For this reason, assessing magnesium status can be tricky. There are other methods, such as saliva and urine tests. However, none of the current methods are actually considered satisfactory.
Recommended intakes for adult men range from 400mg to 420mg per day, depending on age. For adult women, these are 310mg to 320mg, again depending on age. For pregnant women, this range is 360 to 400, again depending on age. Lactation is also age-dependent, ranging from 310mg to 360mg.
Signs of Magnesium DeficiencyThere are many reasons why someone might become magnesium deficient. Besides simply having a poor, magnesium-deficient diet, things like chronic disease, alcohol abuse, medications, gastrointestinal and renal losses (for example, diarrhea and surgeries), and many other conditions can affect one’s magnesium status. There are various signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency, all of which generally depends on how deficient you are, among other things.